Alhaji Tajudeen Dantata, the national chairman of the Horse Racing Federation of Nigeria, affirmed President Bola Tinubu’s strong commitment to reviving horse racing in Nigeria, ensuring the nation competes effectively on the global stage.
Dantata made this assertion during the finals of the “2025 Renewed Hope Horse Racing Competition” held in Zaria on Sunday.
“President Tinubu is unequivocally dedicated to revitalising horse racing in the North and Nigeria at large,” Dantata stated, highlighting the consistent support the president has provided to the federation’s activities. He emphasised that Tinubu has played a crucial role in facilitating the federation’s efforts to transform horse racing into a truly national spectacle.
Dantata praised the President’s backing through the National Sports Commission (NSC), describing it as vital for propelling horse racing to new heights. He commended NSC Chairman, Alhaji Shehu Dikko, for his contributions towards the success of racing competitions in Nigeria.
“We recognise the President’s profound respect for Northern traditions, as well as his desire for Northern unity,” Dantata continued, noting that this respect drives Tinubu’s enhanced support for equestrian activities steeped in regional tradition and Islamic values.
He expressed hopes of seeing horse racing evolve into both a national and international event, crediting key stakeholders, including the Grand Patron Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, and various emirates for their encouragement.
“Five countries participated in the event: Cameroon, Chad, Niger Republic, Burkina Faso, and Mali, who are our international partners in racing competitions in Nigeria,” Dantata added.
Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, the Etsu Nupe and chairman Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, echoed Tinubu’s initiatives to enhance horse racing in Northern Nigeria and beyond. He stressed the federation’s dedication to fostering national unity and prosperity through a shared love for equestrian sports, emphasising the importance of preserving cultural norms and traditions.
“The race, characterised by its traditional essence, provided an opportunity to celebrate our culture through various activities,” Abubakar noted.
The Emir of Zazzau, Alhaji Ahmad Nuhu-Bamali, appealed to the federal and state governments, along with other stakeholders, to elevate the status of horse racing in Nigeria, urging that the support received by football be similarly extended to other sports. He called for increased funding, improved facilities, and more sponsorship for both local and international horse racing events.
“Sports unite people, communities, and countries. We must sustain and replicate this derby,” the Emir, who also holds the title of Grand Patron II of the federation, remarked.
The event saw Tinubu’s horse, ‘Hope Renewed’, clinch the title of the fastest horse for the fifth consecutive time. Following the competition, six cars were awarded, including one for the winning horse, alongside cash prizes. The winners of the various race categories received prize money ranging from N350,000 to N700,000.
Dignitaries present at the competition included Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, represented by Special Adviser on Traditional Rulers Alhaji Muntari Ibrahim, as well as Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas and various other notable figures.
The event not only showcased top equestrian skills but also underscored the potential for horse racing to serve as a unifying cultural force within Nigeria.
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