Kaduna: President Bola Tinubu says the Federal Government is fully committed to scaling up horse racing in Nigeria, vowing that his administration will leave no stone unturned in making horse racing an all-year-round event.
Tinubu hinted this on Saturday in Kaduna at the grand finale of the ‘Renewed Hope International Horse Racing Derby’.
The event, organised by the Horse Racing Federation of Nigeria (HRFN), had as its theme:’ Sahel Savannah Series 2025′.
Represented by the Chairman of the National Sports Commission of Nigeria (NSCN), Alhaji Shehu Dikko, Tinubu said, “We are fully committed to general sports development in the country.
He said, “We will also collaborate with the federation to take the sports to the desired level, as it showcases our age-old cultures and traditions.
“It also promotes unity among the citizens and other parts of Africa, just as it boosts the economy and tourism.”
Tinubu further emphasised the importance of horse racing, stating that it aligns with his Renewed Hope Agenda.
In a message to the event, the life president of the federation and the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, said that the historic event celebrated Nigeria’s rich equestrian tradition.
“It also showed the collective spirit of regional integration and cultural heritage across Sub-Saharan Africa.
The Etsu Nupe, who was represented by Alhaji Sai’du Umaru-Lakpene, Lakpene Raba Nupe and Financial Secretary of the HRFN, added, “At the heart of the series is our commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
“This agenda represents a vision of unity, progress and prosperity for Nigeria. We are proud to play our part by showcasing the talent, diversity and competitive spirit that define our great nation.”
In another message to the epochal event, the Chairman of the federation, Alhaji Tajudeen Dantata, stated that the momentous occasion marked a significant milestone in the history of horse racing in Nigeria.
Dantata said,” The Sahel Savannah Series is a testament to our commitment to promoting and developing the sport while showcasing the best of Nigeria’s horse racing talents.”
Also speaking, the Emir of Zazzau, Amb. Ahmed Bamalli described horse racing as a plausible unifying factor in Nigeria, Africa and other parts of the world.
Bamalli, who is also the federation’s Grand Patron, said, “This is a significant event because it unifies people from other parts of the country and across Africa.
“As you can see, everybody is here and all the people are happy. It promotes harmony and peaceful coexistence.”
In his message, the federation’s National Coordinator, Alhaji Abubakar Mustapha-Bida, stated that the federation is dedicated to promoting national unity and prosperity.
He said, “This is by bringing together people from various regions through a shared passion for equine activities. We plan to host top-tier races that attract leading local and international competitors.
“These events will feature excellent facilities, world-class hospitality and exceptional entertainment, creating a unique and exciting Nigerian experience for visitors.”
The National Coordinator, who coordinated the horse racing competition, said, “We have five countries that participated in the event. They are Cameroon, Chad, Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali.
“They are our international partners during racing events in Nigeria”.
It would be recalled that Tinubu’s ‘Hope Renewed Horse’ has maintained her winning streak to clinch the first position as the fastest horse in Africa for the sixth time.
At the end of the historic tourney, six cars were won, including the one clinched by Tinubu’s horse, which has maintained its first position.
