NSK Farms set for Argungu polo tourney

Over 10 polo teams will compete in the 2017 Argungu Polo Tournament scheduled to hold from March 24 to March 31 at the NSK Polo Ranch and Resort, along Sokoto-Argungu road in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State.

The Patron of NSK Farms Nura Kangiwa said yesterday in a statement that the tournament was the first of its kind to take place alongside the Argungu Fishing and Cultural Festival.

He said that the tournament was part of events lined up to revive the popular festival which was last held seven years ago.

The four-day annual festival held in Kebbi State is one of Nigeria’s internationally recognized tourism attractions but has not been held after the last edition in 2009, posing a huge revenue loss for the local economy and the country.

Kangiwa, who is also the “Turakin Kebbi”, noted that the Argungu fishing festival had recently been listed in the prestigious UNESCO’s world heritage list.

“As you are aware, there’s a World Bank report that mentioned that 80 percent of world’s tourists head toward destinations in the world heritage list,” Kangiwa said.

He said the participating teams for the polo tournament would compete for various cups donated and sponsored by government bodies, corporate organisations and individuals.

He said: “The tournament will bring together the elite, captains of industries, sports enthusiasts, business moguls, tourists and individuals alike.”