Navy pledges commitment to Polo development in Nigeria

The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Awwal Gambo, has pledged the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to the development of the game of Polo in Nigeria.

Gambo made the pledge on Saturday at the maiden and induction of the CNS Cup into the calendar of events of the Lagos Polo Club held in Ikoyi, Lagos.

Speaking at the event, which attracted several dignitaries from both public and private sectors, Gambo expressed the Nigerian Navy’s delight to be part of the event to further contribute to the growth and development of Equestrian sport in Nigeria.

He said, “It is on good authority that the British Naval Officers introduced the game of polo to Nigeria on the turf of the Lagos Polo Club. So, it would be right to say that the Lagos Polo Club and the Navy family have come a long way and I make bold to say that the relationship would only get better.

“I am happy to inform you that the Nigerian Navy remains committed and would continue to nurture the relationship with Lagos Polo Club for our mutual benefits.”

The CNS thanked President of the Lagos Polo Club, Ayo Olashoju, and other executive members for instituting the CNS Cup as one of the trophies to be competed for in the club.

He said even though the Nigerian Navy was just introduced to the game of Polo in 2021 by the 21 Guards Brigade Polo Club, the Navy Polo Team competed in the Port Harcourt Polo tournament and won its first trophy.

He noted that unlike individual sports, the game of Polo highlights the importance of building strong communication, developing leadership skills and team work among the players.

“These attributes are quite instructive regarding the development of camaraderie needed to foster synergy and teamwork among personnel.

“I am optimistic that the game would equally boost Nigerian Navy civil-military relations efforts, a valuable force multiplier to gain the support of the civil populace in pursuit of our national security objectives,” he said.

In his remarks, the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Dr. Bashir Jamoh, said he was impressed by the participation of the Nigerian Navy in the Polo tournament just as he noted that sports help bring people together across boundaries.

“This is a very good development. Today we have the Nigerian Navy, NIMASA and other agencies together. The development of sports brings about togetherness. So, it is trying to give the kind of coordinated efforts we are doing among ourselves not only in terms of work but also in sports,” he said.

Chairman, House Committee on Defence, Babajimi Benson, who described Polo as the sport of kings assured that with the induction of the CNS Cup into the calendar of events of the Lagos Polo Club, the game would be sustained with the right sponsorship.

He said, “Polo is a sport for kings and it is good that we have the CNS here today because it speaks to the civil-military engagement and cooperation we all talk about. As a Service, it is sustainable with it being in the calendar of the Polo club. I am a member of the Polo club and we don’t take competitions lightly. More so, Polo is one of the games we are promoting so with good sponsors, it will continue.”