By; JACOB ONJEWU DICKSON
With the resumption to action after a year’s break, the stakes are higher ahead the Kaduna International Polo Tournament which gallops off on October 31, as over 71 million Naira was realized at the Ahmadu Yakubu Polo Club House on Saturday night during cheque presentation by various sponsors and those rendering support to the 2023 edition, with more sponsorship deals being expected.
Sponsors of the most prestigious polo trophy in Africa, First Bank Nigeria Plc blazed the trail with N30 million Naira for the Georgian Cup sponsorship, the highest amount the traditional sponsors have ever staked so far.
New entrants Taj Bank cane in with a N5m juicy offer, presented in firm of a cheque, Trobell Nigeria Ltd also doled out N5m and Plutos Bank N5m.
Imani Group presented N4m, Malcomines N3m, AMA Pharmaceuticals N3m, Fifth Chukker N3m, El Amin N3m, NDIC N2.5m, President NAARTO N2m, Musaco Investments N1m and Sublime N1m.
Others are, 8Twenty8 N500,000, Royal Arms N500,000, Farm To You N500,000, Keffi Ponies N500,000 and Terra Trek Solutions N500,000.
Also on the list are, Shamsudeen Husseini N250,000, 80 Yard NN200,000 and Graade Skills Academy N200,000, bringing the total amount raised to N71, 050,000.
Meanwhile, other potential sponsors that are yet to make their donations known, are, Niger State Government, Katsîna State Government, Zamfara State Government, Barbedos Group, BUA Group, Dangote Group, Rubicon, Badard Zaz and Max Airline.
In his opening remarks, President of the Kaduna Polo Club, Alhaji Mohammed Babangida said it’s a special day for both the club and the various sponsors as well as those supporting the tournament.
He thanked all that supported the club towards the 2023 tournament.
Babangida said they took off one year off competition to develop their facilities.
“We now have a field like never seen before, we thank you for your support,” he declared.
In his remarks, the Tournament Manager, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar Saleh (Baraden Maru) said that Kaduna Poio Club has a long and rich history of polo.
“This relationship has gathered old faces and new ones here today.
Kaduna Polo Club appreciates your commitments,” he added.
He assured that they are looking forward to a very successful tournament.
“For 2023 tournament, the major cups to be played are as foilcws,
First Week 31 October TO 5th November, Georgian Cup 15-20 Goals, El-Amin Cup O-2 Goals.
“Second Week, Emir of Katsina Cup, formerly Dickenson Cup, 8-12 Goals, Imani Cup 3-7 Goals.
Other cups to be plaged are selected cups such as
1 General Hassan Cup
- Isa Kaita Memorial Cup
- Late Umaru Shinkafi Cup
- Emirof Gombe Late Usman Shehu Abubakar
And others,” he informed.
