The ambitious drive give the ever popular Nigerian
polo a new face by the Nigerian Polo Federation (NPF) has hit another milestone
with the issuance of Certificate of Incorporation (CoI) to the game’s ruling
authority by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).
Thanks to the commitment of the Francis Ogboro led
NPF, the profile of the noble which celebrated its centenary eight years ago,
made a splashing return to the international arena with Nigeria’s participation
at the 2011 Polo World Cup Playoffs in Malaysia.
Since that global outing, the noble game of kings
has been breaking new grounds and the latest development which has received the
approval of the corporate world will go a long way to open more opportunities
to the game that has reposition its as one of the biggest corporate sports
globally.
The CoI which was issued November 14, 2012 listed seven
great Nigerians who have made their marks in the development of polo as the
duly appointed Trustees of the Nigerian Polo Federation. The certificate was
signed and sealed by the Registrar of the Corporate Affairs Commission, Bello
Mahmud.
The incorporated Board of Trustees of the NPF has Alhaji
Lawal Kaita as the Chairman. Other members of the board are, HRH Alhaji. (DR.)
Muhammadu Barkindo Mustafa,CFR, The Lamido of Adamawa, Brig.-Gen. Oluwole
Rotimi (rtd), Brig.-Gen. Mobolaji Johnson (rtd) Alhaji Umaru Shinkafi, Marafan
Sokoto, Alhaji Ahmed Joda, and Maj.-Gen. M.A. Garba (rtd)
A release issued by the NPF Secretary, Mohammed Baba
Kyari, expressed gratitude to the Life Chairman of NPF, His Royal Highness Alh.
(Dr.) Abdulmumuni Kabir, for his unflinching support. The release also single
out NPF President Francis Ogboro and Barrister Eddie Onah whose persistent
pursuit of this objective, saw to its fruition.
“We give thanks also to all member clubs of the NPF
and indeed each and every player, member and lovers of polo, for their support,
patience, perseverance, steadfastness, commitment, confidence and trust to see
us through to this day.” The scribe stated.
“Avery special thanks must also go to our much
respected and worthy members of the Registered Board of Trustees of the NPF who
in the interest of the sport of polo took up the challenge, endorsed the effort
and actively participated in the process that made this possible,” Kyari added.
The widely circulated release also urged all polo
patrons, players, individual and corporate benefactors to continue to strive
and build upon the development of the noble game of polo here in Nigeria as
well as internationally.
“We must look forward to participating once again in
the forthcoming FIP World Cup in 2014 and the Olympics in 2016 where polo will
once again be an Olympic sport having been removed from the official programme
after the 1936 Summer Olympics.”
While the Nigerian sporting world has been buzzing
about this development, the Sports Ministry, National Sports Commission and the
Nigerian Olympic Committee, have all thrown their weights behind NPF in its
avowed determination to give Nigerian polo a new face.
The incumbent President, Francis Ogboro who has been
unanimously endorsed for a second tenure, had while taking over the mantle two
years ago in Kaduna, promised to reposition the game.
“The first thing I say to the Nigerian polo family
in accepting their charge to lead the Nigerian Polo Federation, is to
rededicate myself and all of my colleagues in the team to the service of polo,”
Ogboro had declared in his Acceptance Speech.
“And my task, my mission, my commitment to the
Nigerian Polo Federation is to lead it to the achievement of all of the
opportunities and to promote polo in Nigeria and reposition the Nigerian polo
globally.”
“The game of polo by reason of its rich and esteem
history, its great capacity and the camaraderie, sportsmanship and dedication
of the players, stands on the threshold
of a new era of great achievement.”
“This is a special game that fosters unity,
confident, team spirit and discipline. Polo is a great sport that can achieve
anything it wants if we all set our minds to it. And no polo player should ever
shrink from a passionate belief in the ability and the capacities of this noble
game to reclaim its past glories in Nigeria.”
“The rest of the world sees us as great sportsmen, a
united family and today you the players by your decision have declared yourself
confident and hopeful about polo’s future, “Ogboro had concluded.
