GOVERNOR DICKSON CALLS FOR ADEQUATE FUNDING OF THE NIGERIA POLICE FORCE

GOVERNOR DICKSON CALLS FOR ADEQUATE FUNDING OF THE NIGERIA POLICE FORCE

Governor Seriake Dickson has underscored the need to encourage the Nigeria Police to continuously discover and groom more sporting talents that will represent the country at various levels of International competitions.

It is believed that, such efforts will go a long way assisting the Police Force maintain its legacy of churning out world- class athletes who have won several laurels for the country in the past.

Governor Dickson made the call in an interview with newsmen at the opening ceremony of the 10 th Biennial Nigeria Police Games in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Reacting to a question on the deplorable state of the Police College, Governor Dickson noted that the entire Police force needed to be adequately funded and equipped to enable it perform its statutory duties.

According to him, his administration is doing its best to provide support to the Nigeria Police just like most of his counterparts, noting that security remains the collective responsibility of all.

Governor Dickson also urged Nigerians to genuinely work to promote peace and unity since the country stands to benefit as one indivisible people endowed with vast natural and human resources.

Speaking at the event, President Goodluck Jonathan described the Nigeria Police as a foremost institution in the development and promotion of sporting activities in the country.

Declaring open the 10 TH Biennial Nigeria Police Games in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, President Jonathan said this was evident in the number of Sports men and women produced over the years by the force that have made their mark at both national and international levels.

Represented by the Minister of Sports and Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Bolaji Abdulahi, the President cited the likes of Olympic Gold medalist, Chioma Ajunwa, Sunday Bada and former World Heavy Weight Boxing champion, Samuel Peters who have made the country proud at different times.

President Jonathan hailed the Inspector General of Police, Muhammed Abubakar and his team for their efforts at organizing the event in spite of prevailing challenges.

In his remarks, the Inspector General of Police, Muhammed Abubakar, enjoined the participants to put in their best and expressed the hope that more talents would emerge from Games to represent the nation at the international level.

Recalling how the Nigeria Police has moulded sporting talents in the country, Mr. Abubakar also urged officials to be fair to all and thanked all those who made it possible for the games to hold in Port Harcourt.

The opening ceremony of the games featured displays by the Mobile Police, calisthenics, Wushu Kunfu demonstrations and tug of war between the Nigeria Air Force and Nigeria Navy as well as wives of Police officers.

Host Governor, Mr. Chibuike Amaechi, Deputy Governors of Rivers and Gombe states, Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika, Speaker of the Bayelsa state House of Assembly, Mr. Konbowei Benson, Minister of Police Affairs, Retired Navy Capt. Caleb Olubolade, former Inspector Generals of Police among others graced the occasion.

Daniel Iworiso-Markson Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Bayelsa State