September 17, 2024

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Food Security

FG inaugurates coordinating unit on food security, cost

By Salisu Sani-Idris

Vice-President Kashim Shettima on Friday inaugurated the Presidential Food System Coordinating Unit (PFSCU), with a mandate to improve food security and crash the cost of food items in the country.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the inauguration of the unit was held at the presidential villa Abuja.

This followed a presentation by the Technical Assistant to the President of Agriculture, Office of the Vice-President, Marion Moon.

Shettima said: ” the nation is facing a rare food security crisis and the sooner we come to terms with reality, the better.

“Food insecurity endangers the very basis of our democratic experiment and this is why all hands have to be on deck.

“We are in a food security crisis but it also provides us the opportunity to re-engineer and reposition the nation on a firmer footing.”

Shettima, who noted the unit was not created to usurp the functions of the Ministry of Agriculture, said the urgency and seriousness of the matter at hand requires the ideas and resources of all stakeholders.

He made reference to the Green Imperative Programme, a government-catalyzed, private sector-driven, agricultural industrialisation programme, as one initiative which the PFSCU must activate and operationalize.

He stated that with improved farming practices, improved seeds, use of fertilizers, Nigeria’s agricultural productivity could be turned around for the better.

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, explained that the unit would coordinate all agricultural activities and the food system among the three tiers of government.

Kyari added that the unit, which membership cut across the three tiers of government, would report to the presidential economic coordinating council which is under the chairmanship of President Bola Tinubu.

Also, Gov. Umar Namadi of Jigawa State, said the inauguration of the unit was in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Tinubu and the agenda of all governors.

” So I think the issue of food security is now being taken seriously and I’m sure with this committee a lot of things will be achieved.

“And I’m sure with this result now, though in our respective states we are representing in our regions and we know in our regional meetings at the state level we will be able to implement what has been decided in the coordinating unit.

“And the outcome of this will be very important because at a small holder the farmer will be assisted and also mechanisation and irrigation issues will come up.

” And these are the major things we need to do to boost agriculture in this country and I think what we are doing at our state level, now we are going to be encouraged and things will work better for Nigerians.”

On his part, Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno, expressed concern over increasing cost of food items in the country.

Zulum particularly said that non-availability of food items was a matter of great concern to all governors.

He emphasised the need for a coordinated approach, citing low productivity and population growth as a major challenge to the nation’s food security drive.

He called for investment in commercial agriculture, improved funding, and enhanced security for farmers.

Gov. Bassey Otu of Cross River State, said the state was looking to feed the country, adding that his government must modernize agriculture to feed the population.

“We are an agrarian state, and we have stepped up our game,” Otu noted.

Gov. Mohammed Bago of Niger, proposed his state as a pilot for the President’s food security initiative.

He revealed that Niger has invested over N100 billion in agricultural mechanization, with 5,000 tractors and 20 pilot irrigation systems available.

Bago called for support from the federal government, World Bank, and other development partners to ensure the success of these initiatives.

The Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, Patricia Obila, also spoke on the state’s unique topography and its potential to enhance its renowned Ebonyi Rice production.

She noted the need to introduce tractor mechanization to ensure year-round production and leverage youth participation by incentivizing agriculture with farm settlements equipped with necessary social amenities. (NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Oil & Gas

NNPCL unveils 12 CNG stations in Abuja, Lagos

Malam Mele Kyari GCEO, NNPC Ltd. (Right) Flanked by Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), with other dignitaries on Thursday at the commissioning of 12 CNG stations

 

By Emmanuella Anokam

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has inaugurated 12 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) stations across Abuja and Lagos State,  to enhance access to cheaper and cleaner fuel in the country.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Mr Ekperikpe Ekpo inaugurated the 12 stations on Thursday simultaneously in Abuja and Lagos.

NAN reports that eight were sited in Abuja and four others in Abuja, respectively.

The Abuja stations are located at the Airport Road; Kubwa, Gaduwa, Olusegun Obasanjo Way, Zone 1, Dei-Dei Junction, Duste-Bwari Road and Gwagwalada.

