Why Seyi Tinubu’s Presence At Kano Polo Tourney Is A Blessing – Official
The 2023 Kano International Polo Tournament concluded with great pomp on Sunday, drawing attention as President Bola Tinubu’s son, Seyi, arrived at the event in a presidential jet, accompanied by other prominent dignitaries from both Nigeria and abroad.
There has been criticism directed at Seyi for utilizing a presidential jet to travel to the Kano event. However, some critics may have overlooked the underlying purpose of his visit.
According to an insider who preferred to remain anonymous, Seyi’s visit to the Governor of Kano State underscores his deep respect for authority, indicating that there was more to his presence than mere leisure or entertainment.
“It showcased his deep respect for authorities and demonstrated his commitment to fostering positive relationships with influential figures in the region,” the source said.
The source emphasized that Seyi’s meeting with the Governor of Kano was a significant step toward fostering unity and diffusing the escalating tensions between the youth factions of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in Kano.
Furthermore, another source, emphasizing security concerns, pointed out that Seyi is a high-profile figure due to his status as the president’s son. Any untoward incident involving him would have repercussions not only in terms of security but also for the nation and the president.
It was also clarified that Seyi’s visit was in response to an invitation and not, as widely believed, solely a personal decision.
Farouk Ibrahim, an ex-officio member of Kano Polo Club, urged individuals to focus on the positive impact of Seyi’s attendance at the tournament.
Ibrahim, a former Public Relations Officer for Kano Polo Club, expressed his joy at Seyi’s visit. He highlighted the presence of eminent figures like emirs, the deputy senate president, and representatives of the Kano state government as standout moments that truly distinguished the occasion.
He also underlined the promotional value that Seyi’s visit brought to the event and recognized the significant role played by the competition.
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Having played polo for three decades, Ibrahim remarked that the 2023 Kano Tournament was among the best-organized in the country. He argued that Seyi’s attendance was indicative of his commitment to national unity, diversity, and his unwavering belief in inclusivity. This was demonstrated by his consistent efforts to bridge cultural gaps and promote a sense of togetherness.
Speaking on the tournament and the presence of Seyi Tinubu, Ibrahim said: “This year’s tournament is one of the best we’ve ever had. We had 48 teams from all around the country, along with six foreigners—from Iran, Pakistan, two Argentines, and South Africa—that is why. Again, it’s one of the best we’ve ever had in the nation because it’s challenging everywhere else. to see a club hosting 48 teams from around the country.
“Another thing that made the event colourful was the arrival of VIPs such as some emirs, the deputy senate president, some representatives of the Kano state government, and one of our family members, Seyi Tinubu, the son of the current president. Seyi Tinubu is a family polo member because he plays polo with the Lagos Polo Club, and this is the first time he will be visiting the Kano Polo Club. We actually sent him an invitation, and we’re glad he honoured our invitation.
“We are grateful to him, and he made our tournament colorful. The fact that we saw some people talking on social media that the president’s son took a private jet from Abuja to Kano just to watch a polo game closely shows people don’t understand how big the Kano Polo Tournament is; it’s an international tournament that put Nigeria on the global map. We’re proud of him and happy, and we hope to see him again.
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“There are two games in Nigeria that bring people together regardless of tribe, ethnicity, or religion: polo and football. I have friends who are in Lagos, Ibadan, and Port Harcourt. When we come together after a game, someone will invite us to their house to eat together or chill out somewhere, so we are one family. Polo brings a lot of people together.”
