The
Bayelsa State Government has commenced the process of building a world-class
Polo Club as part of its efforts to promote tourism and leisure in the State.
Speaking
at the ground-breaking ceremony near the Gloryland Castle in Government House,
Yenagoa, Governor Seriake Dickson noted
that the project when completed will not only serve as a sporting facility but
also help to drive the development of the tourism sub-sector.
Governor
Dickson reiterated that the present administration, is among other means, poised
to build a new Bayelsa through sports, tourism, peace, wealth and job creation.
According
to the Governor, his administration attaches great importance to sports and
tourism because they have the capacity to create wealth, employ labour and
strengthen bonds of friendship among individuals and groups from different
parts of the world.
Hon. Dickson, who disclosed
government’s desire to convert the Gloryland Castle to a 6-star hotel,
explained that the decision was borne out of the need to create a conducive
environment for investors that will soon be trooping into the state for
business as well as generate more revenue.
While
expressing Government’s readiness to partner the Nigerian Polo Federation to
kick-start the First Bayelsa Polo Tournament, Governor Dickson stressed that
the present administration will leave no stone unturned to make Bayelsa the
safest state in the country.
In
his remarks, the President of the Nigerian Polo Federation, Mr. Francis Oboro
assured the Governor of the Federation’s preparedness to collaborate with
government to ensure that the game of Polo is fully entrenched in the sporting
and tourism calenda of the state.
On
completion of the project, Oboro said the Federation will not only participate
in its commissioning but also inaugurate the Governor as the first member of
the club in Bayelsa state.
Also
speaking, a representative of the Managing Director of the contracting firm,
NHD Interbiz Project Limited, Alhaji Sani Danu stated that the Bayelsa State
Polo Club project, which is expected to be completed within 90 days, will occupy
an area of land spanning about 9.8 hectares.
He added that the facility will consist of a
standard club house, playing field, and horse stables as well as grooms
quarters.
Highpoint
of the ceremony was the presentation of a book titled “The Great Polo Clubs of
the World” and the Federation’s compendium which contains the history of the
game, names of the clubs and their members in the country.
Daniel Iworiso-Markson
Senior Special Assistant to the Governor
Senior Special Assistant to the Governor
(Media & Public Affairs)
24/07/12
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