The NNPC Ltd., under a strategic partnership with NIPCO Gas Ltd. executed the projects to offer CNG to a wide range of CNG vehicles including tricycles, cars, buses and heavy transport vehicles.

The Abuja and Lagos stations have a combined dispensing capacity of over six Million Standard Cubic Feet (MMSCF) of CNG daily, serving approximately 15,000 vehicles daily.

These CNG stations, according to NNPC, feature advanced reciprocating and hydraulic booster compressors, ensuring a dispensing pressure of 200 bar of CNG vehicles.

Ekpo said the gesture demonstrated the determination of the Federal Government to drive the CNG project to ensure gas prosperity.

According to Ekpo,  the stations will not only provide economic benefits by creating jobs and stimulating local economies, rather contribute significantly to Nigeria’s national goals of reducing emissions and combating climate change.

“Today the stations are being commissioned simultaneously in 12 stations in the country, gas prosperity is in progress.

“I commend the NNPC Ltd. for living up to their mandate to ensure that CNG is available for Nigerians. It is irreversible.

“From the daily production in the country currently we are only using three per cent that goes a long way to tell you that irrespective of the demand, we will meet the target.

“And of course the NNPC Ltd. and other investors are not relenting in making sure that they go into new development of gas,’’ he said.

Malam Mele Kyari, Group Chief Executive Officer NNPC Ltd., said the Abuja stations would soon connect to the AKK Gas Pipeline, becoming a mother CNG station.

Kyari added that the stations’ power needed would be met by gas-driven generators, reducing carbon emissions.

He said the CNG would be supplied to stations in Abuja and Lagos via virtual transportation from mother stations in Ajaokuta, Kogi and Ibafo in Ogun state.

The CNG station on the Airport Road, Abuja includes a 5-bay CNG Vehicle Conversion Workshop, capable of converting five to six vehicles daily.

Under Presidential CNG Initiative, NNPCL and NIPCO Gas entered into strategic partnership for expansion of CNG stations across Nigeria, and 35 CNG stations are to be constructed.

Speaking with NAN, the Director, Presidential-CNG Initiative, Mr Toyin Subairu said with CNG usage, at N230 per litre, against N680 per litre of fuel a driver would save about N70,000 per week and N2.6 million a year.

Speaking on cost of conversion rate which is about N600,000, Subairu said the kits would be provided to commercial vehicles at 50 per cent surcharged, to enhance access to the CNG.

He said Nigerians are willing to convert their vehicles to CNG engine judging by the queues they witnessed currently, which encouraged the opening of more CNG stations across the country.

“Before the station attendants could convert four vehicles daily, now apparently they can do 13 vehicles daily.

“President Bola Tinubu will want a million kits to be given for free and conversion done for free in the country to assist Nigerians,’’ he said . (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Politics

Tinubu departs Lagos for South Africa

 

By Itohan Abara-Laserian

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday departed Lagos at 11.06 a.m. for Pretoria.

Tinubu is to attend inauguration of  re-elected South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The president will return to Nigeria after the ceremony.
Lagos State Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and other dignitaries saw Tinubu off at the Muritala Muhammed International Airport,  Ikeja.
The president was transported in a Dassault Falcon 8X aircraft with registration number 9H-GRC.
Tinubu had arrived Lagos on Friday for the Eid-el Kabir festivities.
He had called on Nigerians to make sacrifices that would make the nation great. (NAN) www.nannews.ng
Edited by Ijeoma Popoola
President Bola Tinubu and South Africa’s President, Cyril Ramaphosa.
Politics

Tinubu to attend inauguration of South African President Ramaphosa

By Salif Atojoko

President Bola Tinubu will on Tuesday depart Lagos for Pretoria, South Africa, to attend the inauguration of President Cyril Ramaphosa.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the inauguration of Ramaphosa follows his re-election as president for a second term.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President, Media and Publicity, said in a statement on Monday that President Tinubu would return to Nigeria after the ceremony. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

NEITI logo
Oil & Gas

FG inaugurates NEITI’s task team on oil, gas, mining sectors

By Emmanuella Anokam

The Federal Government on Monday inaugurated the Inter-Ministerial Task Team (IMTT) of Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI).

