The stage is set for the maiden edition of the Kwara State Horse Show, which will officially gallop off on Saturday with a 30-kilometre horse marathon across Ilorin — a route carefully designed to highlight the city’s newly constructed and upgraded roads by the Kwara State Government.
Speaking during a press briefing in Ilorin, the Chairman of the Main Organising Committee, Dr. Jemila AbdulHameed Atata, described the event as a landmark initiative that blends sport, culture, and tourism while celebrating Kwara’s growing infrastructure and community spirit.
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“This Horse Show represents more than a sporting event — it is a celebration of our heritage, our people, and the progress of our state,” Dr. Atata said. “Through this initiative, we are showcasing Kwara’s beauty, peace, and hospitality to the world.”
The three-day event, organised in partnership with the Kwara State Government and convened by Ilorin-born equestrian expert Ambassador Aliu Bolaji Magaji Nda, aims to promote equestrian sports while preserving the rich cultural heritage of the Ilorin Emirate and beyond.
Dr. Atata announced that the marathon will flag off at Unity Bikers Club, while the grand finale on Sunday will take place at Queen Elizabeth School, Ilorin, featuring a horseball tournament involving ten competitive teams.
She assured journalists that adequate security and medical arrangements have been put in place to guarantee a smooth and safe event for participants and spectators alike.
“The Kwara Horse Show will also provide an opportunity for networking and community development,” Dr. Atata added. “It’s a platform for families and sports enthusiasts to come together, while also giving exposure to talented riders from within and outside the state.”
The show will include female, children, and adult categories, with the star prize being a brand-new horse. Dr. Atata further revealed that future editions will introduce a polo tournament as part of plans to expand the event’s scope and international appeal.
“This is the beginning of something truly special for Kwara,” she concluded. “We are not only reviving our equestrian heritage but also positioning our state as a vibrant hub for sports, culture, and tourism.”
