By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

President Muhammadu Buhari has charged athletes at the 12th biennial Police Games holding in Anambra State to represent the good image of the Force by being good ambassadors during the course of their stay in the state. He gave the charge on Saturday at the opening ceremony held at Ekwueme Square Awka.

Buhari, who was represented by the Minister of Police Affairs, Mohammed Dingyadi, noted that the event could not have come at a better time than now that the country is faced with security issues.

“Security,” he said, “cannot be attained without a highly motivated Police Force hence, the funding gap of Police operation in the country over the years is being looked into to find a way to nip it the bud.

“I appreciate the Nigeria Police force for their fearlessness and sacrifices made while defending the country.”

While saying that police pension issues is on course, the President hailed the State Governor, Willie Obiano, for the support he has rendered to the police.

In his speech, the Minister of Sports, Sunday Dare, said that the biggest names in sports were made possible by police. He noted that if Nigeria Police can have time for sports, then no state should lag behind in sports.

Dare expressed hope that through the games, a team to represent Nigeria during the next Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, next year would emerge.

“Today, we see a rebound of police games in yore. Some of the biggest names in sports like Chioma Ajunwa were made possible by police made to 2020 police games is a rebound of Police,” he stated.

In his welcome address, Governor Obiano said that sports has played a major role in closing the gaps between people and strengthening the ties that bind.

He stressed that the state has contributed unforgettable talents to Nigerian sports, saying: “The first black African to win a gold medal at an international sports event, Major Emmanuel Ifeajuna, was from Anambra State. He won gold at the British Empire and Commonwealth Games in 1954.

“Anambra is famous for producing men and women who have shown remarkable talent in sports and other fields of human endeavour.

“Sports has the power to change the world. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. Sports can create hope where there was only despair.

“Our collective experience shows that nothing brings Nigeria’s rich diversity into one camp like sports. Nothing gives Nigerians from different ethnicities a greater sense of unity than watching the Super Eagles win a trophy. At such times, our differences disappear, we become our brother’s keeper. That is the unifying power of sports.”

Obiano thanked Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mohammed Adamu and his team for finding the state worthy of hosting its games.

Highlights of the opening ceremony included Ijele masquerade display and performance by music sensation, Flavour.