Plateau Governor, Simon Bako Lalong has said his unflinching support which saw him approving a Certificate of Occupancy to Jos Polo Club is to boost sports tourism in the state.
He disclosed this while welcoming the executive members of the Jos Polo Club at Government House Jos on Thursday, May 4, 2022.
Lalong disclosed that he had to give the Certificate of Occupancy to the club to prevent it from being taken over.
He said anybody that knows the history of Nigeria will also be aware that the game of polo is a tourism- based lucrative sports that has taken Nigeria out of the country, and also attracted international visitors into the state and nation as a whole.
“It is a way to boost tourism and sports in the state which is in line with the name “Home of Peace and Tourism”, which is the motto of our state. And that is why I had to ensure I encourage the game that will not only attract tourists, and visitors to the state but boost the hospitality business”.
“Therefore with this development, you are now free to play the game, without being afraid that somebody will come and take away the field from you”.
He assured that after leaving office in May 29, he may come in as a green horn to learn the rudiments of the game during his leisure.
Speaking earlier, President of the Club who led the delegation, Alhaji Murtala Laushi, said the team had come for a thank you visit to appreciate the governor for the support he gave them to successfully conduct a world standard tournament last year.
The president said: “History will be kind to you as you leave office soon. You will always be remembered as one of the best governors Plateau has ever had”.
“This is because you have proven to be a leader who ruled the state well in the past 8 years by carrying everyone along irrespective of tribe, religion or even political beliefs”.
Laushi further described him as a man of his words who kept to his promise to the club by approving their C of O and relocating the trade fair venue to other conducive sides to boost the sports, giving the assurance that the club will continue to pray for his success in future endeavours.
