Argungu festival to feature polo tournament

NAN-S-13
Polo
By Victor Okoye
Abuja, Jan. 20, 2017 (NAN) More than 10 polo teams will compete at this year’s edition of Argungu Polo Tournament scheduled to hold from March 24 to March 31 in Kebbi State.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the tournament will take place at NSK Polo Ranch and Resort, located along Sokoto-Argungu road in Birnin Kebbi.

Nura Kangiwa, the Patron of NSK Farms, told NAN on Friday 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.

NAN reports that the four-day yearly festival held in Kebbi State is one of Nigeria’s internationally recognised tourism attractions.

But unfortunately, it has not been held since the last edition in 2009, posing a huge revenue loss for the local economy and the country.

Kangiwa, who holds the traditional title, “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 per cent of world’s tourists head toward destinations in the world heritage list,’’ he said.

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

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

He also revealed that other side attractions would include Durbar; an ensemble of horses and horsemen in artistic formation commonly found among the people of Northern Nigeria, traditional music and dance.

“In addition to the durbar and cultural dances, we will have a camel racing competition and variety night.

“The event promises to be outstanding due to the caliber of teams, players and members of the diplomatic community who will add glamour to the tournament,’’ he said. (NAN)
VO/DS/BOLA/PDE
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(Edited by Bola Akingbehin/Peter Ejiofor)