“The Bold Step”: Abeokuta Polo Club Festival Lights Up Ogun with Sport, Culture, and Economic Promise
Under the golden afternoon sun of Onipekpeye, along Siun-Kobape Expressway, the air was filled with the rhythmic thrum of hooves, laughter, and music as the Abeokuta Polo Club officially opened its gates on Sunday, December 21, 2025, for its maiden festival, promising to place Abeokuta at the heart of Nigeria’s equestrian map.
Tagged “The Bold Step”, the festival is more than a celebration of polo, it is a statement of ambition, community empowerment, and economic development.
Spread across 100 acres of rolling fields, the Club’s grounds were transformed into a vibrant hub of Sport, Culture, and Festivity.
A Vision Takes Shape
At the centre of it all was Dr. Sheriff Adams Abdulrahman, the Club’s President, who spoke passionately about the vision driving the festival.
“We’re building a legacy, supporting the Alake of Egbaland’s good work. This is polo, so when you hear polo, you’re gonna have it in a different dimension, in a new way, starting from Abeokuta,” he declared.
Abdulrahman highlighted the club’s state-of-the-art facilities: “We’re located in Kobakpe, Onipekpeye, on 100 acres of land with a mini pitch and a standard polo pitch behind us. Polo’s gonna open up the Onipekpeye and Kobakpe communities.”
“Welcome to our first festival, and we call this festival ‘The Bold Step’. Why? Because we had lots of challenges, but we scaled them all to get here, and it’s not just me, it’s all the founding members,” he added, praising the support of corporate partners MTN, ValueJet, Dicon, D7G, and Oxen Pacific Energy.
A Blueprint for Growth
Brigadier Morakinyo Abiodun, Chairman of the Club, described the festival as both a celebration and a blueprint for State economic development:
“Letting us know that Abeokuta Polo Club is now in existence is also to thank God for a great year. It’s not been easy, but we have got to thank God and celebrate today.”
“I welcome especially members of the Abeokuta Club, where I am a member. You will have a great time once more. Abeokuta Polo Club is now in existence in Abeokuta and will serve as another blueprint for the economic growth of the State.”
Royal Endorsements and Political Support
The event drew a star-studded list of dignitaries. The Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Michael Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, praised the club’s ambition to elevate the sport and contribute to community development.
His Royal Majesty the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Saka Matemilola, welcomed the initiative as a bridge between tradition and modern sporting culture.
Former Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun pledged his continued support, calling the club a catalyst for sports and economic growth in Ogun State.
Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola, former High Commissioner to the UK, noted that such initiatives are crucial in positioning Nigeria on the global equestrian map.
Cultural and Tourism Leaders Join Celebration
Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Sesan Fagbayi, and PS Culture and Tourism, Dr. Qudus Yusuf, highlighted the festival’s potential to boost tourism and attract International attention.
Their presence underscored the event’s broader impact beyond sport, linking culture, community, and commerce.
A Festival of Life and Light
The festival was a feast for the senses: live music and dance performances, led by the vibrant Aristo Band, echoed across the sprawling grounds, while a bonfire lit at dusk symbolized the club’s mission to ‘light up’ the community. Fireworks punctuated the night sky, bringing the festival to a jubilant close.
Looking Forward
As Abeokuta Polo Club embarks on its journey, the festival sent a clear message: Polo is no longer an elite pastime, it is a vehicle for community development, cultural pride, and economic opportunity.
With a bold vision, influential backers, and a passionate team, Abeokuta is poised to become a global equestrian destination.
