President Bola Tinubu’s horse, “Renewed Hope,” has once again claimed the title of the fastest horse in Africa by winning the 2024 edition of the horse racing tournament in Bida. This event was organized by the Horse Racing Federation of Nigeria.
Renewed Hope has successfully defended its title, having won the 2022 and 2023 competitions, making it the champion for three consecutive years.
At the event’s closing ceremony, Governor Mohammed Umaru-Bago of Niger State congratulated the president’s horse on securing first place. He expressed his happiness with the unity that the federation has fostered through this annual event, which concluded on Sunday.
Governor Bago also praised the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, and the Coordinator and National Coordinator of the federation (Sarkin Dawaki Nupe) for their support in sustaining the horse racing tradition in Bida.
In his remarks, the Etsu Nupe emphasized the importance of preserving cultural traditions through sports. As the Chairman of the Niger Council of Traditional Rulers, he stressed the need to prevent the erosion of cultural values.”
The race, a traditional event, offered a platform for cultural displays,” said Etsu Nupe. He expressed his delight at the growing acceptance of horse racing within the emirate and encouraged residents to leverage the economic benefits it brings, especially with participants from other states and countries.
Etsu Nupe highlighted that horse racing is a unique sport that demonstrates the ability to control animals, encouraging sportsmanship and promoting unity across Nigeria, Africa, and globally. He also noted that the event enhances the socio-economic development of Bida, Niger State, and Nigeria as a whole.”
We are committed to maintaining this prestigious event,” Etsu Nupe added. “We are pleased with the success of this fourth edition and look forward to the next one in Kaduna on June 26, In sha Allah.”The Emir of Lafiagi, Kwara, Alhaji Mohammed Kudu-Kawu, also praised the event as a significant tool for uniting traditional institutions. He acknowledged horse racing as a long-standing pastime and a rich cultural heritage, lauding the Etsu Nupe and Sarkin Dawakin for the event’s success.
Eze Sheikh Abdulfatai Chima-Eze, the Emetoma III from Umuahia, Abia, emphasized the tournament’s role in promoting national unity and excitement. Alhaji Abubakar Mustapha-Bida, Coordinator of the National Horse Racing Federation of Nigeria and Chairman of the New Niger Development Project, noted that steps are being taken to make the competition more widespread across Nigeria. The event, themed “Renewed Hope,” was part of the celebrations marking President Bola Tinubu’s one-year anniversary in office.Mustapha-Bida also highlighted the introduction of a “division system” to align with global best practices in horse racing.
He stated, “Nigeria is leading in horse racing within the African continent. We are proud to be part of this historic achievement.”Five countries participated in the event: Cameroon, Chad, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali, in a kind of exchange program. Renewed Hope is expected to defend its title in upcoming races in Kaduna and Kano in June and July, respectively.
Six Toyota vehicles were awarded to the winners of various race categories, with the second-place winner receiving N700,000, and the third and fourth place winners receiving N500,000 and N300,000, respectively.
