By Jabiru Hassan
The Force Headquarters Badminton Club has won an inter-institutional badminton tournament organised by the Nigeria Police Academy (POLAC) in honour of its retiring 24th Commandant, Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Patrick A. Atayero. The tournament, held at the POLAC Badminton Hall, featured teams from the Force Headquarters, Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology (ADUSTECH) and the Nigeria Police Academy.
The Force Headquarters team, led by AIG Akoh Benedict Gabriel, a coursemate of Atayero, emerged winner to claim the gold medal and cash prize.ADUSTECH finished second and received the silver medal and cash prize, while the POLAC team placed third and took home the bronze medal and cash prize.
A highlight of the event was a veterans’ exhibition match featuring Atayero, who joined other participants on the court as spectators cheered. The tournament was attended by Atayero’s wife, Sarah, who is the Chairperson of the POLAC Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA) Chapter, their children, staff, well-wishers and other dignitaries, including the Academy Registrar, Fidelis Ekpere Ezeugwu.
Speaking at the event, Atayero commended Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu for his leadership and thanked the participating teams, academy directors, staff and organisers for supporting the tournament. Participating teams praised the initiative, saying it provided an opportunity to promote unity and camaraderie among the institutions.The event ended with a dinner at the Academy Officers’ Mess in honour of the retiring commandant.