The IMTT is an important aspect of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) process in Nigeria, being a decision made by the Federal Executive Council, after the release of the first NEITI oil and gas report that covered 1999 to 2004.

The essence of the task force is to study each NEITI industry report on oil, gas and solid minerals sectors and the Fiscal Allocation and Statutory Disbursement (FASD) report, and report the key findings.

The team will make recommendations in its report and identify the agencies that are responsible, to carry out the remedial actions as recommended by the Independent Administrators.

Performing the inauguration, Dr Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, Executive Secretary, NEITI, explained that the objective of the task team was to ensure that NEITI did not just publish reports that gathered dust on the shelves of the agency.

Orji said such findings by the team would help to deepen government’s oversight and reform of the oil, gas and mining sectors for productivity and transparency.

“In addition, it will enhance accountability in a manner that provides the greatest good for the greatest number of Nigerians who are the ultimate beneficiaries of the country’s natural resources.

“The IMTT is also expected to map out strategies that will track and report on the progress made towards the implementation of the findings and recommendations in the NEITI reports.

“NEITI has envisaged that the reforms in Nigeria’s extractive sector especially, the implementation of the Solid Minerals Roadmap and the enactment of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) would have taken over the work of the IMTT.

“But recent developments have clearly shown that the IMTT has come to stay and remains relevant due to its unique composition and responsibility,” he said.

He said the last EITI validation and the recent international mission conducted by the EITI in Nigeria, equally identified the need for the IMTT, reinforced NEITI’s position that the task team should be invigorated.

The executive secretary added that the mission had also strengthened to help oversee the implementation of the recommendations of NEITI’s reports.

“NEITI is, therefore, convinced that the IMTT framework is better positioned to meet the challenges identified in the governance framework that has been put in place for the extractive sector.

“NEITI is also of the view that the achievements and impacts it has recorded in the sector will be tracked and documented under the framework of the IMTT.

“This is against the background that the IMTT structure will support in tracking and measurement of where we are, where we should be and how we could get there,” he explained.

Orji listed the partner agencies to achieve IMTT to include the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd. (NNPCL) and Office of the Accountant General of the Federation.

They also include the Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS), Revenue Mobilisation and Fiscal Commission (RAMFAC) and Ministry of Petroleum Resources.

Others are: Representative of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Office of the Auditor General of the Federation, Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Office of the SGF, Corporate Affairs Commission, Niger Delta Development Commission and the Mining Cadastre Office, among others.

Meanwhile, Mr Simon Tyungu, a director and representative of the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), congratulated the team members on their selections to serve the country in such capacity.

Tyungu assured that the team would not disappoint the government on the task given to them.

“As representatives of various agencies, we would always do our best to ensure that we achieve our goals.

“As a matter of fact, we all know that NEITI is an agency of transparency.

“And I want to urge all of us that in the conduct of our assessment, we have to be mindful of whatever we are going to do because NEITI activities are in the full glare of the press and International body, EITI,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Salif Atojoko

Inaugurated board of trustee members of NNPC E&P Limited (NEPL), a subsidiary of NNPC Limited
Oil & Gas

NEPL inaugurates board of trustee for host communities in Edo

By Nefishetu Yakubu

The NNPC E&P Limited (NEPL), a subsidiary of NNPC Limited on Friday inaugurated a board of trustee each to manage the 14 host communities in its area operations as contained in the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

The benefiting communities are Umuedeokwara Odagwa, Uherevie, Warnog, Utrew, Benin River, Agura, Kanodi, Okoea, Egboajudieba, Isoiteija, Abuowaska, Moamog, Asa Pinnacle and Odikan

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that NEPL is required to make an annual contribution of 3 per cent of its operating expenditure in the Upstream Petroleum to the communities.

Inaugurating the Boards in Benin, Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, Executive Vice President, Upstream, NNPC Limited, commended the Federal Government for implementing the PIA.

Eyesan said that the essence of the boards was to ensure that the host communities were positively impacted from the resources that was coming from the exploration of oil and gas.

“We are here to inaugurate 14 host communities development trust fund as stipulated in Chapter Three of the PIA.

“So, inauguration of the boards is a major milestone for us because it brings the communities and the Settlor together to chat a positive path for community development.

