Barau Praises Keffi Polo Tournament as a Pillar of National Unity

By Iyojo Ameh

Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, has lauded the Keffi Polo Tournament, describing it as a major driver of national cohesion.

Barau made the remarks while addressing journalists at the closing ceremony of the 10th Anniversary edition of the Keffi Polo Tournament in Keffi, Nasarawa State.

According to reports, Senator Ahmed Wadada (APC–Nasarawa) is the founder of the Keffi Polo Ranch and organiser of the annual event.

Barau stated that the polo tournament continues to enhance Nigeria’s sporting development while fostering unity among citizens.

He said: “The game brings us together. When you look around, you see people from every part of the country — Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo and others.

“It unites us. It’s always a unifying factor that strengthens our togetherness. It also helps to grow our sporting potential, which is very good. It has many advantages,” he added.

Barau, a frequent participant at the event, noted: “I’ve been coming regularly. I attended the last four tournaments. And here we are again. I can see that this year is better organised and well structured.

“So, I commend Senator Wadada for hosting this event every year. It has been impactful. Previously, it was organised to raise funds for children, and substantial funds were raised to support indigent kids who lack access to education.

“He deserves encouragement to continue staging the event annually. We are ready to support you financially and in every other way,” Barau said.

Also speaking, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports, Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP–Bauchi), described the tournament as “a brand in Nigeria”.

He stressed the need to keep encouraging young people to embrace the values of sportsmanship and applauded individuals like Wadada for investing personal resources to sustain the event.

Ningi noted that the tournament attracted people from different ethnic groups, reinforcing the idea that sports unite Nigerians.

“We must continue to encourage ourselves. Our differences are minor compared to what binds us. What I keep telling people and the media is that we must highlight the positive aspects of this country,” he said.

Commenting on sports development in Nigeria, Ningi commended President Bola Tinubu, noting that the administration has shown commitment.

“Looking at the 2024 and 2025 Budget provisions, if fully utilised, I believe they will transform sports development in Nigeria.

“All we can do is continue to encourage the President. We will also ensure that approvals from the National Assembly support the advancement of sports in the country,” he said.

Founder of the Keffi Polo Ranch, Senator Wadada, expressed delight at the milestone marked by the tournament’s 10th anniversary.

“I feel very elated, fulfilled, and indeed challenged by the gathering of numerous personalities and VIPs.

“The challenge is to do even more next time so that we attract even more distinguished guests,” he said.

Wadada added that although polo was not a common sport when it first entered Nigeria, it has now gained prominence.

“This inspired the establishment of the Keffi Polo Ranch — to bring civilisation to my people and use it as a platform to open up my state to the world.

“As you can see, the world comes here — from the UK, South America, Argentina, Dubai — and within Nigeria, we have captains of industry, politicians, royal fathers, and others,” he said.

He thanked the Nasarawa State Government for its consistent support.

“For the past 10 years, the Nasarawa State Government has been very supportive, especially for tournaments aimed at supporting education.

“The governor and his administration have remained committed to improving the educational environment in the state,” Wadada said.

A key highlight of the event was the unveiling of a newly constructed pavilion named after the late George Coumantaros, founder of Flour Mills of Nigeria (FMN), in appreciation of the company’s sustained support for Keffi Polo.

Among the dignitaries present were the Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State, Emmanuel Akabe, and several royal fathers from within and outside the state.