The Managing Director, Ecobank Nigeria, Patrick Akinwuntan has commended Kaduna Polo Club for organising Kaduna Polo tournament in the last 100 years. Mr. Akinwuntan said the Kaduna Polo Club has distinguished itself to become the reference point for the Polo game in Nigeria and Africa. “We felicitate with the organisers of Kaduna Polo tournament for the last 100 years despite the upward and downward trajectories of our political and economic history. This is by no means a small feat. As a pan – African Bank, we are indeed proud to be part of the supporters of the tournament.”

Akinwuntan. who was represented by Regional Head, Advantage Banking FCT/North, Rita Etomi Ademola,  at the Centenary tournament in Kaduna recently, saluted the resilience and tenacity of Kaduna Polo Club for organizing the international tournament stressed that Ecobank is proud to be part of the success story.

While re-stating the readiness of the bank to support various sport initiatives in the country, he disclosed that an aspect of the Bank’s vision revolves around “partnering with associations, organizations and reputable bodies that support sports development in the country. At Ecobank, we are well aware that boosting participation in sports can generate a variety of socio-economic benefits and also makes a profound and positive impact on individuals, communities and the wider society.”

Speaking earlier, President of the club, Suleiman Abubakar commended the sponsors of the tournaments for keeping faith with the Club, adding that the competition has become popular over the years and usually attracts both local and foreign golf players across the world.

According to him, the centenary tournament tagged “Tournament as celebration of legacy’’ is essentially to mark their achievements, stressing that “The Kaduna Polo is rolling out the drums to mark its Centenary. We have witnessed an unprecedented turn out of participants and sponsorship for the centenary polo tournament. We are very happy with what has been achieved. We are also celebrating the legacies of our fore fathers.”

Kaduna Polo Club was established in 1918 by the British Colonial Administration. It is a melting point of the Northern Nigerian Elites from the first generation up this today. The annual tournament which started in 1919 and holds every year takes place at the famous Murtala Square Polo Ground and attracts politicians, top civil servants, military giants, technocrats, industry experts, etc. it is the nest of Africa’s most prestigious polo trophy, the Georgian Cup, an ancient trophy made of Georgian Silver in 1785 and donated to Kaduna Polo Club in 1919. The Kaduna Polo Club celebrates its 100 years anniversary this year.