By Victor Okoye
Keffi, Dec. 3, 2024 (NAN) Polo enthusiasts have commended Sen. Ahmed Wadada for his initiative in using the game of polo as a tool to support the education of orphans and out-of-school children in Nasarawa State.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the week-long 2023 Keffi Polo Ranch Open tournament was in support of education.
It was sponsored by the Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc and supported by Kursi investment Nig. Ltd, SW Global, Synergy Fertilizer and the Nasarawa State Government.
Deputy Senate president, Barau Jibrin who spoke to newsmen on the sidelines of the tournament said the idea behind the organisation of the tournament was highly commendable and one worthy of emulation.
“This is a wonderful programme and I commend Sen. Wadada for organising this tournament in support of his foundation, and that’s why we are here and call on others to emulate.
“Education is the bedrock of every society and the duty of creating sound education rest on the shoulders of all us and not one person.
“So, what Sen. Wadada has done is good, and that can help the society and one that everyone should emulate,” he said.
George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation commended Wadada for the iniative, adding that it was line with the Federal Government’s eight-point agenda.
“This government has an eight-point agenda, and Sports/Youth Development is one of the areas of our concentration.
“When you talk about sports on extension, you are referring to the youths because they are to a large extent involved in various sports,” he said.
He noted, however, that the sporting facilities in the country were dilapidated and needed to be upgraded.
“We are going to be upgraded to ensure maximum productive performance of our youths.
“What I have seen here is the initiative of the private sector in the development of sports.
“This government also emphasizes the need for private/public partnership in all aspects of our endeavour,” he said.
Akume also commended Wadada for setting up a Polo Ranch for the development of sport in the country.
He noted that the power of sport also breaks ethnic or religious divide and helps positively in the development of the nation.
“It is highly commendable that an individual can raise these kind of facilities for the purpose of Polo.
“It has become an annual event that attracts people from all parts of the country as sports is also a unifying factor,” he said.
Rabiu Gwarzo, who represented the Chairman of the Flour Mills of Nigeria said choosing to support the tournament was a no brainer due to the company’s long time relationship with Sen. Wadada and their love for sports.
“This is the result of our long association with Sen. Wadada and it is the policy of Flour Mills of Nigeria to encourage and support sports as well as women participation in sports.
“Infact, anything that is geared towards the development of sports in Nigeria, Flour Mills is totally and absolutely in support,” he said.
Wadada, on his part, noted that the importance of education cannot be overemphasised, adding that it revolves around everything one does in life.
“Education is life, power, growth, development, and progress. Education is everything and all-inclusive.
“Education made me what I am and where I am today.
“Without education, no matter how my people love me, they wouldn’t have given me their mandate to represent them in the red chambers,” he said.
On his team, Keffi Ponys narrow loss to Malcomines of Jos, Wadada noted that there was no victor or vanquished, adding that everyone was a winner.
He thanked all the dignitaries that honoured the event as well as the tournament’s sponsors.
“I am always a winner anytime, any day and Malcomines couldn’t have won if they hadn’t come to Keffi. We all participated and our participation is also a win.
“I want to thank Flour Mills of Nigeria and other co-sponsors for making the tournament a resounding success.
“I also express my gratitude to all those that have contributed one way or another to the success of the tournament,” he said.
NAN also reports that defending champions Malcomines of Jos retained the Senate President’s Cup after edging Sen. Wadada- led Keffi Ponys 6-5 at the end of a pulsating encounter in the high goal five chukka event.
Runners-up Keffi Ponys settled for the Governor’s Cup.
Also, the Heritage Askia Williams Polo team won the prize for the low goal four chukka event as well as the George Coumantaros trophy after beating Intel Autos 3 to 2 goals.
The Polo tournament which galloped off on Tuesday ended on Sunday at the Keffi Polo Ranch in Keffi.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
