NPF President Engages Sports Minister on Advancing Nigerian Polo

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

The President of the Nigeria Polo Federation (NPF), Nura Sani Kangiwa has led a delegation of Executive Members on a Courtesy Call to Senator John Owan-Enoh, Nigeria’s Minister of Sports Development, in Abuja yesterday to enhance polo sport in Nigeria.

The discussions at the meeting were primarily focused on fostering support and collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Sports for the progressive development of Polo within the country.

The Nigeria Polo Federation (NPF), the official regulator of Polo games in Nigeria, stands as a distinguished member of the Federation of International Polo, the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) at large. Globally recognized, the NPF adheres to the highest ethical standards outlined by the Federation of International Polo.

Turaki Nura Sani Kangiwa, President of the NPF, extended congratulations to the Honourable Minister, Senator John Owan-Enoh, on his recent appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Kangiwa expressed confidence in the Minister’s capacity to introduce sustainable sports development programs that would ultimately augment the contribution of sports to Nigeria’s economy over time.

During the meeting, President Kangiwa highlighted Nigeria’s prominence in Polo, revealing that the nation boasts 27 clubs and 33 playing fields across the country. He dispelled the misconception that Polo is exclusively a game for the elite, emphasizing its status as an active team sport with participants from diverse socio-economic backgrounds and ethnicities.

President Kangiwa sought the Ministry’s support for hosting an annual National Polo Tournament in Abuja and solicited assistance for NPF’s participation in international Polo tournaments and friendlies. Furthermore, he appealed for the Federal Government’s support in combating African Horse Sickness (AHS) and addressing other equine healthcare needs in Nigeria.

Accompanying President Kangiwa in the Courtesy Visiting team were prominent members of the NPF, including Abdulkarim Jibrin (2nd Vice-President), Sanusi Umar, and Abba Kangiwa.

In response, Senator John Owan-Enoh expressed gratitude for the visit and acknowledged Polo’s popularity in Nigeria. He dispelled the notion that Polo is exclusive to the elite, affirming its accessibility to a broader demographic.

Senator Owan-Enoh committed to popularizing and expanding Polo across Nigeria, particularly among the youth, as a means of fostering equal opportunities for development and empowerment. He expressed readiness to collaborate with the NPF on Polo programs targeting youth development in Nigeria.

The Minister also reiterated his commitment to Polo’s development, expressing his willingness to collaborate with other Ministries, including Agriculture and Health, for the eradication of African Horse Sickness and the improvement of equine healthcare in Nigeria.