Jos Polo tourney as driving force for peace in the Plateau
In a bid to ensure a long lasting peace in Plateau State, the Jos Polo Club and corporate organizations are hoping to use the noble game of kings, Polo for yet another quest at the forthcoming 2018 Jos Polo Tournament.
Polo has been the major driving force for peace in the state for decades now and that sterling platform is far from abating.
Captain of the Jos polo club, Yusuf Umoru Dauda said that despite the recent security challenges in the state, stakeholders believe that the annual tournament will this year; continue to foster unity in the state.
A renown polo administrator and a lawyer, Haroun Audu insist that polo as the single most popular sports cum tourism factor that attract tourists in their droves to the Tin City annually, is key to return of the much anticipated lasting peace in the state.
Audu, who is marketing communications adviser to one of the biggest stake holder, NASCO Group, said the continuing involvement by benefactors in the Jos Annual Polo Tournament is consciously anchored on the commitment to promote peaceful coexistence, through sports-tourism.
He noted that this bold step has and will continue to signal the return and consolidation of peace, harmony and communal relationships in Jos, Plateau State and its environs.
“Polo players, guests and tourists are excited to be in Jos at this time of the annual polo tournament, united by their love for the game, and their attraction to Jos, Nigeria’s foremost home of peace and tourism.”
As you are reading this preparations are in top gears in the Tin city with the Jos Winter Polo Tournament billed for December 26 to January 2, 2019, is already upon us with many teams hitting town for this special end of year polo carnival.
One such team that has already become the talk –of-the-town is the defending champions, Jos Malcomines who are eyeing another victory to extend their domination to four straight wins.
Powered by the newly elected Secretary of the Nigerian Polo Federation (NPF), Murtala Laushe, Jos Malcomines side are branding a winning stretch that puts them head and shoulders above others jostling for the event’s biggest prize, the Governor’s Cup.
“We are preparing hard for this and when it comes to playing before our teeming supporters, oppositions have very little chance of surviving.” Laushe declares shortly after leading his team to another good outing at the Keffi Open international polo tournament.
Laushe who played vital part in his team’s victory run that started in Jos, runs through Zaria, Bauchi, Argungu, Katsina, Yola and Keffi, is confidence that his squad has what it takes to retain the Governor’s Cup for the third time in a row.
“We are preparing hard for this and when it comes to playing before our teeming supporters, oppositions have very little chance of surviving.” Laushe declares shortly after leading his team at 2018 Keffi Open international polo tournament.
“Jos Malcomines polo team has a duty to make the government and the proud people of Plateau State happy and we intend to give them a fitting xmas and New Year present by winning the main prize at stake ,” Laushi who doubles as the Tournament Manager declares.
Jos Polo Captain, Dauda disclosed that major prizes at stake are the Governor’s Cup which is the biggest reward, NASCO Cup, and President Cup, with enough low goal teams on hand for thrilling contest.
He also confirmed that teams from Abuja, Zaria, Maiduguri, Katsina, Yola, Bauchi, Sokoto, Kano and Keffi are listed for actions.
The weeklong event will see the players and the horses competing for top honours in the four main championship cups. There are also a handful of subsidiary prizes spread on the bouquet for individual awards.
Nigerian Polo Federation (NPF) President, Francis Ogboro who confirmed the readiness of the national body to continue its partnership with Jos Polo Club, declared that NPF was committed to the promotion of peace and tourism in Jos.
Ogboro, who described Jos as a special city, said national polo ruling body was delighted to be part of the prestigious annual polo tournament and enjoys the traditional hospitality of Plateau State people, particularly Jos, as the home of peace.