President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on Saturday reaffirmed strong institutional and governmental backing for the Nigeria Police Force as the 15th Biennial Police Games (BIPOGA 2026), hosted by Delta State, were formally declared open in Asaba.
The President, represented by the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa (rtd.), described the Games as a strategic platform for building a professional, disciplined, and performance-driven Police Force, stressing that security remains the bedrock of Nigeria’s economic growth, social stability, and national confidence.
“Service is not defined merely by authority or uniform, but by character, competence, and conduct,” the President stated, underscoring the Games’ theme, “Beyond the Badge: Excellence in Action.”
He emphasized that a physically fit, mentally resilient, and morally grounded Police Force is indispensable to national security, noting that sports extend far beyond recreation and serve as a vital instrument for cohesion, stability, and institutional readiness.
Tinubu further observed that the Police Games, rooted in a tradition dating back to the 1940s, have consistently promoted fitness, teamwork, and community engagement while reinforcing operational preparedness across the Force.
Declaring the Games open, the President urged participating athletes to compete with honour and sportsmanship.
“Let fairness, discipline, and mutual respect guide your conduct on and off the field. This is not a do-or-die affair,” he advised.
Earlier in his welcome address, Governor Oborevwori assured contingents from across the federation of a memorable sporting fiesta in a state widely acknowledged as a hub of sporting excellence.
“Delta State is proud to host this prestigious national event. Our track record in hosting major competitions speaks for itself,” the governor said.
He noted that the venue has, in recent years, hosted the 21st African Senior Athletics Championships in 2018, the National Sports Festival, and the National Youth Games in 2023, among other major sporting events.
The governor also highlighted improved security in the state, attributing the prevailing calm to effective collaboration among security agencies, and commended the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force for its professionalism.
Reminding athletes of the core values of the competition, Oborevwori said the Games celebrate strength, discipline, teamwork, and excellence.
“Not everyone will return home with a medal, but no one who gives their best is a loser,” he added.
The governor further recalled the Force’s legacy of producing world-class athletes, including Chioma Ajunwa, Nigeria’s first Olympic gold medallist, and challenged participants to break new records and elevate the nation’s sporting profile.
In his remarks, the Chief Host and Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, described the Biennial Police Games as a critical pillar for strengthening professionalism, unity, and operational readiness within the Force.
He stressed that the Games go beyond sports, noting that policing demands endurance, agility, teamwork, resilience, and strength of character.
“A fit officer is a safe officer, and a disciplined competitor is a disciplined professional,” the IGP stated.
Commending Delta State for hosting the Games, Egbetokun described Asaba as “a centre of organisation, hospitality, and sporting excellence,” while praising the collaboration between the Police Force and the state government in promoting youth development and national unity.
The ceremony, attended by serving and retired senior police officers, featured an impressive march-past by contingents drawn from the 17 Zonal Commands of the Nigeria Police Force and the Force Headquarters, Abuja.
Other highlights included the symbolic lighting of the Games torch, the administration of athletes’ and officials’ oaths of allegiance and fair play, the arrival of the Games mascot, and the hoisting of the Games flag, setting a vibrant tone for the commencement of the 15th Biennial Police Games, Asaba 2026
