President Bola Tinubu and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on Saturday reaffirmed strong institutional and governmental backing for the police as the 15th biennial Police Games (BIPOGA 2026) was formally declared opened in Asaba, Delta State.
Tinubu, who was represented by the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (rtd.), described the Games as a strategic platform for building a professional, disciplined and performance driven police, 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 said, underscoring the Games’ theme: “Beyond the Badge: Excellence in Action.”
“A physically fit, mentally resilient and morally grounded Police Force is indispensable to national security”, he said.
Tinubu noted that sports go beyond recreation, calling them a strategic instrument for cohesion, stability and institutional readiness.
He added that the 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, Tinubu urged athletes to compete with honour and sportsmanship, saying; “let fairness, discipline and mutual respect guide your conduct on and off the field. This is not a do-or-die affair.”
Earlier, Gov. Oborevwori assured participants from across the various police federation of a memorable sporting fiesta in a state widely recognised as a hub of sporting excellence.
Gov. Oborevwori said that “Delta State is proud to host this prestigious national event. Our track record in hosting major competitions speaks for itself.
The governor highlighted improved security in the state attributing the calm to effective collaboration among security agencies, and praised the leadership of the police for its professionalism.
He reminded athletes that the Games celebrate strength, discipline, teamwork and excellence, adding that “not everyone will return home with a medal, but no one who gives their best is a loser”.
The governor also 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 lift Nigeria’s sporting profile.
The Chief host and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, described the Games as a critical pillar for strengthening professionalism, unity and operational readiness within the Nigeria Police Force.
He said the Games go beyond sports, stressing that “policing is not only about enforcement, but about endurance, agility, teamwork, resilience and strength of character.”
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He noted that modern policing demands physical and mental fitness, declaring that “a fit officer is a safe officer, and a disciplined competitor is a disciplined professional.”
Commending Delta State for hosting the Games, he described Asaba as “a centre of organisation, hospitality and sporting excellence,” and praised the collaboration between the Police Force and the state government in promoting youth development and national unity.
Highpoint of the ceremony that was attended by top serving and retired police officers was an impressive march-past by contingents drawn from the 17 zonal commands of the police and the Force Headquarters, Abuja, the symbolic lighting of the Games torch, followed by athletes and officials formally subscribing to the oaths of allegiance and fair play.
The ceremony was further enlivened by 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.
