Champions Win N37 Million, Six Cars at 12th National Derby Races in Sokoto

Sokoto, Nigeria – The Sen. Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko International Race Course in Durbawa, Kware Local Government Area, buzzed with excitement as the 12th National Horse Racing Derby concluded with a grand finale. Winners of the week-long equestrian fiesta, tagged “Sokoto 2026,” took home prizes totaling over N37 million and six brand-new vehicles.

The event, organized by the Nigerian Derby Horse Racing Association, was held to celebrate the third anniversary of Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto's administration. It attracted horse owners, jockeys, and spectators from across Nigeria and neighboring West African nations, including Niger, Chad, Cameroon, and Burkina Faso, highlighting the derby's international appeal.

The grand finale featured five prestigious races, including the Sultan’s Cup, Governor’s Cup, Sen. Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko Cup, Governor Ahmed Aliyu Cup, and the highly anticipated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Cup. The latter alone accounted for a significant portion of the prize money and vehicles.

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The annual competition has become a veritable platform for fostering national and international unity, while also boosting socio-economic prosperity in Sokoto and beyond.

Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, represented by his Deputy, Engr. Idris Muhammad Gobir, attended the event. Other dignitaries present included Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, Minister of Labour and Employment Alhaji Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi, and Minister of State for Works Barrister Bello Muhammad Goronyo. The Speaker of the Sokoto State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Tukur Bala Bodinga, and other political figures also graced the occasion.

Deputy Governor Gobir expressed his satisfaction with the successful staging of the derby, noting its role in fostering national and international unity and boosting socio-economic prosperity. He pledged the administration's commitment to upgrading the race course to international standards, aiming to establish Sokoto as a hub for equestrian tourism in West Africa. Senator Wamakko emphasized the historical significance of horse racing in Nigeria and Sokoto, urging organizers to preserve this cultural heritage.

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Horse racing is one of Nigeria’s oldest traditional sporting activities. It has deep roots in Sokoto, dating back to the administration of the late civilian Governor, Shehu Kangiwa, and urged organizers to sustain the initiative to preserve the country’s cultural heritage.