Asaba, Delta State, February 14, 2026 – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Saturday reaffirmed unwavering institutional and governmental support for the Nigeria Police Force as the 15th Biennial Police Games (BIPOGA 2026) were officially declared open in Asaba.
Represented by the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd.), President Tinubu described the Games as a strategic platform for building a professional, disciplined, and performance-driven Police Force. He stressed 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, aligning his remarks with 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 added.
Tinubu emphasised that sports go beyond recreation, serving as a powerful instrument for cohesion, institutional readiness, and community engagement. He noted that the Biennial Police Games, with roots dating back to the 1940s, have consistently promoted fitness, teamwork, and operational preparedness across the Force.
Declaring the Games open, the President urged athletes to compete with honour, fairness, and sportsmanship, stating: “Let fairness, discipline and mutual respect guide your conduct on and off the field. This is not a do-or-die affair.”
In his welcome address, Governor Oborevwori assured participants from across the federation of a memorable and well-organised sporting fiesta in Delta State, a region widely recognised 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,” Oborevwori said. He recalled that the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba had previously hosted the 21st African Senior Athletics Championships in 2018, the National Sports Festival, and the National Youth Games in 2023, among others.
The governor highlighted the improved security environment in Delta State, attributing the prevailing calm to effective collaboration among security agencies and the professionalism of the Nigeria Police Force.
He reminded athletes that the Games celebrate strength, discipline, teamwork, and excellence, adding: “Not everyone will return home with a medal, but no one who gives their best is a loser.”
Oborevwori also recalled the Police 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 Nigeria’s sporting profile.
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, who served as chief host, described the Biennial Police Games as a critical pillar for strengthening professionalism, unity, and operational readiness within the Force.
“Policing is not only about enforcement, but about endurance, agility, teamwork, resilience and strength of character,” he said. “A fit officer is a safe officer, and a disciplined competitor is a disciplined professional.”
IGP Egbetokun commended Delta State for its hospitality and organisation, describing Asaba as “a centre of sporting excellence” and praising the collaboration between the Police Force and the state government in promoting youth development and national unity.
The opening ceremony featured an impressive march-past by contingents from the 17 Zonal Commands of the Nigeria Police Force and Force Headquarters, Abuja. Highlights included the symbolic lighting of the Games torch, the athletes’ and officials’ oath of allegiance and fair play, the arrival of the Games mascot, and the hoisting of the official Games flag—setting a vibrant and inspiring tone for the 15th Biennial Police Games, Asaba 2026.
The event drew top serving and retired police officers, including former Inspectors-General of Police, alongside state officials, security chiefs, and community leaders. The Games are expected to showcase talent, foster camaraderie, and reinforce the physical and mental readiness of officers nationwide.
