In a show of unity and solidarity, security agencies in Rivers State converged at the Sharks Stadium in Port Harcourt on Saturday, November 23, 2024, to participate in a novelty football match organised by the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) in honour of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.

The event, part of the PCRC’s End of Year activities, featured the participation of personnel from the Nigeria Army, Nigeria Police, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and Honorary Members of the Police Officers Mess.

According to Voke Emore, Chairman of the PCRC in Rivers State, the event was organised to celebrate the late Chief of Army Staff and show solidarity with the Nigerian Army.

“We need to celebrate our hero,” Emore said. “This is also in support of what the IGP has done already. The IGP declared a seven-day mourning period in the Police Force for the late Army General, and the PCRC decided to honour this great hero of Nigeria by organising this novelty match.”

The Nigeria Army team won the match, defeating the Police team 2-1. The event was attended by Colonel MS Daroda, Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of Administration, who represented the 6 Division Nigerian Army, and Deputy Commissioner of Police, DCP Olubenga Adepoju, who represented the Commissioner of Police, CP Mustapha Bala.

Other dignitaries included the State Commander of NDLEA, Ahmed Mahmuda, and the Sector Commander of FRSC, Nyang Umoh.

Mahmuda commended the PCRC for organising the event, describing it as a unique way to bring security agencies together to enhance synergy, cooperation, and working relations.

Umoh urged drivers to exercise caution and care on the road, especially during the ember months. “We have designed our public enlightenment, public education, and enforcement to educate drivers on the dangers of reckless driving,” Umoh said.

As part of its End of Year activities, the PCRC also visited several orphanage homes in the afternoon.