The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, has commended the Northern Derby for preserving Nigeria’s cultural heritage through horse racing and equestrian sports.
Tinubu gave the commendation at the 44th Northern Derby, Zaria 2026, held in Zaria, Kaduna State.
The event was organised by the Premier International Horse Racing Company in collaboration with the Northern Nigeria Turf Club Authority (NNTCA) and the Zaria Turf Club.
The Northern Derby in Nigerian horse racing is a prestigious annual international equestrian competition that celebrates the region’s century-led traditional horsemanship.
It was established to preserve cultural heritage and it brings riders, owners and spectators from Nigeria and neighbouring Sahelian ountries like Niger, Cameroon and Burkina Faso.
Represented by the Wife of the Vice-President, Hajiya Nana Shettima, the First Lady described the annual derby as more than a sporting event, saying it remained a celebration of Nigeria’s cultural identity and heritage.
“I commend the Northern Nigeria Turf Club Authority for its commitment to preserving and promoting one of the country’s cherished cultural and sporting traditions.
“This annual competition celebrates sporting excellence while preserving a rich cultural heritage handed down through generations.
“The Northern Derby has become a symbol of history, culture and identity, bringing together horse racing enthusiasts, traditional rulers, community leaders and participants from Nigeria and neighbouring West African countries,” she said.
She paid tribute to the late Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto and Premier of the former Northern Region, describing his vision for preserving cultural heritage and promoting unity as enduring.
The First Lady also commended the organisers for sustaining a platform that promotes tradition while creating opportunities for young people in sports, cultural activities, entrepreneurship and community development.
She urged Nigerians to continue supporting traditional institutions, describing them as critical partners in promoting peace, unity and social cohesion across communities.
Tinubu congratulated the winner of the First Lady’s Trophy and other participants, expressing optimism that the Northern Derby would continue to grow as a source of pride for Zaria, Kaduna State and Nigeria.
Earlier, the Emir of Zazzau and President of the Northern Nigeria Turf Club Authority, Ahmed Bamalli, called for stronger institutional and private sector support for horse racing and equestrian sports.
“Zaria is a historic centre of culture, education and administration.
“Equestrian culture remains an enduring expression of the history, values and identity of Northern Nigeria,” Bamalli said.
He said the late Sir Ahmadu Bello established the Northern Nigeria Turf Club Authority in 1962 in recognition of the role of horse racing and equestrian sports in promoting social cohesion, discipline and economic development.
The emir appealed to the National Sports Commission to officially recognise and support horse racing as one of the country’s national sports.
He also called on corporate organisations, financial institutions and other private sector stakeholders to support the authority and affiliated turf clubs through corporate social responsibility initiatives.
The trophies, cash prizes and cars were presented to winners in various categories at the end of the competition.
