…. says sports unifies Nigeria.
Oyo state Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde on Saturday declared opened the 14th Biennial Games tagged Oluyole, 2024.
Declaring the event opened at the Lekan Salami Sport Complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan, the governor who is the Chief Host equally represented the Special Guest of Honour, President Bola Tinubu said sporting activities have been unifying factors for Nigeria, reminiscing on the victory of 1996 Atlanta Olympics Games where the former athletic, Chioma Ajunwa now a Police officer won a gold medal for Nigeria.
Noting that games have great way to discover and project talents to the world, he equally charged the participants from each zones to put in their best.
The governor therefore charged people of the state to also prioritized sports and entertainment sectors to attract international communities for them to benefit from the tourist attractions in the state just as we seek sustainable ways of solving the economic issues through sports.
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 moment we remember as a nation was the 1996 Atanta Olympic games, where Nigeria won two golds, 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 things 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 Force.
“So, on behalf of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I declare this event open,” he concluded.
In his goodwill message, the Chief of Defence astaff, General Christopher Musa ably represented by the General Officer Commanding 2 division of the Nigerian Army said sport is an avenue to foster unity as the armed forces and the Nigeria Police have continue to work tirelessly to sustain peace in the Country.
Earlier in his address, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun hinted that the 14th Biennial Police Games in Ibadan tagged Oluyole 2024, with the theme “Competing for Peace, Unity, Stability and Development of Nigeria”, is a unique sport competition to celebrate mental health, spirit of sportsmanship and unity in the Country.
The opening ceremony featured match pass parades from the seventeen zones and the Headquarters, hoisting of the Games’ flag, cultural displays among others.
The event had in attendance, the Secretary to the state government, Professor Olanike Adeyemi, the Chief of Staff, Chief Segun Ogunwuyi, the Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni (mni).
Others were Commisioners of Police, Service Commanders, Royal Fathers, Paramount Chiefs among other dignitaries.
