ASABA/Nigeria: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on Saturday reaffirmed federal and state commitment to strengthening the Nigeria Police Force as the 15th Biennial Police Games, BIPOGA 2026, were officially declared open in Asaba.
Represented by Minister of Defence Christopher Musa, the President described the Games as a strategic initiative designed to build a disciplined, performance-oriented and professional police institution, noting that national security remains the foundation upon which economic growth, social stability and public confidence depend.
“Service is not defined merely by authority or uniform, but by character, competence and conduct,” the President said, underscoring the theme of the Games, Beyond the Badge: Excellence in Action, and stressing that a physically fit, mentally resilient and morally grounded police force is indispensable to safeguarding the nation.
He explained that sports should be viewed as more than recreation, calling them a tool for cohesion, institutional readiness and operational effectiveness. According to him, the Police Games, which trace their origins to the 1940s, have consistently strengthened teamwork, fitness and community engagement while reinforcing professionalism within the Force. Declaring the tournament open, he urged participants to compete with honour and sportsmanship, reminding them that fairness, discipline and mutual respect must guide their conduct on and off the field.
In his welcome remarks, Governor Oborevwori assured contingents from across the federation of a memorable competition, describing the host state as a proven centre of sporting excellence. He pointed to its successful hosting of the African Senior Athletics Championships, the National Sports Festival and the National Youth Games in recent years as evidence of strong organisational capacity and hospitality.
The governor attributed improved security in the state to effective collaboration among security agencies and praised the leadership of the police for professionalism and dedication. He reminded athletes that the Games celebrate strength, discipline, teamwork and excellence, noting that although not everyone will win medals, every competitor who gives their best deserves recognition. He also recalled the Force’s legacy of producing elite athletes such as Chioma Ajunwa, urging participants to set new records capable of elevating Nigeria’s global sporting reputation.
Host of the event and Inspector-General of Police Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun described the Games as a critical pillar for strengthening unity, professionalism and operational readiness, stressing that modern policing demands endurance, agility, resilience and strength of character. “A fit officer is a safe officer, and a disciplined competitor is a disciplined professional,” he stated, while commending the host state for its partnership in promoting youth development and national cohesion.
The colourful opening ceremony, attended by serving and retired senior officers, featured a ceremonial march-past by contingents from Force Headquarters and the 17 zonal commands, the lighting of the Games torch, oath-taking by athletes and officials, as well as the unveiling of the Games mascot and hoisting of the official flag, setting an energetic tone for the nationwide sporting competition.
