Vice Adm. AZ Gambo celebrated his 60th birthday at a special polo exhibition match held Sunday at the Nigerian Army Polo Resort/Guards Polo Club, where two teams, AMTRIGG and Alhusna, were crowned champions in separate categories. Alhusna defeated Kangal 2-0 in the medium-goal event, while AMTRIGG overcame AZ Polo Team with a 6-3 victory in the high-goal match. The event, organized by the Nigerian Army Polo Association, honored Gambo's legacy in both military service and sports development. Gen. Lucky Irabor, former Chief of Defence Staff and Special Guest of Honour, spoke of his long-standing friendship with Gambo, dating back to their time at the Nigerian Defence Academy, and wished him good health and fulfilment. Maj.-Gen. A.G. Laka, Chairman of the Nigerian Army Polo Association, said the celebration reflected the strong camaraderie among military officers and polo enthusiasts nationwide. Brig.-Gen. Mustapha Onoyiveta (Rtd), former aide-de-camp to late President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua, joined other guests in praising Gambo's milestone, offering prayers for his continued health and prosperity. Nasiru Danu, Chairman of NAPA's Board of Trustees, credited Gambo with advancing the Nigerian Navy Polo Association and promoting equestrian sports. Bashir Maidugu, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Legal Research, highlighted the respect Gambo commands across military and civilian circles. Ali M. Ali, Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria, described polo as a unifying sport that fosters enduring relationships despite its elite image. Jibrin Baba Ndace, Director-General of Voice of Nigeria, noted the large turnout as proof of the goodwill Gambo has earned. Sani Musa, a personal friend, commended Gambo for fostering unity and maintaining strong personal bonds. In response, Gambo expressed gratitude for the surprise celebration and reaffirmed his commitment to growing polo within the Nigerian Navy, citing its deep roots in the service.
Gambo's celebration of his 60th birthday through a high-profile polo exhibition underscores his personal investment in the sport, having established the Nigerian Navy Polo Association during his tenure. While military figures gather to celebrate camaraderie, the event highlights how elite sports remain concentrated among a select circle with institutional backing. The visibility given to polo contrasts with the limited public support for broader grassroots sporting development in Nigeria.
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