Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu has described the 12th National Horse Racing Derby as a major platform for promoting African unity, regional integration and cultural diplomacy through sports.
The State Governor made the description at the grand finale of the week long Horse Racing Derby organized by the Nigerian Derby Horse Racing Association as part of activities marking the third anniversary of his administration in Sokoto.
The event, tagged “Sokoto 2026,” attracted horses, jockeys and spectators from Nigeria, Niger, Chad, Cameroon and Burkina Faso, underscoring the growing importance of the derby as a cross-border sporting and cultural festival in West and Central Africa.
According to Aliyu, who was represented by his Deputy, Idris Gobir, the championship had evolved beyond competition into a vehicle for strengthening friendship among African nations, preserving shared cultural heritage and stimulating tourism and economic activities across the region.
He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to upgrading the Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko International Race Course at Durbawa, to international standards to enable it host larger continental equestrian events in the future.
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He commended the organisers of the horse racing competition and recognised the event’s role in entertaining people, promoting peace and security, and creating employment opportunities for youths, thereby contributing to the country’s socio-economic development.
The governor reiterated his administration readiness to continue to support events like the Derby and other sports activities in the state.
Promoting Rich Cultural and Sporting Heritage
Also speaking, former Sokoto state Governor and Senator representing Sokoto North Senatorial district, Senator Aliyu Wamakko, described horse racing as one of Nigeria’s oldest traditional sporting activities.
He recalled its rich history in the state dating back to the administration of the late civilian Governor, Shehu Kangiwa.
He congratulated the organisers, participants, and guests on the successful hosting of the competition and encouraged them to sustain the initiative in order to preserve and promote the country’s rich cultural and sporting heritage.
Senator Wamakko further stated that the Sokoto State Government, under the leadership of Governor Ahmed Aliyu, remains committed to developing a modern and befitting race course that will compete favourably with similar facilities across the country.
Strengthening Regional Cooperation
In his welcome remarks, the Vice-President of the Sokoto Turf Club, Dalha Sidi, said the annual derby had continued to deepen people-to-people relations among participating states and African countries.
He expressed optimism that the event would further strengthen regional cooperation through sports and cultural exchange.
Sidi commended all the stakeholders who contributed to the successful conduct of the exercise.
The grand finale featured races for the Sultan’s Cup, Governor’s Cup, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko Cup, Governor Ahmed Aliyu Cup and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Cup.
Winners received trophies, cash prizes and vehicles, while competitors in the President’s Cup category shared more than N37 million and six vehicles.
The event was attended by senior government officials, lawmakers, members of the judiciary, traditional rulers and horse racing enthusiasts from within and outside Nigeria.
