HADEJIA MAKES HISTORY AS MERIDIAN RENEWED HOPE INTERNATIONAL HORSE RACING FESTIVAL OPENS A NEW CHAPTER FOR NIGERIA’S CULTURAL TOURISM

HADEJIA MAKES HISTORY AS MERIDIAN RENEWED HOPE INTERNATIONAL HORSE RACING FESTIVAL OPENS A NEW CHAPTER FOR NIGERIA’S CULTURAL TOURISM

 

Hadejia, Jigawa State | Saturday, 17th January, 2026

 

The Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy has commended the successful hosting of the Maiden Meridian Renewed Hope International Horse Racing Festival, describing it as a proud expression of Nigeria’s living heritage and a strategic cultural tourism platform that deepens unity, promotes youth engagement and strengthens Nigeria’s visibility across West and Central Africa.

 

The historic festival held from 14th to 17th January, 2026 at the Hadejia International Race Course in Jigawa State marked the official inauguration of the race course and attracted participants and guests from Nigeria and neighbouring countries including Burkina Faso, Niger Republic, Cameroon and Chad, presenting the town of Hadejia as a growing hub for traditional sports, cultural tourism and international cultural cooperation.

 

The closing ceremony on Saturday, 17th January 2026 was a grand convergence of traditional institutions, government leadership, cultural stakeholders, tourism operators, sports enthusiasts and host communities. It celebrated not only remarkable competition but also the deeper essence of culture as identity, history and pride.

 

Representing the Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Dr. Mukhtar Yawale Muhammad, MFR, mni, led a high-level Federal Government delegation to the closing ceremony and reaffirmed government’s commitment to promoting traditional sports and preserving cultural heritage as drivers of tourism development and creative economy growth.

 

In his goodwill message, Dr. Mukhtar commended the officials and organisers for delivering a well-coordinated and culturally rich festival, while emphasising that horse racing in Northern Nigeria is not merely a competitive sport but a historic tradition shaped by values, discipline and identity. He noted that beyond the excitement of the races, the festival served as an authentic cultural celebration, highlighting history and shared heritage, while creating opportunities for social cohesion, cultural storytelling, and community pride.

 

Dr. Mukhtar further congratulated winners across all segments of the race and praised participants for embodying sportsmanship and excellence. He reaffirmed that the Ministry remains committed to strengthening events such as the Renewed Hope International Horse Racing Festival, as they align with the broader objectives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in supporting economic diversification through culture, tourism and the creative industries.

 

The Permanent Secretary expressed deep gratitude to the Royal Highness, HRH Alhaji (Dr) Adamu Abubakar Maje CON, Emir of Hadejia and Royal Father of the Day, for his gracious hosting and longstanding dedication to protecting heritage values and promoting cultural pride. He also applauded the Emir’s bold vision for making the Hadejia Race Course a leading centre of excellence for horse racing in Nigeria and beyond.

 

Earlier in his royal remarks, the Emir of Hadejia warmly welcomed all dignitaries and guests to the beautiful city of Hadejia and expressed profound gratitude to everyone who travelled from far and near to grace the Derby. His Royal Highness conveyed sincere appreciation to the Horse Racing Federation of Nigeria (HRFN) for bringing the Derby to Hadejia for the first time and expressed optimism for hosting even bigger and better races in subsequent editions.

 

The Emir further announced that next year the Hadejia race course will surpass others in the country through deliberate improvement and stronger partnerships. He called on well-meaning individuals, organisations and corporate partners to support the development of the race course into a world-class facility that will place Hadejia on an even stronger national and international map.

 

As a symbolic gesture of partnership and appreciation, the Emir presented a horse to Alhaji Abubakar Mustapha Bida, Coordinator of the Horse Racing Federation of Nigeria. His Royal Highness also announced generous contributions toward the growth of horse racing in Hadejia, revealing that Ameer Stable donated One Million Naira (₦1,000,000) while Speedy Stable pledged One Million Naira (₦1,000,000).

 

Representing the Executive Governor of Jigawa State, His Excellency, Malam Umar A. Namadi FCA, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Malam Bala Ibrahim, conveyed appreciation to all guests and stakeholders on behalf of the Governor and the Government of Jigawa State. He stated that the administration recognises platforms such as the Renewed Hope International Horse Racing Festival as drivers of tourism development, youth engagement and economic growth. He also presented a token to the Horse Racing Federation of Nigeria on behalf of the Jigawa State Government in recognition of its contribution to promoting unity and development through traditional sports.

 

The festival recorded thrilling moments and produced new champions. In the first round, Mutal Saleh from Niger Republic emerged winner, clinching a car and two motorcycles. In the second round, Bashir Suleiman of Dora Emirates, Katsina State, also emerged winner, taking home a car and praising the organisation of the festival and the spirit of sportsmanship it promoted.

 

Dr. Mukhtar extended appreciation to the patrons of the Horse Racing Federation of Nigeria, the management team, the Life President and Vice President of the Federation, the Local Organising Committee and all stakeholders whose dedication contributed to the remarkable success of the festival. He noted that Hadejia has set a strong example of how tradition, organisation and community participation can produce a festival that is both culturally meaningful and economically valuable.

 

In a deeply heartfelt tone, Dr. Mukhtar also expressed personal appreciation for being received warmly in his home state, describing the moment as both an official assignment and an emotional milestone that reflects identity, service and national unity. He thanked the Emir, the people of Hadejia, the Jigawa State Government, festival organisers and all partners for their hospitality, collaboration and support.

 

He concluded by conveying the warm greetings of the Honourable Minister, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to preserving Nigeria’s cultural wealth while expanding tourism products that project the nation’s creativity, heritage and global relevance. He congratulated all winners once again and wished all dignitaries, guests and participants a safe journey back to their various destinations.

 

Signed:

Sandra Njoku-Samuel

Technical Assistant, Media and Communications to the Honourable Minister

Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy (FMACTCE)

Abuja, Nigeria