As part of activities marking the anniversary celebration of 12-12 Polo and Turf Resort, the organisers said they have finalised arrangements for the first ever horse racing cup in Abuja’s entire history.
Ibrahim Saeed, vice president and COO of the club, disclosed this in an interview with LEADERSHIP in Abuja yesterday.
He said the name 12-12 basically is a homage to its dear nation’s capital – Abuja, given that Abuja the Federal Capital Territory was officially inaugurated on 12th Day of December (the 12th month) 1991.
According to him, besides the cup, there shall be the usual polo tournaments and more which shall be announced accordingly.
Saeed said, “Today Abuja is 32 years old, and Twelve Twelve is a year older also. We pray for the Capital and Nation at large.
“May our worries become memories and woes become stepping stones as we come out on top of the hardships and global economic tides. May we be more united beyond ethnicity and religion, and just be Human first and Nigerians second.
“This is a project by Nigerians and for everybody. It is after all a project that is named after and pays homage to the Nation’s capital. Need I say more.
‘InshaAllah we’re set for a few, because traditionally we have at least one or two major events annually but due to the need to take time and regularise our documentation and surely the advent of COVID we had to halt.
“Events we’ve held over the years that attracted thousands locally and internationally are-2015 : inaugural polo tournament (Internally Displaced Persons, 2016: Future Secured International Polo Tournament (Education), 2017: Unity International Polo Tournament (Nigerian Unity), 2018: Armed Forces International Polo Tournament, 2020 : (Abuja’s first ever) THE Gavel Racing Derby (celebrating Nigeria’s Golden Jubilee in partnership with the House of Representatives with participation from mali, chad, burkina faso, niger, and Sudan that was postponed due to the second wave of COVID)
“For 2024, we are finalizing arrangements and getting the place ready for the first ever horse racing cup in Abuja’s entire history which we weren’t able to do as previously stated. This shall feature countries from within and outside the shores of Africa,” he added.
He also said besides recreation, the 12-12 family has been one that cares of nature and nurture- to this end we officially have a foundation just for this purpose.
“Our NGO is doing its part for the immediate surroundings of Gwarinpa (and its inhabitants) and in consequence Abuja in general.
“This by extension does well for both Nigeria and the world in curbing global warming, enhancing preservation, education, healthy living, and generating employment (skills).”
