Horse Racing Derby Drives African Unity and Regional Integration, Says Sokoto Governor

The 12th National Horse Racing Derby organized by the Sokoto State Government, Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu has described it as a major platform for promoting African unity, regional integration and cultural diplomacy through sports.

The State Governor 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 importance as a cross-border sporting and cultural festival in West and Central Africa.

The championship, he said, 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, according to Aliyu’s Deputy, Idris Gobir, who represented him.

He reiterated the commitment of the state government to upgrade 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 praised the organisers of the horse racing competition and acknowledged the role the event plays in entertaining people, promoting peace and security, and providing employment opportunities for the youth, thus contributing to the socio-economic development of the country.

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The governor reiterated his administration’s readiness to continue to support events like the Derby and other sports activities in the state.

Celebrating a Living 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 the oldest traditional sporting activities in Nigeria.

He recalled its extensive history in the state which dates back to the administration of late Civilian Governor, Shehu Kangiwa.

Congratulating the competition’s organizers, participants and guests on its successful holding, he called upon them to continue the initiative so as to preserve and promote the country’s rich cultural and sporting heritage.

Senator Wamakko also said that the Sokoto State Government under the leadership of Governor Ahmed Aliyu is committed to building a befitting and modern race course that would compete favourably with similar facilities in the country.

Enhancing Regional Cooperation
The Vice-President of the Sokoto Turf Club, Dalha Sidi, in his welcome remarks, said the annual derby had continued to deepen people-to-people relations among participating states and African countries.

He was hopeful that the event would promote closer regional cooperation through sports and cultural exchange.

Sidi praised all the 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 rewarded with trophies, cash prizes and vehicles, while those in the President’s Cup category shared over N37million and six vehicles.

Senior government officials, lawmakers, members of the judiciary, traditional rulers and horse racing enthusiasts from within and outside Nigeria were among the dignitaries present at the event.