“In the past, we had Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMOU) that enabled the development of communities but the trust fund is more effective.

“It ensures that the communities are empowered economically, socially and are sustainably represented in our operations.

“So, it is a great milestone for us because it is not an easy feat to get communities to agree to come together,” she said.

Eyesan said that with the establishment of these trust funds and their boards, the company was confident that it would have less negative impact on its pipelines and infrastructure.

She encouraged the trustee members to work with the company and the communities to ensure that NNPC facilities were protected to enhance production.

The Managing Director, NEPL, Nicolas Foucart, said the board members had received a one-day intensive training that would guide them through their assignment.

Foucart noted that the boards were saddled with the responsibility of ensuring that the trust funds were judiciously used to develop the various communities.

He said the NEPL was committed to ensuing transparency and accountability in oil exploration in its host communities.

“We believe that your participation is crucial in shaping the future of our host communities and the company,” he said.

He disclosed that NEPL had embraced several engagement models for its host communities which had grown from just 13 communities in 1989 to over 600.

According to him, it may interest you to know that NEPL was established as NPDC in 1989 with a production target of 1,000 barrel of oil per day from one onshore mining lease.

“Today, NEPL has grown and recording production target of 300,000 barrel of oil per day,’’ he said.

In her goodwill message, Mrs Lara Coker, General Counsel, Shoreline Natural Resources Ltd, urged the trustees to work and ensure they exceeded the expectations of NEPL.

According to her, I want to encourage you all to be up and doing so that by next year, we will have loads of projects to commission.

Mr Ben Igbakpa, one of the boards’trustee members, thanked NEPL for the opportunity to serve adding that the inauguration was better late than never.

Igbakpa assured that each of the board of trustees would work together to attract development and better the lives of the host communities. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Joe Idika

Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Aliyu Abdullahi
Agriculture

FG inaugurates 6th Council of Nigerian Institute of Animal Science

By Doris Esa

The Federal Government has inaugurated the 6th Council of the Nigerian Institute of Animal Science (NIAS).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that NIAS is the regulatory agency of the ministry of Agriculture and Food Security on Animal Husbandry.

The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Aliyu Abdullahi, while inaugurating the council on Wednesday in Abuja, urged them to bring their experience and expertise to bear towards actualising food and nutrition security.

He expressed confidence that the institute through the guidance of the council would provide positive short and long term solutions to build resilience and sustainability across the livestock value chain.

The minister said that livestock in Nigeria had made tremendous progress and grown into an organised industry, which had contributed significantly to the country’s agricultural Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

He called on NIAS, as a critical stakeholder, to bring its regulatory prowess to forefront, while maintaining highest standards.

Abdullahi said the administration of President Bola Tinubu was committed to having programmes that would ensure that the livestock production sector played a critical role in the country’s development.

“Livestock production across all the value chains remains a significant tool for industrialisation of our economy and ensuring sustainable and nutrition security.

Also speaking, the President of NIAS, Prof. Baba Abubakar, said the inauguration of the council by the minister demonstrated his level of commitment to the activities of the institute.

Abubakar said that the institute had established 18 states and zonal offices across the country.

He appreciated the hard work, passion and dedication of the institute founding fathers and other members for their efforts to ensure that NIAS progressed.

Abubakar assured the minister of the council’s commitment in supporting the government towards achieving national food nutrition security.

The president also called for further amendment of the NIAS Act.

NAN reports that the council comprised of 29 statutory members who will serve for a tenure of three years in line with the NIAS Act. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Joseph Edeh

Committee on Veterans Federation of Nigeria bill with Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Dr Ibrahim Kana
Defence/Security

Defence ministry inaugurates committee to review Veterans Federation bill

By Deborah Coker

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Dr Ibrahim Kana, on Wednesday inaugurated a 10-member committee to review the proposed Veterans Federation of Nigeria Bill.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the committee’s primary objective is to propose necessary amendments to the bill that is expected replace the Nigerian Legion Act, Cap N119 Laws of the Federation, 2004.

The committee is also expected to deliberate and consult widely to ensure that the proposed Veterans Federation of Nigeria Bill adequately addressed the pressing issues facing Nigerian veterans.

