The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has described the just concluded 2023 Nigerian National Carnival Polo tournament held at the Guard Brigade Polo Club Abuja as a potent force to promote inter-agencies relations and create a forum for community-policing and sustainable peace and unity.
IGP, who was represented at the closing ceremony of the week-long event by commissioner of Police in charge of Police Mobile Force, Deinma Abibo, said Police Polo Team participation at the tournament was far beyond competing to win.
The Nigeria Police Polo team gave a good account of themselves during the carnival polo tourney, winning all their games enroute the final of the FCT Minister’s Cup. They defeated Farm To You in their first game of the tournament 2 to half goal before beating 313 Polo Club 6 to 4 and half goal in their second match.
In their third match of the tournament, Police edged out Musaco 7 to 6 goals in a keenly contested match. But the hard-fighting Police Polo team fell short of victory in the final, losing to FK3 narrowly 5-3.
IGP Egbetokun told newsmen through CP Deinma Abibo that the Police Force participation in the tournament alongside the Military and Civilians was aimed at instilling the spirit of unity and national cohesion amongst the various forces as well the civilians.
“First and foremost, sports keep us physically fit, and mentally alert.
“It also creates room for inter-agency relationships, collaboration, and synergy.
“So, against that backdrop, it helps us to promote unity amongst sister agencies.
“Outside that, it also creates a forum for community policing with members of the public,” he said.
No fewer than five cups were competed for during the tournament to showcase and celebrate the tourism potentials and cultural heritage of the country.
