By Oluchi Tobex Tobe-Chukwu FSWAN MCS CSS.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, hosted 400-meter hurdles Commonwealth Games champion, Corporal Ezekiel Nathaniel, at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, using the historic occasion to reaffirm the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to sports development.
During the reception, IGP Disu praised Nathaniel’s spectacular achievement, noting that the victory perfectly underscores the deeply rooted relationship between the police institution and the sporting world.
According to the Police boss, Nathaniel’s success serves as a profound reminder of the incredible feats police personnel can accomplish when provided with the necessary platforms and institutional support to excel in both their professional law enforcement duties and athletic careers.
“The Nigeria Police Force and sports have always been twins, bound together by shared values of discipline, teamwork, and excellence,” Disu stated. “This victory is a powerful reminder of that bond, and of what our personnel can achieve when given the platform and support to thrive both in service and in competition.”
The Inspector-General also seized the moment to reassure serving police athletes and officers with sporting potential that his administration will continuously invest in police sports. He promised to prioritize identifying, nurturing, and celebrating athletic talent across all commands.
“I want Corporal Ezekiel Nathaniel, and every officer watching, to know that this Force will continue to invest in and support police sports,” the IGP declared. “We will keep identifying, nurturing, and celebrating talent within our ranks, because a Force that is strong in body and spirit is a Force that serves the nation better.”
Describing himself as an avid sportsman, Disu expressed immense personal pride in Nathaniel’s podium finish. He emphasized that the hurdler’s feat has brought immense honour not only to the officer himself but also to the Nigeria Police Force and the entire country.
“As a sportsman myself, I take particular pride in this achievement,” Disu concluded. “Corporal Ezekiel Nathaniel, you have honoured your uniform, your Force, and your country. Congratulations, and may this be the first of many more victories to come.”
