President Bola Tinubu says the Federal Government will promote traditional sports, especially horse racing, to empower youths, strengthen unity and stimulate economic growth.
Tinubu spoke through Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, at Saturday’s Renewed Hope West African Horse Racing Derby grand finale at Murtala Square, Kaduna.
Tinubu apologised for his absence, attributing it to pressing national engagements beyond his control.
He congratulated the Horse Racing Federation of Nigeria for uniting participants from Nigeria and across West Africa to celebrate one of Africa’s oldest sporting traditions.
Tinubu honoured the late Sir Ahmadu Bello, Sardauna of Sokoto, for establishing the Northern States Horse Club Authority in 1962.
He said preserving traditional sports alongside modern development remained vital for strengthening national unity and protecting Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage.
The President said reviving horse racing would create jobs through skills development, tourism, livestock production and increased private sector investment.
“Horse racing attracts all age groups, especially youths aged 18 to 35, making it a platform for discipline, healthy competition and economic participation,” he said.
Tinubu said establishing the National Sports Commission replaced the former Sports Ministry to reposition sports as a commercially viable sector.
He said the Renewed Hope Initiative for the Nigerian Sports Economy was improving governance, accountability and sustainable financing across the sports sector.
The President said government approved measures allowing the commission to diversify funding through partnerships, sponsorships, concessions and innovative financing models.
“These reforms will improve athletes’ preparation, strengthen institutions and reduce dependence on annual government budgetary allocations,” Tinubu said.
He also confirmed the approval of a Sports Infrastructure Development Bank to finance construction, rehabilitation and maintenance of sporting facilities nationwide.
Tinubu highlighted Kaduna’s reconstruction of Ahmadu Bello Stadium and the planned revitalisation of the Zaria Horse Racing and Polo Club.
He said government was strengthening grassroots and elite sports, improving domestic leagues and increasing support for federations, coaches and athletes.
Tinubu added that anti-doping reforms included the Nigerian Anti-Doping Act and an independent National Anti-Doping Centre meeting global standards.
He described horse racing as “a complete industry” linking culture, agriculture, tourism, entertainment, hospitality and commerce, beyond ceremonial significance.
Tinubu urged young Nigerians to embrace horse racing as a career and encouraged investors to partner the federation and sports commission.
Horse Racing Federation Life President, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, thanked Governor Sani for hosting the championship and supporting the sport’s development.
Abubakar said the federation remained committed to restoring horse racing’s glory and expanding competitions across West Africa.
“Horse racing symbolises courage, unity and excellence while promoting friendship, peace and regional cooperation,” Abubakar said.
The championship concluded with several competitive races featuring horses from leading stables across northern Nigeria.
Bamba Bamba won the Etsu Nupe Cup, Speedy Stable claimed the Emir of Zazzau’s Cup, while Ramadan captured the Sultan of Sokoto’s Cup.
Mujaheed won the Speaker of the House of Representatives’ Cup, while Hannan claimed the Gov. Uba Sani Cup in Division II Sudan Open.
Traditional rulers, government officials, sports administrators, athletes, horse owners, polo players and enthusiasts attended from northern Nigeria and neighbouring West African countries.
