Regulars and newcomers who have been salivating for the much anticipated 2024 edition of the prestigious Keffi Polo Ranch charity tournament will have to wait for some time as the tournament for the orphans and less-privileged has been put on hold by the organizers.
Unlike other postponed tournaments particularly in Kaduna for safety reasons, Keffi Polo Ranch was put on hold to allow the on-going upgrading projects in the resort to be completed ahead of year.
An official of the ranch who disclosed as much, stated that the postponement became necessary to allow contractors handling various projects at the ranch unhindered access to complete the work on time before their first tournament in the second quarter of next year.
“We are looking at upgrading most of the facilities at the ranch to enhance spectators’ views and provide a beautiful ambiance for all visitors to the ranch that serves as the first modern polo ranch and tourist attraction in Nasarawa State,” he said.
A visit to the ranch last week confirmed work in progress as new villas and other facilities spring up across the resort nestling between the popular Abuja and Keffi Expressway in Nasarawa State.
Further checks also revealed that apart from the new villas under construction, other facilities are receiving attention as well.
One of the workers on site pointed out that almost all the facilities on ground would also receive attention including the playing turf, the club house and the grand stands that would be extended to accommodate more guests and spectators during the tournaments and other events hosted by the ranch.
The Ranch built by Senator Aliyu Wadada has since its inauguration over a decade ago, holds two charity polo tournaments in a year. The first event benefits the development of education in Nasarawa State through the Wadada Foundation, while the second intervention tournament is geared toward the less privileged and orphans in the state.
“The whole purpose of hosting the best of polo in Keffi, is my humble way of giving back to the society that has over the years been so appreciative of me and my endeavours,” he pointed out.
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The Federal Government, Nasarawa State Government and other dignitaries have commended the Senator for organizing a tournament in support of orphans.
Governor Sule Abdulahi who applauded the ranch at the grand finale of the last tournament for orphans, enjoined others to emulate the good example of the Senator.
The governor thanked Wadada for his commitment in providing viable platforms such as the polo tournament to elicit support for the orphans and less privileged in the society.
“Our administration will continuously support the tournament because we believe in it,” he said.
Last year, defending champions Malcomines of Jos retained the Senate President’s Cup after edging Keffi Ponys 6-5 at the end of a pulsating encounter in the high goal final. Runners-up Keffi Ponys clinched the Governor’s Cup.
Other top winners of the tournament include the Heritage Haske & Williams Polo team from Yola that clinched the glittering George Coumantaros trophy after beating Intel Autos 3-2 in a closely fought four chukkas final.
Keffi Polo Ranch is a private facility that represents the new order in the old world of the equestrian sport of Polo in Nasarawa State and Nigeria as a whole.
With many thoroughbred ponies stabled in the resort, Keffi Polo Ranch & Club sets a benchmark in excellence while maintaining its relaxed family orientation.