Nigeria’s Horse Racing Federation plans top-tier derby: Etsu Nupe
The Etsu Nupe and life patron of the Horse Racing Federation of Nigeria, Yahaya Abubakar, says the federation is planning a ‘Grade-One’ horse racing derby in Nigeria.
He spoke at the ongoing International Horse Racing Derby, which commenced on Thursday, at the Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar III International Race Course, Bida.
Mr Abubakar, who is also chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, said, “Such derbies attract participants from across the world. They have the same level of prestige as the Royal Ascot, Preakness Stakes, Dubai World Cup, Saudi Cup and the Kentucky Derby.”
The Etsu Nupe added that the federation was founded in 2019 to create a national platform for organising, hosting, and regulating horse racing across the country.
According to him, the federation is dedicated to promoting national unity and prosperity by bringing people from diverse regions together through a shared passion for equestrian activities.
He said sustained efforts would be intensified to strengthen the cultural norms and values of the people through sports, preventing cultures and traditions from going extinct.
Also speaking, Sa’idu Umaru, the Lakpene Raba Nupe and national treasurer of the federation, said this year’s event was organised in honour of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He expressed delight at the wider participation from across Nigeria and other West African nations, with various breeds of horses gallantly partaking in the epochal event.
The national treasurer described the 2026 event as unique, noting that all participants were law-abiding and there was absolute fair play.
He underscored the significance of horse racing in fostering peace, unity, and socio-economic prosperity for host communities and the nation at large.
He therefore urged greater federal government support for horse racing, given its link to national unity and the economy.
Mr Umaru added that the grand finale on Saturday would witness the historic attendance of Nigeria’s first lady, Remi Tinubu, wives of governors, traditional rulers, captains of industry, and several other distinguished horse racing enthusiasts from across the nation and Africa.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Economy
Naira ends week stronger with 0.9% gain against dollar at official market
Data published on Friday by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) showed the local currency gained N1.34 compared with Thursday’s closing rate of N1,381.52 per dollar.
States
Niger: Police rescue two suspected phone thieves from mob
He identified the suspects as Hassan Abdullahi, 20, and Khalifa Bashir, 22.
Heading 5
Court of Appeal nullifies Electoral Act provisions on parties’ primary election, membership register
Zenith Party argued that the disputed Electoral Act provisions unlawfully interfered with the internal affairs of political parties.
Lagos
Governor Sanwo-Olu inaugurates climate investment fund
Mr Sanwo-Olu described the fund as a landmark intervention.
States
Judiciary partners revenue board to boost IGR in Taraba
Mr Agya commended the service for its reforms.
NationWide
NRC reaffirms police partnership to protect rail assets
Mr Opeifa described the nation’s railway infrastructure as critical national assets that must be safeguarded.
