Formal inspector General of Police, Sir Mike Okiro, has called on the federal government to invest more in sporting activities given its key role in uniting the nation.
Dr. Okiro who spoke at a friendly football match to mark his 74th birthday celebration in Abuja, said government at all level must endeavour to use the instrument of sports to give the youths a sense of belonging while fighting crime and other social vices in the society.
The former chairman of the Police Service Commission used the occasion of his birthday celebration to admonish the Super Falcons to give Nigeria credible representation at the ongoing 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
“Sports is something we can not toil with. We must be serious with sports. Of course sports is a strong source of harnessing diversities that may exist in a political system for sustainable socio- economic and political development. Youth must be engaged through sports that will help to reduce crime in the society both at rural and urban areas“.
The birthday celebration which attracted a lot of dignitaries saw FCT police women team slugging it out with St. Joseph Catholic women organization team Mukassa, Gidamangoro.
After a spirited efforts from both teams, Police women team won 2-0 courtesy of Dorcas Thomas and Francisca Tseke goals in each half of the thrilling encounter.
Chief host of Dr Okiro’s 74th birthday celebration, Alhaji Aminu Majidadi described the former IGP as an icon of security who also brought sports to the Nigerian police.
“Sir. Dr. Okiro is a very wonderful man, an elder statement, a man who believes in one Nigeria, a man who does not discriminate, a man who shows compassion to people.
“These and so many other attributes made us to celebrate him as he marks his 74th birthday today. We also pray and wishing his to serve as minister of police affairs in this dispensation.”
Coordinator of the Dr. Mike Okiro’s 74th birthday celebration football match, Honourable Anselem Baha, praised the contributions of the former IGP in repositioning the image of the force.
According to Hon. Baha, “The friendly football match was used to celebrate a
man who loves the round leather game so much.”
