Beyond The Badge: Tinubu, Oborevwori Rally Support For Police As Biennial Police Games Open In Asaba
PRESIDENT Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, have reaffirmed strong federal and state support for the Nigeria Police Force as the 15th Biennial Police Games (BIPOGA 2026) officially opened on Saturday in Asaba.
President Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd.), described the Games as a strategic tool for building a modern, professional and highly disciplined Police Force. He noted that national security remains central to Nigeria’s economic growth, social stability and public trust.
“Service is not defined merely by authority or uniform, but by character, competence and conduct,” the President said, highlighting the event’s theme, “Beyond the Badge: Excellence in Action.”
He stressed that a physically fit, mentally resilient and morally sound Police Force is essential to securing the nation. Tinubu noted that sports play a significant role beyond recreation, serving as a unifying platform for teamwork, discipline and institutional readiness.
He added that the Police Games—rooted in a tradition dating back to the 1940s—have consistently strengthened operational preparedness while promoting camaraderie across the Force.
Declaring the Games open, the President urged athletes to compete with integrity:
“Let fairness, discipline and mutual respect guide your conduct. This is not a do-or-die affair.”
In his welcome address, Governor Oborevwori assured athletes and officials from across the country of an unforgettable experience in Delta State, a region with a strong reputation for hosting major national and international sporting events.
“Delta State is proud to host this prestigious national event. Our track record speaks for itself,” he said, citing the 21st African Senior Athletics Championships (2018), the National Sports Festival and the National Youth Games (2023), all successfully hosted in Asaba.
The governor also highlighted improved security across the state, attributing the stability to effective collaboration among security agencies. He commended the Nigeria Police Force for its professionalism and urged athletes to give their best.
He also celebrated the Police Force’s tradition of producing world-class athletes, including Chioma Ajunwa, Nigeria’s first Olympic gold medallist, encouraging participants to aim for excellence.
The Inspector-General of Police and Chief Host, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, said the Biennial Police Games remain crucial for strengthening unity, discipline and operational efficiency within the Force.
He emphasised that policing requires endurance, agility, teamwork and strong character, stating, “Modern policing demands physical and mental fitness. A fit officer is a safe officer, and a disciplined competitor is a disciplined professional.”
Egbetokun praised Delta State for its hospitality and organisational capacity, describing Asaba as a thriving hub of sporting excellence.
The opening ceremony featured a colourful march-past by contingents from the 17 Zonal Commands and the Force Headquarters, Abuja. The lighting of the Games torch, athletes’ oaths of allegiance and the unveiling of the mascot also set an energetic tone for the competition.
Top serving and retired police officers, including former Inspectors-General of Police, graced the ceremony.
