The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun has said the participation of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) in the just concluded National Polo Carnival was far beyond just competing to win the cup.
The Nigeria Police Polo team displayed a good team and individual work during the tournament winning all its games en route to the final of the FCT Minister’s Cup.
They defeated Farm to You 2 by half a goal in their first game of the tournament. The Police team then beat 313 by 6 to 4 and half a goal in their second match and in a tightly contested third match, the team defeated Musaco 7 to 6 goals. It however fell short of victory in the final third, losing to champions FK3 by a narrow 3 to 5 goal margin.
Speaking through the Commissioner of Police in charge of the Police Mobile Force, Deinma Abibo, Egbetokun said beyond competing for glory, the Police Force’s participation in the tournament alongside the military and civilians was aimed at instilling the spirit of unity and national cohesion.
“First and foremost, sports keep us physically fit, and mentally alert. It also creates room for interagency 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,” the IGP told Sporting Tribune.
Chairman, Nigerian Army Polo Association, NAPA, Brigadier General Adamu Laka said the Nigerian Army under the watch of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Taorid Lagbaja, will not relent in its effort to upgrade the Abuja Guards Polo Club to match global standard.
No fewer than five cups were competed for during the tournament which showcased and celebrated Nigeria’s tourism potential and cultural heritage.
