Chairborne Global heads polo fiesta in Niger delta

Preparations for the 2024 Port Harcourt Polo Tournament have garnered full support from leading corporate giants, the state government, and various individuals for the prestigious event, set to begin on January 12 at the Old GRA Polo Ground in Port Harcourt.

The list of key sponsors, spearheaded by Chairborne Global Services Limited, includes Specialty Drilling & Fluid Ltd, Rivers State Government, Century Ports & Terminal Ltd, Wilten Aviation, and others. Long-time partners such as SPDC, NDDC, OK Isokariai, and Port Harcourt Polo Club members have already pledged or fulfilled their commitments.

Dr. Ikenna Nebolisa, Captain of Port Harcourt Polo Club, expressed confidence that more sponsors will come on board as the event approaches. He emphasized that the club is committed to hosting the best and most significant polo tournament, placing Rivers State and Nigeria on the global stage for sports, tourism, and business.

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He also noted that, while they are grateful to their existing sponsors, the tournament remains open to both local and international business partnerships. The 2025 event aims to showcase Rivers State and the Niger Delta Region in a positive light, offering a memorable experience for players, sponsors, and visitors.

Dr. Nebolisa highlighted that since assuming office, the management committee has been working tirelessly to organize the event. The club has been engaging with stakeholders, sponsors, and benefactors to ensure the tournament’s success.

In addition to promoting polo in the region, the event will celebrate the cultural heritage and peaceful nature of Rivers State and the Niger Delta. As one of Africa’s largest polo tournaments and the country’s first polo event of the year, the festival promises an exciting week of high-level competition, with top players and horses displaying their skills.

Tournament Manager Davis Sikpa assured that everything is in place for a spectacular event, citing the exceptional state of the polo pitch at Old GRA Polo Ground and the thrilling entertainment lined up for attendees. Over twenty teams, including past champions, newcomers, and teams from cities such as Jos, Bauchi, Kaduna, and Abuja, are expected to participate, with the tournament concluding on January 18, featuring Rivers State’s Governor as the Special Guest of Honour.

The prestigious King Diete-Spiff Cup, OB Lulu Briggs Cup, T.Y Danjuma Cup, and King T.J.T Princewill Cup will be among the major prizes. The event attracts tourists and polo enthusiasts from across the continent, underscoring the region’s significant tourism and social value.