In a bid to foster continuous unity among Nigerians at a time when Nigeria is struggling to remain united as an entity; members of the Turf Club Federation of Nigeria is doing everything within their capacity in line with its core values and mission statement in maintaining peace, stability and unity within Nigeria as they visited the Olugbo of Ugbo, Oba Dr. Fredrick Enitiolorunda Akinrutan OON at his palatial palace in Ode-Ugbo; Ilaje Ondo state last week on a courtesy visit and to show appreciation for the pivotal role he played in the maiden edition of its Turf games held in Bida; Niger state recently.
The delegation’s visit was to further commend Olugbo for finding time out of his tight itinerary to attend the maiden edition of the Turf game dedicated for horse lovers across the country where they converge under one umbrella to display cultural aesthetics among other things to further solidify Nigerians beyond the tribal narrative that is used to weaken our unity.
In the cause of the courtesy visit; members of the turf club through the leadership of the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Sultan Muhammed Saad Abubakar III, disclosed their readiness to allow South-West Nigeria host the sophomore edition which would be hosted within the kingdom of Olugbo and Kabiyesi Akinrutan as the host. This information was contained via a duly signed letter, dated 10th of August which states that: “The federation has resolved to honor your majesty with the hosting rights of the 2nd edition of the prestigious National Horse Racing Derby in your kingdom; this will be the first of its kind to have horse lovers, jockeys owners and sports enthusiast hosted outside of Northern Nigeria”
After the parley; Olugbo’s cultural team displayed the rich Ugbo cultural heritage via songs, dance and its menu. Thereafter, members of the Turf Federation gifted Olugbo a horse as a sign of appreciation for his immense support for the sport and how he has worked assiduously to foster unity and peace within the country. A substantial date for the second edition to be hosted in Ugbo is yet to be announced but Kabiyesi disclosed that; after due consultation with stakeholders and chiefs within the kingdom; an appropriate time will be fixed so the whole kingdom will be in top gear to host visitors who would be coming for the event. “We are willing to make the second edition an experience that would never be forgotten. We would make sure we put every necessary plan in place to make sure the event is successful. We will also make sure that everybody who attends will never forget in a hurry. We Ilaje people are accommodating and our sense of hospitality is unmatched. We are ready to host the tournament and i thank the members who found me worthy of such a great gesture. I appreciate you all. we will keep working creating a positive synergy to make sure Nigeria is stronger in Unity”. Oba Akinrutan disclosed.