The former Inspector General of Police, Mike Okiro, called on the Federal Government (FG) to prioritize investments in sports to foster unity within the nation.
Okiro made this passionate appeal during a friendly football match held in Abuja to celebrate his 74th birthday.
Addressing the audience, Okiro emphasized that all levels of government should harness the power of sports to instill a sense of belonging among the youth while simultaneously combating crime and social vices in society.
“As a nation, we must recognize the significance of sports. We cannot underestimate its impact,” Okiro asserted. “Sports acts as a powerful catalyst for bringing diverse communities together, facilitating sustainable socio-economic and political development.”
The sports enthusiast also took the opportunity to encourage the Super Falcons, Nigeria’s women’s national football team, to represent the country exceptionally well at the ongoing FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
“We must take sports seriously and invest in it wholeheartedly. It is a vital tool for engaging our youth and reducing crime in both rural and urban areas,” Okiro passionately added.
The celebratory event featured a riveting football match between the FCT police women’s team and St. Joseph Catholic Women Organisation team from Mukassa, Gidamangoro. The atmosphere was charged with excitement as both teams displayed their competitive spirits.
Ultimately, the FCT police women’s team emerged victorious with a 2-0 win over their opponents, thanks to brilliant goals from Dorcas Thomas and Francisca Tseke in each half of the match.
The host of the celebration, Alhaji Aminu Majidadi, hailed Okiro as a symbol of security and commended his contributions to bringing sports to the Nigerian police force. Majidadi expressed a wish for Okiro to serve as the Minister of Police Affairs in the current dispensation.
Another childhood friend of Okiro, Alhaji Bello Ajala, lauded the former IGP’s legacy, noting his dedication to professionalism and discipline in the Nigerian police force. Ajala also highlighted Okiro’s love for sports, particularly football and track and field events.
The friendly football match’s coordinator, Anselem Baha, emphasized that the event celebrated Okiro’s commitment to repositioning the image of the police force. He noted that sports, with its unifying nature, served as a fitting way to honor the former IGP.
The day concluded with the distribution of medals, trophies, and other memorabilia to the winners and distinguished guests who graced the occasion. The event underscored the vital role of sports in fostering peace, tolerance, and national unity.
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