Yakowa Tears Flood Kaduna’2012 Polo Festival

The prestigious Kaduna” 2012 international polo tournament that attracted a record 36 teams this year was cruising to its traditional pomp and pageantry grand finale when the unthinkable happen. Nigerian polo has lost one of its great benefactors, Sir Patrick Yakowa in a most shocking circumstance.

What started as a rumor discussed in hush-hush tones, turn a hunting nightmare when the Kaduna State Deputy Governor Alhaji Ramalan Yero who joined other dignitaries for the Georgian Cup finale, left the Murtala Mohammed Square venue of the festival suddenly.

Within minutes, the whole arena was in turmoil, rendering the Georgian clash between holders, Kaduna EL-Amin and the ambitious Rubicon from Abuja, completely irrelevance. Almost everyone was on the phone trying to come to terms with the tragic loss of Governor Yakowa who was the Patron of Kaduna Polo Club, in a helicopter crash in far away Bayelsa.

 Kaduna EL-Amin who had labored from 4-0 down to level up 8-8 in the fifth chukka of the explosive Georgian Cup final delayed their return for the last chukka as the news of their governor’s death hit their pony line.

“The moment we heard the news, the last thing in our minds was the game. I was shocked to the marrow, still believing that it was not true,” declared Bello Buba of EL-Amin. We completed the game absence mindedly, because the death of our governor and the patron of our club was devastatingly unreal.”

Senator Hadi Sirika whose Rubicon won their first ever Georgian Cup title 10-9 in the sudden death decider, race across the field to his car and left in horror. What would have been the happiest day for the polo crazy Senator who had earlier in the day lost his in-law in Kano, was a total mess.

What a day! I can’t believe this. I just lost my in-law hours ago and now this…. This is the worse that has happen to Nigerian polo, since the death of Governor Shehu Kangiwa,” Sirika mourns as he left for Kano that night.

The devastated Nigerian Polo Federation (NPF) President, Francis Ogboro hurriedly called an emergence meeting, while the emirs and other dignitaries left in tears. As the crowd disperses in shock disbelieved, sponsors and hospitality providers hurriedly dismantle their stands as Yakowa tears brought Kaduna’2012 polo to an abrupt end.

“On behalf of my humble self, Trustees, Management Committee and the entire members of Kaduna Polo Club, we express our utter shock and devastating grief at the news of the death of our patron and the Executive Governor of Kaduna State, His Excellency Sir Patrick Yakowa and other prominent Nigerians in a helicopter crash in Bayelsa State.” The club stated in a statement.

“As a mark of respect for his unalloyed support to Kaduna Polo Club, we hereby cancel the on-going Kaduna’2012 international polo tournament,” the statement signed by the Acting President of Kaduna Polo Club, Mohammed Babangida, added.

“As our esteem patron, Governor Yakowa was expected as the Chief Host at the grand finale of Kaduna’2012 tournament where President Goodluck Jonathan was expected as the Special Guest of Honour. His death is as painful as it was unexpected,” Babangida mourns

“The vacuum created by the demise of Governor Yakowa and these notable Nigerians will be difficult to fill. Our hearts go his immediate family, the good people of Kaduna State and Nigerians generally, as we grief this national loss,” the statement continue.

“Babangida who described Yakowa’s tragic death weeks after the Kaduna polo club lost its Life President,  Alhaji Hassan Hadejia, as one too many. He prayed for the repose of the souls of all who died in the Bayelsa crash.

“May the Almighty Allah in His infinite mercies grant the gentle soul of our dear patron and others who perish with him, Eternal Rest.,” the statement concluded.

Others who expressed shock at the sudden death of Governor Yakowa include the NPF President, Francis Ogboro who was earlier that morning returned for another tenure, former Speaker of House of Representatives, Right Honourable Dimeji Bankole, Honourable Aliyu Wadada,  Aliyu Musa of MTN and NPF Secretary Mohammed Kyari, among others.

Three major cups had already been decided before the legendary Murtala Mohammed square was turn into ocean of tears. Debutant and former House of Reps. Speaker, Honourable Dimeji Bankole won his first major polo title in Kaduna, carting home the Emir of Katsina Cup with his Bankole Foundation side.

NACHO Cup holders, Kaduna Safaz Shelters successfully defended the medium-goal title they won last year. The Shuaibu Zakari powered side parading Bello Buba, Abdullahi Danjuma and Umaru Ahmedu out paced four other oppositions, to retain the prize.

 Honourable Ibrahim Kontagora’s Ibako Subline came from behind to beat Kaduna Trappco in the Emir of Katsina Cup second place final, while Katsina Danmasani lost ½-3 to Safaz to pick the NACHO Cup runners-up title.

Some of the prestigious cups that were not decided before the shocking news include the EL-Amin Cup, MTN Cup, Sardauna Cup, Shehu Kangiwa Cup, Kere Ahmed Cup, Veterans Cup and Beginners Cup, among other selected prizes.