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From Adesuwa Tsan, Abuja
Deputy President of the Senate, Jibrin Barau, has described the Keffi Polo Tournament as one of the country’s most consistent platforms for national unity and sports development, praising its ability to attract Nigerians from diverse backgrounds and international participants.
Barau spoke with journalists at the closing ceremony of the 10th anniversary edition of the annual tournament held in Keffi, Nasarawa State.
The tournament is organised by the Keffi Polo Ranch, founded by Senator Ahmed Wadada from Nasarawa State.
Barau said the event had grown into a rallying point for Nigerians of different ethnic groups, noting that the large turnout of spectators mirrored its unifying potential.
“The game is something that is bringing us together,” he said. “When you look around, you’ll find people from all parts of this country – Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo and others. It’s always a unifying factor that strengthens our unity.”
He added that beyond the social value, the polo tournament had become a tool for expanding Nigeria’s sporting potential.
“It helps to develop our sporting talent, and that is very good. It has a lot of advantages,” he stated.
Barau, a regular attendee of the event, commended Senator Wadada for maintaining the tournament’s consistency and improving its organisation each year.
“I have attended the last four tournaments, and this year is more organised and well structured,” he said. “I give kudos to Sen. Wadada. The last time, it was even organised to raise funds for indigent children, and so much money was raised to support their education. He should be encouraged to continue. We will support you financially and in every way needed.”
Also speaking, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports, Sen. Abdul Ningi, said the Keffi Polo Tournament had grown into a recognised national brand.
“What is important is to keep encouraging the youth to imbibe the spirit of sportsmanship, and to commend people like Wadada, who spend personal resources to sustain this tournament,” he said.
Ningi noted that the rich mix of cultures at the event reflected the role of sports in fostering unity.
“Our differences are very minute compared to the things that unite us,” he said. “We must keep highlighting the positive aspects of this country.”
On sports development, Ningi praised President Bola Tinubu’s administration, expressing optimism about the budgetary provisions for 2024 and 2025.
“If properly utilised, they will turn around sports development in this country,” he said. “We must continue to encourage the President, and ensure that approvals coming from the National Assembly produce the best outcomes for Nigerian sports.”
For his part, Wadada described the 10th anniversary of the tournament as both fulfilling and challenging.
“I feel highly elated, fulfilled and challenged by the calibre of personalities who turned out for this event,” he said. “The challenge is to do even more next year.”
He said he founded the Keffi Polo Ranch to expand access to the sport and open Nasarawa State to global visibility.
“Polo was not common when it started in Nigeria, but today it is,” he said. “The world comes here, from the UK, South America, Argentina, Dubai, and within the country we have captains of industry, politicians and royal fathers from across Nigeria.”
Wadada also expressed gratitude to the Nasarawa State Government for its unwavering support, especially for education-focused tournaments.
“As far as Keffi Polo Ranch is concerned, I cannot thank the government enough. For 10 years, it has been very supportive, particularly for our tournaments organised in support of education,” he said.
A key highlight of the ceremony was the unveiling of a newly constructed pavilion named after the late George Coumantaros, founder of Flour Mills of Nigeria (FMN), in recognition of the company’s long-standing support for the Keffi Polo project.
Dignitaries at the event included the Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State, Emmanuel Akabe, alongside traditional rulers from within and outside the state.