Addressing the committee shortly after the inauguration at the Defence headquarters, Kana charged members to diligently review the proposed bill.

He also charged them to proffer immediate solutions to enhance the welfare and livelihoods of Nigerian veterans.

He emphasised the need to ensure that the proposed legislation aligns with the evolving needs and aspirations of nation’s esteemed veterans.

“Our veterans have selflessly served our nation with honour and distinction. It is imperative that we prioritise their well-being and address their concerns through effective legislation.

“I urge the committee members to work tirelessly towards developing a comprehensive bill that will significantly improve the lives of our veterans,” Kana said.

NAN reports that the permanent secretary of the ministry will serve as the chairman of the committee, while Dr Jude Alozie, Director, Veteran Affairs Department, will serve the secretary.

Retired Maj.- Gen. A.M. Jibril, National Chairman, Nigerian Legion and Mrs Olu Mustapha, Director Joint Services Department, Ministry of Defence, are among those that were present at the inauguration. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

Outgoing Vice Chancellor, Bingham University, Prof. William Qurix
Education

Bingham University inaugurates 8 projects

By Blessing Ibegbu

Bingham University, Karu, Nasarawa State, on Friday inaugurated eight new projects as outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Williams Qurix, prepares to hand over.

The projects were inaugurated by different executive officers of the institution at the university’s main campus, Auta Balefi, Karu.

The inaugurated projects included the senate building, Multi-users Laboratory, and Centre for Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Leadership Studies.

Others are the Faculty of Administration, Expansion of Faculty of Law Library, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, and two Sit-outs.

Qurix, who could not hide his joy, appreciated the university and the Board of Trustees for the opportunity to serve.

He said that irrespective of one’s area of calling or profession, one should put the task/assignment first instead of personal interest. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Joseph Edeh

From left: Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Nigerian Army Polo Association (NAPA), Nasiru Danu; former Minister of Aviation and Patron, Rubicon Polo team, Hadi Sirika; a farmer and Polo enthusiast, Farouk Aliyu and the Chairman of NAPA, Brig.-Gen. Adamu Laka, during the inauguration of the NAPA/Guards Polo Club house on the sidelines of the ongoing 2023 National Carnival Polo Tournament in Abuja on Friday (15/12/23)
Sports

NAPA, Guards Polo Club inaugurate new club house

By Emmanuel Afonne

The Nigeria Army Polo Association (NAPA)/Guards Polo Club, on Friday inaugurated its new club house at the Nigeria Army Polo Resort, Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the club house was donated by Lubrik Construction Company (LCC) to the NAPA/Guards Polo Club, Abuja as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

The facility, which cost the firm about N500 million in construction and furnishing, was flagged-off with the groundbreaking ceremony in Nov. 2020.

The inauguration, which took place on the sidelines of the ongoing 2023 National Carnival Polo Tournament, saw former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, perform the ceremonial cutting of the tape at the facility.

Sirika told newsmen that the edifice would propel him, other enthusiasts and fans to watch the game of polo.

“I’m really excited, delighted, happy to have a facility like this.

“I spend most of my time here in this club, it means I am not going anywhere else.

“We now have a lounge where one can relax, enjoy good food, and listen to good music,” he said.

Sirika, who is also the patron of the Rubicon Polo team, stressed that the club house boasts of the best of everything.

He added that the facility was world-class and could rival with the best in the world.

“There’s the open air, the indoor, the exclusive part. This is the best that you can have.

“I think this will take polo and this facility, the Guards Polo Club, to a higher level.

“There’s nothing like it now in this country, and I am really glad that gentlemen and ladies in this club have done this much.

“I’m very excited, and I can’t wait to start using it tomorrow morning,” he said.

The Chairman of NAPA, Brig. Gen. Adamu Laka, said the new club house would serve as a comfort zone for fans and players.

He said that the club had also embarked on a series of programmes in a bid to reproduce potential polo players.

“Well, this is my place. So, we thank the chairman of the Nigerian Army Polo Resort, Nasiru Danu for making this possible.

“We had a clubhouse before, but it was just a little structure, but he was able to bring in investment and bring this edifice to reality.

