Ahmed Aliyu, the Sokoto State Governor, has described the 12th National Horse Racing Derby organized by the Sokoto State Government, as a major platform for promoting African unity, regional integration and cultural diplomacy through sports.
The State Governor has described 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.
Horses, jockeys and spectators from Nigeria, Niger, Chad, Cameroon and Burkina Faso came for the event tagged “Sokoto 2026,” highlighting the derby’s growing significance as a cross-border sporting and cultural festival in West and Central Africa.
Aliyu’s Deputy, Idris Gobir, who represented him, said the championship had gone beyond competition to become a vehicle for strengthening friendship among African nations, preservation of common cultural heritage and stimulation of tourism and economic activities across the region.
He reiterated the state government’s commitment to upgrading the Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko International Race Course at Durbawa to international standards to be able to host bigger continental equestrian events in the future.
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He commended the horse racing competition organisers and noted that the event plays a role in entertaining people, enhancing peace and security and creating employment opportunities for the youth, thus contributing to the socio-economic development of the country.
The governor reiterated the readiness of his administration to continue to support such events like the Derby and other sports activities in the state.
Promoting a Vibrant Cultural and Sporting Heritage
Also speaking, former Sokoto state Governor and Senator representing Sokoto North Senatorial district, Senator Aliyu Wamakko, said horse racing is one of Nigeria’s oldest traditional sporting activities.
He remembered its extensive history in the state tracing back to the administration of late Civilian Governor, Shehu Kangiwa.
He congratulated the organizers, participants and guests on the successful holding of the competition and called upon them to continue the initiative so as to preserve and promote the country’s rich cultural and sporting heritage.
Senator Wamakko further said that the Sokoto State Government under Governor Ahmed Aliyu is committed to building a modern and befitting race course that would compete favourably with similar facilities in the country.
Enhancing Regional Cooperation
In his welcome address, Dalha Sidi, Vice-President of the Sokoto Turf Club, said the annual derby continued to deepen people-to-people relations among participating states and African countries.
He said he was optimistic the event would further strengthen regional cooperation through sports and cultural exchange.
Sidi praised all stakeholders who helped make the exercise a success.
The grand finale had 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 were presented with trophies, cash prizes and vehicles, while those in the President’s Cup category shared over N37million and six vehicles.
Dignitaries at the event included senior government officials, lawmakers, members of the judiciary, traditional rulers and horse racing enthusiasts within and outside Nigeria.
