Nigeria: Football can take criminals away from the street says IGP Egbetokun
Nigeria’s Inspector General of police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun , Wednesday said that the game of football posses the potency to dissipate crime and serve as a tool for the reform of criminal elements.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by a team of NFF chieftains led by the President, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, Egbetokun admitted that crime rate does decline around the country whenever any National Team or Club of choice of football adherents are on duty.
“The Nigeria Police Force recognizes and appreciates the potential of football to work wonders for national unity, social cohesion and economic growth. In truth, football has the capacity to take criminals away from the streets. It is no gainsaying that we record lower incidences of crime when football teams are doing their business.
“We promise to continue to support you to develop the game in our country to an excellent level, as we look forward to a more robust relationship with your organization.”
Earlier, in his remarks NFF president, Ibrahim Gusau said “We are here because we appreciate the importance of security in all our activities, programmes and events. This is to physically express our deep appreciation for the job you have been doing in readily sending officers, men and materials to secure the venues of football matches in the country. Your officers and men have been doing excellent work for us.
“Our country is one of football-passionate citizens. We also plead with the Inspector General to revive the Police Football Team that was very strong in those days, and also to consider giving a special quota to sportsmen and women who want to enlist in the Police Force.”
