The 12th National Horse Racing Derby organized by the Sokoto State Government, is a major platform for promoting African unity, regional integration and cultural diplomacy through sports. This was stated by the Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, in Sokoto at the opening ceremony of the event.
The State Governor has tagged 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 growing significance of the derby as a cross-border sporting and cultural festival in West and Central Africa.
Aliyu’s Deputy, Idris Gobir, who stood for 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 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 horse racing competition organisers and pointed out that the event plays a role in entertaining people, enhancing peace and security and creating employment opportunities for the youth, thereby contributing to the socio-economic development of the country.
The governor repeated the readiness of his administration to continue to support such 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.
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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
Dalha Sidi, Vice President of the Sokoto Turf Club, in his welcome address, said the annual derby continues to strengthen the people-to-people ties between participating states and African countries.
He was hopeful that the event would promote closer regional cooperation through sports and cultural exchange.
Sidi praised all stakeholders that contributed to the success of the exercise.
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 received trophies, cash prizes and vehicles, while those in the President’s Cup category shared over N37million and six vehicles.
Among the dignitaries present at the event were top government officials, legislators, members of the judiciary, traditional rulers and lovers of horse racing from within and outside Nigeria.
