The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Yusuf Buratai has inaugurated a new Board of Trustees for the Nigerian Army Polo Association with the former Military Governor of Kaduna state, Col Dangiwa Umar (rtd) appointed as the Chairman.
Other members of the Board include Major General M Garba (rtd), Major General MSA Aliyu, Brigadier General KA Kazir, and Alhaji Nasir Danu.
Speaking at the inauguration, the COAS disclosed that Polo which was introduced into Nigeria and developed by the Nigerian Army was currently experiencing dwindling fortunes noting that the Nigerian Army cannot watch the sport die hence the decision to reinvigorate it.
He said it was for this reason that the board of trustees comprising of experienced, retired officers and persons who are vast in the sport are being inaugurated to bring it back to its pride of place.
“Polo has been a long standing military Endeavour. We must revive the Polo game to the standards for which this country is known for.
“Over the years, because of dwindling participation of Nigerian Army in the game, the facilities which are located on Army land have dwindled and taken over by other groups and persons.
“We want to revive the sport. We will be getting jockeys and improving every of the existing facilities. We want to revive interest in the sport and take it to a higher height.
“We are willing to cooperate with the National body of the Polo Association, and any other interest, including the private sector. We call for sponsors to also partner with us to develop this very important, prestigious and noble game of Nigerian Army Polo Club.
Responding on behalf of the Chairman of BoT, Major General Garba thanked Lt. Gen Buratai for the honour to serve as members of the Nigerian Army Polo Association promising that they would bring their experience to bear in reviving the sport.
Major General Garba (rtd) is a member of the Nigerian Polo Federation Board of Trustees.
