By Awwal Umar Kontagora The ancient city of Bida in Niger State came alive with colour, culture and high-profile attendance as eminent ...
By Awwal Umar Kontagora
The ancient city of Bida in Niger State came alive with colour, culture and high-profile attendance as eminent Nigerians gathered for the grand finale of the Renewed Hope International Horse Racing Derby—a week-long spectacle celebrating sport, heritage and national unity.
Among the distinguished guests were Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, and the Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Umaru Bago, alongside other top government officials, traditional rulers and stakeholders who witnessed the thrilling conclusion of the event.
Held at the iconic Sultan Abubakar Sa'ad Racecourse, the derby was organised in honour of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and attracted elite horse riders and stables from across Nigeria and beyond, competing in a range of prestigious race categories.
Top prizes contested included the President Tinubu’s Cup, Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s Cup and Governor Umaru Bago’s Cup, alongside other coveted trophies such as the Emir of Zazzau’s Cup, Etsu Nupe’s Cup and Shehu Dikko’s Cup.
The atmosphere reached its peak as Senator Oluremi Tinubu, visibly delighted by the display of horsemanship, presented trophies, car keys and cash prizes to winners and top finishers, celebrating excellence and sportsmanship.
In a symbolic highlight of the event, the First Lady was honoured with a horse gift by the Etsu Nupe, Yahaya Abubakar, who made the presentation on behalf of the Horse Racing Federation of Nigeria, underscoring the cultural significance of the occasion.
The grand finale drew an array of high-ranking dignitaries, including Niger State Deputy Governor, Yakubu Garba; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris; Minister of State for Agriculture, Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi; and Senator representing Niger East, Muhammad Sani Musa.
Also in attendance was the member representing Bida/Gbako/Katcha Federal Constituency, Saidu Musa Abdul, alongside a host of traditional leaders, including the Emir of Kagara, Ahmed Garba Gunna Attahiru II.
Key figures in the sporting community were equally present, including the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, and the Chairman of the Horse Racing Federation of Nigeria, Tajudeen Aminu Dantata, alongside his Vice Chairman, Zainab Gobir.
Beyond the competition, the derby reinforced Nigeria’s rich equestrian heritage while serving as a unifying platform that blends sport, tradition and national identity. Observers say the Bida spectacle not only showcased elite racing talent but also highlighted the growing relevance of horse racing as a vehicle for tourism, youth engagement and economic development.
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