As 100 years of Katsina international Polo tournament gallops off
By Abdulganiyu Lukman
The ancient city of Katsina, north west Nigeria , which is dubbed the “Home of polo” is hosting it’s centenary international polo tournament.
As I join the army of celebrants, in my opinion , this celebration is not restricted to Katsina, it is indeed a national celebration of the game of royalty in Nigeria.
So it is also a privilege for some of us, unrepentant polo addicts to witness and pomp champagne , while participating in this noble celebration and competition.
The hypes are high, the euphoria is second to non, as It is expected that patrons, top players, high profile teams, fanatical fans and friends of polo will grace the historic event.
“Nigerian cup and General Hassan cup will be at the center of attraction having over the years gained brand and merchandizing popularity.
The celebration will equally arouse many memories of the early work of our great forefathers, who worked and walked in the spirit of ” Never giving up” to see to it that polo survived in Nigeria.
As we reflect on the historic event and what this is meant to the game of polo in Nigeria, there are several lessons to take away from our experience over the years.
I harbor the strong conviction that this centenary celebration will serve as the sacrificial altar of national unity.
In recent years, Nigerian polo has experienced an internal crisis arising from internal leadership tussles.
No doubt these cases are driven by interest, whatever the reasons for these lingering crisis amongst us, let us use this centenary for “unity”
Gentlemen it is possible to appear “united” without being “one” even in our homes, we might be united in matrimony, but might not be truly one in purpose, plans and indeed in actions. Let our oneness be deeper than our unity.
The oneness of our forefathers made it easier for them to bring polo to where it is today.
Finally, where ever unity exists, God almighty recognizes it. Long live polo in Nigeria and Good luck to Katsina polo I’m.
