Over N1.5 billion is expected to be made as revenue from this year’s 2020 Nigeria Police Games by the host State, Anambra, according to Governor Willie Obiano.
Also the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development has commenced the scouting of young men and women who could form part of Team Nigeria for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games this summer.
According to the Anambra State Governor, Chief Obiano in his address at the opening ceremony of the 12th Nigeria Police Games, the sum would be made through commercial activities that would last for seven days of the festival.
Obiano further explained that the festival is in furtherance of the good relationship between the state and the Nigeria Police, adding that the facilities already put in place for the festival have gone a long way in improving sports and sporting facilities in the area.
Also speaking, the Minister for Sports and Youth Development Mr Sunday Dare noted that the Police Sports Festival is part of the Federal Government’s efforts at raising young men and women who would represent the country at the Tokyo Games.
The Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar Adamu (NPM, mni), noted that the Games is most important to the force at a time when the police is faced with the challenges of insecurity.
Minister for Police Affairs Muhammad Dingyadi, who represented President Muhammadu Buhari, lauded the success of the Nigeria Police towards crime fighting in the country, adding that government will not renege in its policy towards recruiting 10,000 persons into the Police Force.
The Alex Ekwueme Square was filled to capacity and as police men, dignitaries and civilians thronged to the venue for the opening ceremony of the 2020 Police Games.
There was the parade by the policemen and later by school children
Loads of civilians were present. Outside the square was like a trade fair as traders displayed their wares. You could buy even electronics outside the Alex Ekwueme Square today.
Governor Willie Obiano welcomed everyone to Anambra state. He said : “When the story of the new Anambra State is told, the Nigeria police force will occupy an enviable position as incredible partners of the state. This is the first national festival that would take place in the state and this is the first Police Games in the south east”.
Obiano continued: “through history, sports has played a major role in closing the gaps between people and strengthening the ties that bind us as a nation. Sports has a way to unite people and create hope where there was only despair.”
Governor Obiano went on to say that apart from producing great sports men and women (he mentioned Mikel Obi, Obinna Nsofor and Power Mike), Anambra is known for hospitality to strangers. He hopes that the Police Games will have positive economic impact for the period of the Games as thousands of visitors have arrived the state for the fiesta. As regards the facilities, the governor insists that they are world class and will be a legacy of his administration.
The inspector General of police was present.. He thanked The Anambra State government for deciding to host the Police Games. He went on to say that this event is significant to the Nigeria Police Force for a number of important reasons.
“Firstly, sports is considered a crucial part of our operations. This is because all police officers are expected to maintain a certain level of fitness and mental alertness and the Police Games is an opportunity to achieve that goal,” the IGP stated.
IGP further said that the Police Games is a unique opportunity to entertain and build a better relationship with the community.
The minister of youth and sports spoke from the heart without a written script.
He thanked the government of Anambra State for supporting and to a large extent financing the Police Games 2020. Sunday Dare also gave thanks to the Inspector General of Police for his part in helping to restore glory days to the police games.
The Minister of Youth and Sports Development stated that he expects the Police Games to produce sport men and women that would join Team Nigeria for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. He also spoke about the need of public and private partnership as that is one of the visions of the ministry and that if the police, with all their security tasks, can find time for sports, there is no excuse for any government, state, corporate body or individual not to have time for sporting activities.
The hostilities should begin Sunday. The vice president was not present. The president was represented by the minister of police affairs.
It was a carnival atmosphere. Everyone was of good cheer and everything went in an orderly fashion.
There were performances by the ijele masquerade, Harrysong and Flavor.
