By Our Reporter

If you were anywhere near Keffi Polo Ranch over today Sunday, you probably felt the buzz miles before you got to the gates. The 10th Anniversary Keffi Polo Tournament for Education wasn’t just another sporting event, it was a gathering that blended glamour, tradition, and heart in a way only Keffi seems to pull off.

From Governor Abdullahi A. Sule who was represented by his deputy Dr. Emmanuel Akabe to Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, and from the Emir of Kano Aminu Ado Bayero to top industry leaders, the ranch was practically glowing with high-profile guests. They came not just for the thrill of polo, but to celebrate a decade of impact built by the ranch and its chief promoter, Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu.

And the match they came for did not disappoint.

Under a crisp Harmattan sky, Malconies and Keffi Ponys clashed in a final that had spectators at the edge of their seats. Malconies proved dominant, outpacing Keffi Ponys 9–4 after five intense chukkas that showcased everything polo lovers adore, speed, skill, grit, and sheer horsemanship.

But even with the excitement on the pitch, the real weight of the day settled in after the final whistle.

In a moment thick with emotion and significance, top dignitaries joined Senator Wadada to commission a new architectural gem on the ranch grounds: the George S. Coumantaros Pavilion. Named after the late founder of Flour Mills of Nigeria who was an ally and major supporter of the ranch. The pavilion now stands as an elegant tribute to a man whose friendship shaped the ranch’s journey in the last 10 years.

True to his reputation and passion for promotion of education across Nasarawa state, Senator Wadada used the anniversary to uplift more than just the sport. In a gesture that drew warm applause, he unveiled a remarkable educational donation, 130,000 bundles of exercise books set to be distributed across Nasarawa State. It was a reminder that for the Keffi Polo Ranch, polo has always been more than a sport; it’s a platform for community engagements and promotion of excellence.

For many in attendance, the day captured exactly what makes the ranch special: its mix of pageantry, sportsmanship, philanthropy, and vision.

And as the dignitaries rolled out and the sun dipped behind the stables, one sentiment echoed across the ranch ten years in, and the Keffi Polo legacy is just getting started.