The 7th edition of the Argungu Polo Tournament and Cultural Fete will be held from September 8th to 10th at the sprawling NSK Polo Ranch and Resort in Argungu, Kebbi.
Alhaji Nura Kangiwa, Director of the National Institute of Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), made this clear in a statement from Joesef Karim, Executive Director of the Organizing Committee, on Monday in Abuja.
Nigeria’s dominance in the burgeoning West African sports and cultural tourism industry will be further showcased at the annual Argung polo tournament and cultural festival, Kangiwa said.
He said the Argungu Polo Tournament and Culture Fete has lived up to its billing over the years as one of the most spectacular and heavily visited African Polo and Cultural Tourism Festivals in Nigeria.
Hee said international officials have heralded the event, adding that since its inception in 2016, leading polo teams from popular Nigerian polo clubs have regularly participated in the prestigious tournament. .
He added that the tournament is run by the Argungu Emirate Council, Kebbi State Government and Fan Milk, among other corporate organizations that have historically supported the event.
Argungu is one of Nigeria’s historically significant towns and host town for the famous Argungu International Fisheries Cultural Festival, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Nigeria.
“Over the years, tournament organizers have consistently engaged polo and tourism communities and Nigerian business stakeholders to partner to make the event more profitable for local host communities. have gathered together.
“NSK Ranch & Resort started hosting polo tournaments in Kefi, Nasarawa and now in Argung, Kebi.
But cultural and entertainment groups from neighboring West African countries have been attracting players, residents, visitors and tourists with their awe-inspiring traditional performances, he added.
According to him, the group hails from the Republic of Niger, the Republic of Benin, and the host’s destination, the ancient kingdom of Argungu, now called the Emirate of Argungu.
Argung Polo Tournament and Cultural Festival
NIHOTOUR DG said the event’s organizing committee has announced that polo clubs participating in the tournament will play to win one of the prestigious cups such as the Governor’s Cup and the Sultan’s Cup.
Others include Argung Emir’s Cup, Kano’s Emir’s Cup, King Apollos Chu’s Cup, Lai Mohammed’s Cup, Chef Kangiwa’s Cup, and Abubakar Dangiwa Umar’s Cup.
“The committee indicated that six polo teams will participate in the tournament: NSK Farm Team, H. Hago Team, Ayatoun Team, JRB Solar Team, Niho Tour Team and Osoro Team,” he said.
He said more than 24 polo players, including some of Nigeria’s best, and over 80 polo horses will take part in the three-day tournament.
Kangiwa, who holds the traditional title of Turakin Kebbi and is also a patron of the Argungu Polo Tournament and Cultural Fete, has promised that the activities scheduled for this year’s tournament will surpass previous editions.
“This year, more envoys, international dignitaries and foreign government officials are expected to attend the event.
“Cultural and entertainment organizations from West African countries have confirmed their participation and are currently coordinating accordingly.
“Some of the traditional exhibits at the event are culinary arts, traditional wrestling, camel racing, horse racing, mini Durbars, folk dancing, bullfighting and many other rare traditional spectacles,” he added. I did.
He made it clear that the event is one of the truest examples of the successful management of Nigeria’s tourism commodities by the private sector in collaboration with the host community.
Kangiwa lauded the pioneering role and fatherly support provided by Argungu chief Alhaj Samaira Melah, grand patron of the polo tournament.
The Nigerian News Agency (NAN) reports that the Argungu Polo Tournament and Cultural Fete served Nigeria’s domestic and inbound markets. Historic African destinations offering dignified polo competition, traditional sports and cultural activities.
The aim is to sustainably improve the economic multiplier effect of the event on Kebbi residents and tourist host communities. (NAN)
