Tag: Polo Club

Newly elected President of the Lagos Polo Club, Adeyemo Alakija, has unveiled an ambitious roadmap for the club’s future, with a strong focus on infrastructure development, inclusivity, and the preservation of its rich heritage.

Alakija made this known at a press conference held in Lagos yesterday, 20^th  January, ahead of the commencement of the new polo season.

Outlining his vision, Alakija said his leadership would be guided by the principle of leaving the club better than he met it.

 “My vision for this club is simple,” he said. “My grandmother always says, never leave anywhere the same way you met it. For me, it’s about continuing to improve the Lagos Polo Club and taking it to greater heights.”

He explained that his administration is committed to strengthening the club’s internal structure by fostering a vibrant and diverse membership while maintaining the high standards and values enshrined in its constitution.

 “We want to keep building an interesting fabric of members and ensure that we continue to uphold the constitution of the club and the reputation we already have, which is very, very good,” Alakija stated.

Infrastructure upgrade forms a key pillar of the new leadership, as the club seeks to expand its facilities to better accommodate members and enhance their overall experience. While polo remains the centrepiece, Alakija emphasised that other sports within the club will also receive increased attention.

 “A lot of people don’t know that we have other games here, including squash, table tennis and darts,” he said. “We want to keep expanding the infrastructure for these sports and generally develop polo as a whole, by building the younger generation and opening it up to more ladies to play.”

He pointed to the successful Ladies Invitational Tournament held in December last year as evidence of the club’s commitment to inclusivity.

 “That tournament was very successful, and it shows that we are intentional about being all-encompassing and ensuring that all demographics are covered and can enjoy the sport of polo,” he added.

Addressing questions on the quality of the club’s polo turf, Alakija affirmed that the pitch already meets international standards, while noting that continuous improvements are planned.

 “Our turf is world standard, but there is always room for improvement,” he said. “We are constantly growing new grass where it is needed, and we are also planning drainage works around the club to improve water movement and prevent water from sitting on the field. It’s an ongoing development process.”

Beyond polo, the club is also gearing up for increased competitive action in its other sporting disciplines. According to Alakija, tournaments in squash, table tennis and darts are in the pipeline, with sponsorship support already secured.

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 “Our Other Games member, Mr. Fred Allison, is charged with ensuring the development of those sports,” he explained. “You can look forward to competitions around squash, table tennis and darts. We have sponsors lined up, and we are very excited about pushing these initiatives.”

With competitions scheduled to begin from January 27, Alakija also highlighted why the Lagos Polo Club stands out as a must-visit destination for sports enthusiasts during the season.

 “In Lagos, you can watch football or basketball almost anywhere, but polo is different,” he said. “Lagos Polo Club is the biggest polo club in the country in terms of clout, membership and history. It also offers a great environment for networking and social interaction, beyond just what happens on the field.”

Further emphasising the club’s stature, another official at the press conference recalled its long-standing legacy, noting that the Lagos Polo Club was founded in 1904.

 “We are talking about over 122 years of existence,” the official said. “There is a deep heritage of polo here. The quality of polo that will be played this season is top in Nigeria and top in Africa. If you want to experience quality polo in the right environment, you don’t want to miss being at the Lagos Polo Club from January 27 to February 15.”

As the new polo season approaches, the Lagos Polo Club appears poised for another landmark chapter under Alakija’s leadership, blending tradition with development and a renewed commitment to inclusivity.

There is a renewed sense of commitment at the Tombia Road GRA Road home of Port Harcourt Polo Club after its Annual General Meeting (AGM)   renewed the mandate of  the Prince Henry Agbojan-led Management Committee following  the  innovations and transformation brought to  the foremost polo heaven.

The AGM held recently in the Rivers State capital city was elated that apart from hosting a successful Niger Delta Polo festival, Prince Agbojan and his management team ,also declared  profits  in the tournament’s account.

As a result of its astute financial management, the AGM has given the committee that chance to carry on with all the members retaining their seats and continue to steer the club to new heights.

Other top decisions taken during the annual meeting was the resolve of the highest authority of the club to relentlessly pursue the promotion and development of polo in the state, the Niger Delta region by attending all the major tournaments across the country.

It was also gathered that the AGM also decided to increase the registration fees for new members and upward review of subscription fees for all members. A new executive position that would coordinate membership welfare was added to the committee during the meeting.

The new management committee was put in place to pilot the affairs of the club after a peaceful and a successful election held at the Club House of the club on 30^th  June 2024.

Members of the committee pledged their commitment to the promotion of the ‘Game of Kings’  in the state to maintain the elite status of Port Harcourt Polo Club as the torch bearer of the game in the Niger Delta Region.

Others elected members of the management committee who were given to retain their seats are   Barrister Dolapo Attoni (Vice President & Tournament Committee Chairman), Dr. Ikenna Nebolisa (Polo Captain), Raphael Olowu (the Treasurer), Kester Buzugbe as (Honourable Secretary) and Tournament Manager, David “Buba” Sikpa.

Other returning members of the 12- member New Management Committee include Victor Ojum, Austin Onimisi, Alfred Okubo, Manasis Adams, Peter Batuba, Tito Ifejika and Madam Nnene Onochie who serves as Membership Secretary of the club.

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Only last January the Prince Henry Agbodjan -led management committee surpassed all expectations when it organized and hosted one of the most successful Port Harcourt polo tournaments in years.

The polo festival attracted, royalties, like His Royal Majesty King Diette Spiff, King of Opobo, and HRH Lamido Adamawa, top personalities from government, industries, diplomats and tourists across the world, saw Malcomines of Jos, Abuja YBL and Minna Bago teams clinched top prizes

 The Miners from Jos who arrived loaded with their Patron and President of Jos Polo, Murtala Laushi, left no one in doubt about their intention in the Garden City, powering past PH Wiltten Aviation team to retain the glittering King Diette Spiff Cup for the second time on the trot.

The Abuja YBL team won the OB Lulu Briggs Cup while David Sikpa mounted Lagos Sidafeco team finished runners-up.  Visiting   Minna Bago team won their first-ever TY Danjuma Cup, just as Bob Track team enjoyed podium celebrations after defeating visiting Katsina Danmarna warriors to clinch the JTJ Princewill Cup.

There were other proud winners in the coveted President Cup, Governor’s Cup and Arch. Roland Cookey-Gam Cup.

Awards were handed out to organizations and deserving individuals for their unwavering support for the tournament and promotion of the noble game of kings in the region and the country as a whole at a colourful prize presentation ceremony that drew the curtains on the prestigious festival.