By Palma Ileye
Ahead of the prestigious Argungu Polo Tourney and Culture Fete the ancient Kingdom of Argungu Emirates is wearing new looks ahead of the international sporting cum cultural festival.
Wrapped around cultural ambience, organisers of the 8th Argungu Polo and Cultural Fete have said that all is set as the event is billed to hold at the foremost NSK Polo Ranch and Resort in Argungu, Kebbi State.
According to a press release from the organisers, expected are top Nigerian and foreign governments, Heads of Government, Agencies, Members of the Diplomatic Community and first class traditional rulers from West Africa countries for the event slated 7th – 8th September 2023 as the prestigious Argungu Polo Tourney & Culture Fete hit its feverish pitch, the ancient Kingdom of Argungu Emirates is wearing new looks ahead of the international sporting cum cultural festival.
The Argungu Polo Tournament and Cultural Fete regarded as Nigeria’s only stand-alone Polo fiesta serves as the domestic and inbound Nigeria markets; offering the majesty of the polo game, traditional sports and cultural activities in a typical African setting.
The statement disclosed that Argungu which is one of Nigeria’s significant historical towns, remains the host town of UNESCO’s cultural heritage asset in Nigeria – even as the famous Argungu International Fishing Festival, is being prepped ahead of the event.
The Patron of Argungu Polo Tournament and Cultural Fete, Alhaji Nura Sani Kangiwa, who is the President of Nigeria Polo Federation, NPF, and the Director General of National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism, NIHOTOUR, promised that activities lined-up for this year’s tourney and fete will surpass previous editions.
He explained that the objective of the event that has sustainably improved the economic multiplier-effects of the event to the state residents and tourist host communities will be deepened.
“We will feature more top-tier Polo teams, showcase diverse traditional sports and sundry cultural entertainment indigenous to the ancient Argungu Kingdom and Northern Nigeria,” he said.
Also revealed, more than six polo teams have already confirmed their participation in the fiesta that is traditionally sponsored by Kebbi State Government , the ancient Kingdom of Argungu Emirates under His Royal Highness, Alhaji Samaila Mera, Fan Milk and a handful of corporate giants.
It stated, the major trophies on offer are the Governor’s Cup which is the event’s biggest prize. Others are the Sultan’s Cup, Emir of Argungu’s Cup, Emir of Kano’s Cup, Shehu Kangiwa’s Cup and Abubakar Dangiwa Umar’s Cup, among other laurels.
It further stated that the Fete part of the event will boost an interesting bouquet of the best of African cultures. Some of the exciting displays would include culinary arts, Traditional wrestling, Camel racing, Horse racing, mini-Durbar, folk dancing, Bull fighting, and many other uncommon traditional spectacles.
“Apart from featuring more top-tier Polo teams, this 8th edition showcases diverse traditional sports and sundry cultural entertainment indigenous to the ancient Argungu Kingdom and Northern Nigeria, with foreign cultural troupes from neighbouring West African countries expected to add the needed international flavour, ” Kangiwa declared.
He described the festival as one of the most veritable examples of successful Nigerian tourist product management that serves the domestic and inbound Nigeria markets; offering the noble game of Polo, traditional sports and cultural activities in a historic African destination.
