By Longtong Ibrahim
Kaduna (Nigeria) – Nigeria’s president Muhammadu Buhari has reiterated his administration’s commitment towards the development of sports saying, it can be use as a tool to reduce the high youth unemployment and also a tool for social mobilization to get messages across to people such as malaria control and eradication, HIV/AIDS, violence against women, Insurgency, human trafficking and the message of peace among others.
The President made this known on Tuesdaywhile speaking at the opening ceremony of the maiden edition of the Biennial Ministry of Interior Games Tagged ‘MIGA 2016’ held at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium Kaduna, North-west Nigeria.
He said the games would serve as an avenue to scout for talents that will be groom to represent the country at an international level as well as to foster unity among Nigerians.
Represented by the Kaduna state Deputy Governor, Bala Bantex, the president called on the officials to shun sentiments and be transparent while officiating. He said the Interior games will serve as a unifying factor among security agents.
The minister of youths and sport development Solomon Dalung, while making a remark said the essence of sport is to promote National unity. He called on the federal government to redirect its energy in Investing in internal security, noting that with a vibrant interior ministry, it is possible to maintain peace and stability all over the country.
He also called on officers to work hard in ensuring stability for all and the future generation.
While making his remarks, the Minister of Interior Abdulrahman Danbazau, expressed optimism that the games would help in unifying and integrating the five services that make up the interior ministry and also serve as a mark for the beginning of good things in the ministry and Nigeria as whole.
Earlier in his opening remarks, Chairman of the main Organizing Committee (MOC), Mr. Ejembi P. Elaigwu said that the 2016 Ministry of Interior Games is a historic event which would promote the ideals of great sports, excellence, respect, friendship, and re-ignite the bond of unity among the services.
He said, “It is also part of our attempt at restructuring the Ministry in order to create a balance between bureaucracy and operations, so as to deepen camaraderie and promote the general wellbeing of our civilian staff and paramilitary personnel, with a view to foster and engender better mental physical and psychological operational alertness to identify and nip in the bud antisocial activities to guarantee safety and security of lives and property.”
Elaigwa further commended the Minister of Interior, Gen. (Rtd) Abdulrahaman Bello Danbazau for conceiving the idea of organizing the sports fiesta and the confidence reposed in the MOC.
Five teams comprising the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Prison Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, Federal Fire Service and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) will compete in ten games at the week long event.
