The Nigerian Navy’s 70th Anniversary celebrations received another major boost on Saturday as senior military officers, polo enthusiasts, dignitaries and invited guests gathered for a colourful Polo Tournament that highlighted the Service’s enduring values of discipline, teamwork, resilience and national cohesion.
The event, held as part of activities commemorating the Nigerian Navy’s platinum jubilee, drew commendations from former Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (Rtd), who served as the Special Guest of Honour, and the current Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas as Chief Host, for using sport as a platform to strengthen unity, institutional partnership and esprit de corps.
In his closing remarks, Retired Vice Admiral Gambo described the tournament as a memorable occasion that added “colour, dignity and excitement” to the Navy’s 70th Anniversary celebrations while bringing together officers, players and friends of the Service in an atmosphere of friendship and sportsmanship.
The retired naval chief said polo was more than a game of skill and horsemanship, stressing that the sport embodies courage, discipline, endurance, precision, quick judgement and effective teamwork — qualities he noted are equally central to military service and naval operations.
According to him, the Nigerian Navy’s operational responsibilities demand coordination, resilience and decisive action under difficult conditions, adding that the tournament reflected values of fair play, comradeship, honour and mutual respect.
Vice Admiral Gambo (Rtd) also congratulated the Nigerian Navy on attaining the historic milestone of 70 years, noting that the Service has evolved into a vital instrument of national security, maritime governance and national development.
“As one who has shared in the responsibility of steering this great institution, I take special pride in the remarkable progress the Nigerian Navy has continued to makes over the years,” he stated.
He further noted that the Navy’s contributions to the protection of Nigeria’s maritime domain, support for internal security operations and promotion of regional maritime stability remain significant.
The former naval chief commended all participating teams and players for their passion, sportsmanship and discipline throughout the competition, while congratulating the winning team for what he described as a well-deserved victory.
He also appreciated the Nigerian Army Guards Brigade Polo Club for providing excellent facilities and hospitality, alongside the organising committee, sponsors, officials and other contributors who ensured the success of the tournament.
Vice Admiral Gambo urged the Nigerian Navy to sustain the spirit of partnership, excellence and discipline promoted by the tournament, describing sport as a powerful tool for unity, fitness, friendship and national cohesion.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, said the tournament was organised not only to celebrate the Navy’s anniversary but also to reinforce the values of teamwork, discipline and unity that have sustained the Service over the past seven decades.
He warmly welcomed distinguished guests, senior officers, personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, members of friendly services and polo enthusiasts, noting that their presence added significance and prestige to the event.
The naval chief described the Nigerian Navy as a formidable maritime force and a critical pillar of Nigeria’s national security architecture, emphasizing the strategic importance of the maritime domain to Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, international trade and economic stability.
Vice Admiral Abbas said the remarkable progress made by the Nigerian Navy over the last 70 years, including the significant reduction of maritime insecurity within the Gulf of Guinea, was built on the discipline, resilience and sound judgement of its personnel.
Drawing parallels between polo and military service, he observed that success in both endeavours depends on teamwork, coordination, mutual trust and the ability to act decisively under pressure.
Quoting former South African President Nelson Mandela, the CNS said, “Sport has the power to change the world,” adding that sporting activities possess a unique capacity to inspire unity and build bridges across institutions and communities.
He encouraged participating teams to compete with passion and respect for the rules of the game, stressing that beyond trophies and victories, the tournament was aimed at promoting goodwill, friendship and institutional cohesion.
Vice Admiral Abbas formally declared the tournament open and expressed optimism that the event would further strengthen partnerships, create new friendships and reinforce the role of sport as a vehicle for unity and fitness.
The Polo Tournament forms part of a series of activities lined up to commemorate the Nigerian Navy’s 70th Anniversary celebrations, marking seven decades of maritime service, operational growth and contributions to national security.
The highlight of the game is the presentation of a trophy to all participants and a Star Trophy to Team Nigerian Navy as the winner of the Polo Tournament with 3 Goals to Nothing.
