President Bola Tinubu has affirmed that his administration is dedicated to elevating horse racing in Nigeria to new heights. The president pledged to make horse racing an all-year-round event.
Tinubu made this announcement on Saturday in Kaduna at the grand finale of the Renewed Hope International Horse Racing Derby, organised by the Horse Racing Federation of Nigeria (HRFN) under the theme, “Sahel Savannah Series 2025”.
Represented by the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Malam Shehu Dikko, Tinubu stated, “We are fully committed to the overall development of sports in the country. We will collaborate with the federation to elevate the sport to the desired level, as it showcases our rich cultural heritage and traditions.
“It also fosters unity among citizens and other parts of Africa while boosting the economy and tourism,” he added.
The president emphasised the significance of horse racing, highlighting its alignment with his Renewed Hope Agenda.
In a message delivered at the event, the life president of the federation and Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, remarked that the historic occasion celebrated Nigeria’s rich equestrian tradition.
“It also exemplified the collective spirit of regional integration and cultural heritage across sub-Saharan Africa,” he stated.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the eminent monarch, represented by the Lakpene Raba Nupe and financial secretary of HRFN, Alhaji Sai’du Umaru-Lakpene, further expressed: “At the core of the series lies 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,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmed Bamalli, has urged wealthy Nigerians to invest in horse racing, stating: “Sports in Nigeria require increased investment, not solely from the government but also from affluent individuals.
“This is crucial, and we need more such investments to elevate horse racing to greater heights,” he emphasised.
Bamalli, speaking to NAN on the sidelines of the event, suggested that such investments could be effectively made through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), noting that they often yield substantial returns in various ways.
He asserted that investments in sports, particularly in horse racing, would create more jobs and significantly reduce the troubling issue of youth restiveness.
According to him, “This will also encourage local horse breeding, thereby reducing the massive importation from countries like Argentina and others. This will further aid in conserving much-needed foreign exchange and ultimately bolster the country’s economy.”
He described horse racing as a potential unifying factor in Nigeria, Africa, and beyond.
Bamalli, also the grand patron of the federation, remarked, “This event is significant because it brings together people from various regions of the country and across Africa.
“As you can see, everyone is here, and there is a palpable sense of happiness. It promotes harmony and peaceful coexistence,” he stated.
In his address, the Chairman of HRFN, Alhaji Tajudeen Dantata, asserted that the occasion marked a pivotal 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.”
In his remarks, the federation’s national coordinator, Alhaji Abubakar Mustapha-Bida, stated that the initiative was dedicated to fostering national unity and prosperity.
He explained, “This is accomplished by bringing together individuals from diverse regions through a shared passion for equestrian 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.”
Bida, who coordinated the horse racing competition, noted, “We had five countries participating in the event: Cameroon, Chad, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali. They are our international partners during racing events in Nigeria.”
It is worth recalling that Tinubu’s ‘Hope Renewed Horse’ has maintained its winning streak, clinching the title of the fastest horse in Africa for the sixth consecutive time.
At the conclusion of the historic tournament, six cars were awarded, including one won by Tinubu’s horse, which continues to hold the top position.
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