“So, we are all very thankful to him,” he said.

Laka noted that the club now has a place where people can come and relax, adding that it was also open to the public.

“The clubhouse is a place where you could come have lunch before your game. You can also come with your family to watch the game of polo.

“It’s just a place to relax and have fun.

“This is a place that we hold in great esteem for members of the club, and we will do everything to keep it functional and maintain the standard.

“The management of the clubhouse has a lot to do to maintain the standard and make sure that the food and ambience is what the public wants,” he said.

He also attributed the success of the club, the infrastructural development, and upgraded facilities at the club to the healthy partnership between NAPA and the Guards Polo Club.

“Guards polo club belongs to the Nigerian Army, and the Army is part of the society.

“So, we got the civilians to manage the club because we are not always stable in one place, and it has been a win-win working relationship for all stakeholders,” he said.

The NAPA boss also said that the resort accommodates other sports, apart from polo.

He explained that the idea was to promote grassroots sports development.

“This is the Nigeria Army Polo Resort, and the resort has various facilities, but the major facility here is the polo.

“We started with polo and then the Chief of Army Staff directed that I bring this place to world standard.

“Based on his directive, we introduced an archery club. We have the Scorpion Archery Club, where you can bring your children to learn how to shoot a bow and arrow.

“Then we have a five-a-side football field, a basketball court, and a tennis facility there.

“We are also building a children’s equestrian riding school, where children between the ages 3 to 8 can be trained by professionals on the basics of horse riding before they are introduced to the game of polo,” Laka said.

He said the facility was open to the general public, adding that all interested persons must be duly registered with the club.

Farouk Aliyu, a polo enthusiast, said he was impressed with the infrastructural development at the polo club.

“I’m excited. What I have seen is beautiful.

“Incidentally, last week I watched a World Polo Tournament in Argentina for the first time, and what I saw there is not different from what I see here.

“So, kudos to the Nigerian Army and all the members here.

“We’ll keep supporting them to ensure that this place becomes one of the best places in the world,” Aliyu said.

Nasiru Danu, Member, NAPA Board of Trustees/Chairman, Nigerian Army Polo Resort, said the club house would be run and maintained according to world-class standards.

“What we are witnessing here today is a new partnership with Solon; a group that is also in partnership with the British Council.

“They also operate in Monaco and the UK.

“They manage about five other different lounges in the country, and the whole idea is to see how we can partner with the private sector to rebuild the Nigerian army polo,” he said

Danu noted that the Nigerian Army was the number one club in the country with over 350 Argentine horses in its stables.

He said the quality of the pitch and the ongoing National Carnival Polo Tournament was top-notch and of world standard.

“Of course, you can see the tournament and the level of the competition.

“By Sunday, I assure you, you will be happy to see the final.

“So, congrats to the Nigerian Army and the Guards Brigade members,” he said.

Hassan Gashash, the PRO of Jos Polo Club and Chairman of Nigerian Polo Commentators, said that the Guards Polo Club was leading the way in terms of grassroots development of the sport in the country.

Gashash noted that of all the polo clubs in Nigeria, the Guards Polo Club probably has the largest number of junior members.

He stressed that the only way the future of the sport could be guaranteed was by ensuring that the young ones are developed.

“Abuja has bred a lot of young talents, ranging from the ages of 12 to 15.

“There are about four boys that I have seen here in Abuja that tells me that Abuja has a great future in polo, especially Guards Polo Club.

“Also, with the coming in of the equestrian riding school, you are assured that in the next few years, Abuja will lead the way.

“Poroto Cambiaso is just a teenager, and he is leading the world of polo now. We have the likes of Sa’ad M.S. Aliyu here; we have Al-Ameen Bayero here. We also have the lady player Hadiza Shehu here.

“In fact, polo is growing fast in Abuja and I can assure you that if you come to this place in the next five years, you will see lots of grassroots graduates coming in,” he said.

NAN reports that the Carnival Polo Tournament, which galloped off at the Nigerian Army Polo Resort/Guards Polo Club on Dec. 9 is expected to end with the grand finale on Sunday. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Joseph Edeh

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