By Oluwatosin Maliki
Kebbi State Governor, Dr Nasir Idris, has declared his intention to name the horse racing ground after the Emir of Gwandu, Maj.-Gen. Iliyasu Bashar (Rtd).
Governor Nasir Idris made the announcement on Saturday, during the final match of the horse racing competition which took place in Birnin Kebbi, the state capital.
According to him, the competition would be elevated to an annual international event with the aim of not only attracting large audience, but also to promote good governance in the State.
“I am going to make this game an international one to elevate its status and ensure that it gains more recognition, I really appreciate the involvement of Emirs in this competition and their blessings count a lot,” he explained.
Also present at the event was the President of the International Horse Racing Competition and the Estu Nupe, Maj.-Gen. Yahaya Abubakar, who appreciated the Kebbi State governor alongside the organisers of the programme, for hosting the race competition and making it a big success.
Quest Time gathered that the Governor’s Horse won the competition, emerging overall winner in the first position, with a prize gift of a car in addition to cash, while the second position got cash alongside a motorcycle. The third winner rewarded in cash.
In a separate interview with newsmen, the chairman and the secretary Local Organising Committee on Horse Racing in honour of the Emir of Gwandu, Alhaji Mustapha Usman Ka’oje Sarkin who is also the secretary Council of Chiefs, thanked the Royal Fathers, Etsu Nupe and other invited guests for supporting the competition.
Furthermore, he prayed for long life, good health and prosperity for His Royal Highness the Emir of Gwandu.