The Former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo (retd), has called on the Nigerian military, particularly the Nigerian Air Force, to embrace and develop the game of polo, describing it as a sport capable of promoting tourism, unity and revenue generation across the country.
The retired Naval Chief made the call during a commemorative polo match organised in celebration of his 60th birthday anniversary, where military officers, friends and associates gathered to honour his contributions to the Armed Forces and the development of polo in Nigeria.
Vice Admiral Gambo said “the Nigerian Army had already established itself strongly in the sport, while the Nigerian Navy also made significant progress during his tenure as Chief of Naval Staff through the establishment of the Nigerian Navy Polo Association.
“I look forward to the Nigerian Air Force also creating its polo association so that together, we all make money out of the game of polo,” he said, adding that the Navy teams were already competing successfully against several clubs across the country.”
According to him, the game of polo has deep historical and cultural roots, especially in Northern Nigeria where horses were traditionally used for transportation across the Sahara, stressing that the military equally inherited horse-riding traditions from the British colonial era.
He explained that military cadets were trained in equitation, the art of horse riding, which remains an important aspect of military ceremonies and mounted parades conducted by the Armed Forces and the Nigeria Police Force.
Gambo noted that beyond recreation, polo has strong economic potential if properly harnessed.
He said the sport could fund itself and create employment opportunities through sponsorships, tourism and international competitions.
Gambo disclosed that before leaving office, he established the Nigerian Navy Polo Association Board of Trustees and also facilitated the development of the Nigerian Navy Polo Pitch with tourism-friendly facilities designed to attract local and international polo enthusiasts.
Speaking at the event, former Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor (retired), described himself as a passionate lover of polo and said he attended the occasion to honour Vice Admiral Gambo, whom he had known since their days at the Nigerian Defence Academy who was his junior.
Irabor prayed for God’s continued blessings upon the former naval chief, wishing him good health, sound mind and many more years of service to humanity as he marked his diamond jubilee celebration.
Also speaking, President of the 36th Regular Course, Brigadier General Mustapha Onyebecha (retired), said colleagues and associates of Gambo attended the event in solidarity and gratitude to God for his life and service to the nation.
The Director General of Voice of Nigeria, Mallam Jibrin Baba Ndace, urged Nigerians to support national security efforts and embrace sports such as polo as platforms for unity and national development.
Victoria Ibanga
