President Bola Tinubu, on Saturday, declared open the 14th Biennial Police Games tagged Oluyole 2024 in Oyo State.
This was contained in a statement by the Special Adviser (Media) to Oyo State Governor, Sulaimon Olanrewaju.
According to the statement, Tinubu declared the event open at the Lekan Salami Sport Complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan.
The president was represented by the governor of Oyo State, who was also the host of the event, ‘Seyi Makinde.
Speaking in his dual capacity, Makinde, who had earlier been commended by the Nigeria Police for deploying resources and logistics towards the success of the event, said it was only proper that the BIPOGA is held in Oyo State, the new destination for experiential tourism in the country.
He charged the participants from each zone and commands to put in their best, while he also called on residents of Oyo State to pay more attention to the sports and entertainment sectors so as to attract international communities to the state.
He said: “Let me, once again, welcome everyone to the 14th Biennial Games, Oluyole 2024. The 13th edition was held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State but, today, it has moved to the South-West. Awalokan!
“It is fitting that Oyo State is hosting this edition in the first year of Omituntun 2.0. As you already know, we are projecting Oyo State as the place to come for experiential tourism. And what special way are we supposed to experience Oyo State, Nigeria, than through sports?
“Sports has been a uniting factor for us all. One of the most unifying moments we remember as a nation was the 1996 Atlanta Olympic games, where Nigeria won two gold, one silver and three bronze medals.
“One of Nigeria’s gold medals was won by Nigerian Policewoman, Chioma Ajunwa. Today, she still holds the record.
“So, this shows how important the games are. It is a great way to discover and project talents to the world. I don’t expect anything less from the athletes that are in front of me here.
“As we seek sustainable ways of solving our economic issues, we must pay attention to, and properly package sports and entertainment sectors so that the international community can come to us to enjoy our home-grown tourism.
“I believe that games like these have the potential to boost our economy. These games also give us an opportunity to see another side of the friendly and competitive side of the Nigerian Police.
“So, on behalf of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I declare this event open.”
