The Chairman of the Force Sports Planning Committee, AIG Fom Pam Joseph, has said that the 15th Biennial Police Games (BIPOGA) is designed to provide yet another platform for the Nigeria Police Force to showcase its outstanding sportsmen and women.
Speaking at a press conference in Asaba, Delta State, AIG Joseph described the games as an opportunity not only for the police but for the entire country to display its finest athletic talents.
“It is an opportunity for the police to showcase its sportsmen and women. It is also an opportunity for the country to showcase its best, and we are hoping that this 15th BIPOGA Games will be the best of the best,” he said.
The week-long sporting fiesta, which kicked off on February 14, will run through February 21, with contingents expected to depart on February 22 after the closing ceremony.
According to him, extensive preparations have gone into ensuring a seamless event. These included conferences, mini-conferences, and multiple inspection visits to sporting facilities in Asaba. He noted that, with the cooperation of the Delta State Government, repairs were effected in some facilities and necessary equipment put in place to guarantee a successful sporting week.
He expressed appreciation to the Governor of Delta State for his contributions toward the success of the games, adding that the initiative also enjoys the full backing of the Inspector-General of Police.
“The Inspector-General of Police initiated it for us. He has given us a listening ear, financial support, advisory support, and material assistance to ensure that this 15th BIPOGA comes out the best,” he stated.
AIG Joseph disclosed that over 6,000 sporting contingents are participating in about 37 sporting events. He added that all commands are fully represented across the 17 zones, including the Force Headquarters team, following state, zonal, and inter-zonal eliminations.
Among the highlights of this year’s edition is the introduction of new sporting events such as mixed martial arts, alongside conventional games. While there is no strict age categorization, he explained that practical considerations apply.
“You wouldn’t expect a 55-year-old police officer to engage in mixed martial arts. However, we have a veterans’ category. It’s not as if we’ll put a 17-year-old and a 54-year-old in the same event,” he clarified.
He also revealed that some of the participating officers are already playing key roles in national and international competitions, while others are members of the Police Machine football team competing nationally. He noted that one of the core objectives of BIPOGA is to discover and nurture more talents capable of representing the country on bigger stages.
The chairman further emphasized that the games will attract dignitaries from across the country, including heads of security agencies, service chiefs, political leaders, and representatives from ministries, departments, and agencies. The President and Commander-in-Chief is also expected as Special Guest of Honour.
Beyond competition, AIG Joseph stressed that BIPOGA serves as an extension of community policing, helping to strengthen the relationship between the police and the public.
“Events like this bring the police closer to the people and the people closer to the police. The public should not see the police only in terms of arrests and carrying guns,” he said.
With finishing touches ongoing at the venues ahead of the opening ceremony, he expressed confidence that the 15th Biennial Police Games will live up to expectations and set a new standard for future editions.
