By
Babangida Galleon
YOLA POLO
Adamawa state Government has expressed readiness to partner with the Nigeria Polo Federation to encourage more participation in the sport activity in the state.
Adamawa state governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri made this known during the closing ceremony of the 2023 edition of the National Polo Tournament, organized by the Nigeria Polo Federation in Yola, the state capital.
Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri said the state government will continue to support the game of Polo in the state so as to harness the potentials in the sporting activity.
Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri who expressed interest in the game said it has both tourism and economic advantages, adding that the government will ensure conducive environment where Polo sports will excell.
The governor said, being the hub of northeast, Adamawa state is ready to partner with the Nigeria Polo Federation in order to harness the economic and tourism potentials of the game.
While admiring the skillful display of talents by the players during the finals, the governor lauded his royal highness , the Lamido of Adamawa, Barkindo Aliyu Mustafa for his continuous support and sponsorship of the tournament in the state.
Governor Fintiri said the importance of the game cannot be overemphasized hence the need to tap into the potentials and harness both the tourism and economic advantages involved.
The governor, awarded five million naira to the winners of the governor ‘s cup in the tournament and equally pledged that henceforth the Emir of Mubi’s cup will be introduced in the tournament to add more colour to the competition, adding that winners of the Emir’s cup will go home with three million Naira as well.
In his welcome remarks, the captain of the Yola Polo club, Mohammed Baba expressed delight that after a break as a result of COVID-19 the tournament is back again.
Mohammed Baba appreciated the tremendous support of the lamido of Adamawa, who is equally the grand patron and life chair of Yola Polo club, Doctor Muhammadu Barkindo Aliyu Mustafa for making the tournament possible.
The game of ten players , five from each team was first played in Yola at the eastern gate of the Lamido’s palace in 1935 and later transferred to the present Yola Pol ground.
Some of the players who participated during that period were the late Lamido if Adamawa, Alhaji Aliyu Mustafa, late malam Umaru wambai, late malam Barade Hammawa and late Shettima Garga among others
This year’s tournament was mainly sponsored by the Adamawa state Government with other major sponsors like Adamawa emirate Council, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Alhaji Abdulkadir Mamba, Boss Mustafa, Alhaji Modi Halilu and comrade Salihu Mustafa among others.
