... Positions Ilorin as Nigeria’s Emerging Polo Tourism Hub
Ilorin is set to assume a prominent place on Nigeria’s polo and leisure tourism map with the establishment of the Kwara Horse Club and Resort, a world-class equestrian and hospitality facility located in Ogele, Asa Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The Chief Executive Officer of the club, Mohammed Kabir Gobir, disclosed this today while speaking at the Guild of Digital Journalists (GDJ) Interface in Ilorin, describing the project as a long-term investment designed to boost sports development, tourism, and local economic growth.
According to Gobir, the Kwara Horse Club and Resort was conceived over two years ago following extensive research into existing polo clubs across the country, with the aim of creating a modern and inclusive equestrian centre accessible to all Nigerians.
“The club is strategically located on a vast expanse of land at Ogele, barely ten minutes from the General Tunde Idiagbon International Airport, ensuring ease of access, safety, and convenience for visitors,” he said.
Gobir explained that the club, now a prominent member of the Nigeria Polo Federation, has the facilities and capacity to host polo tournaments, noting that only a few states such as Kano and Kaduna currently organize structured polo competitions in Nigeria.
“With what we have put in place, Kwara State is fully prepared to host polo sports and, in the near future, horse racing competitions,” Gobir stated, adding that discussions are ongoing to formally introduce horse racing into the state’s sporting calendar.
Beyond sports, the CEO said the project is designed as a tourism and lifestyle destination, featuring a hotel, restaurant, horse stables, lounges, viewing decks, massage centres and event spaces, all aimed at attracting local and international visitors.
He revealed that the club is currently in Phase One of development, with over 20 horses already in training, noting that horses are available for riding, leasing and event rentals, while provisions have been made for secure horse storage and professional maintenance.
Gobir emphasized the club’s commitment to employment generation, stating that over 100 jobs would be created on a merit basis, with opportunities in horse riding, stable management, horse care, feeding, hospitality services and facility management.
“The goal is to empower Kwarans, especially youths and women, through structured training in horse riding and equestrian skills that can make them self-reliant,” he said.
He added that the club would also strengthen Ilorin’s rich equestrian heritage, particularly the annual Durbar festival, by supplying trained horses for ceremonial and cultural events.
Gobir further disclosed plans to establish a veterinary centre within the facility, alongside the development of a digital application that would connect animal owners to veterinary services for prompt care and disease prevention.
According to him, the project has enjoyed the support of private investors and sponsors whose contributions have aided its steady progress, while partnerships have also been formed with established polo clubs in Kano and Kaduna.
Describing the club as a national asset, Gobir stressed that the Kwara Horse Club and Resort is “not for Kwarans alone but for all Nigerians,” urging horse owners, sports enthusiasts, investors and the media to support and promote the initiative.
He called on horse owners to patronize the facility for professional horse maintenance and care, noting that proper management would help prevent chronic diseases and untimely death of horses.
Gobir therefore urged stakeholders and the public to explore the opportunities offered by the club.
.jpeg)