Sports
Alakija unveils vision for Lagos Polo Club ahead of new season
Newly elected President of the Lagos Polo Club, Adeyemo Alakija, has unveiled an ambitious roadmap for the club’s future, with a strong focus on infrastructure development, inclusivity, and the preservation of its rich heritage.
Alakija made this known at a press conference held in Lagos yesterday, 20th January, ahead of the commencement of the new polo season.
Outlining his vision, Alakija said his leadership would be guided by the principle of leaving the club better than he met it.
“My vision for this club is simple,” he said. “My grandmother always says, never leave anywhere the same way you met it. For me, it’s about continuing to improve the Lagos Polo Club and taking it to greater heights.”
He explained that his administration is committed to strengthening the club’s internal structure by fostering a vibrant and diverse membership while maintaining the high standards and values enshrined in its constitution.
“We want to keep building an interesting fabric of members and ensure that we continue to uphold the constitution of the club and the reputation we already have, which is very, very good,” Alakija stated.
Infrastructure upgrade forms a key pillar of the new leadership, as the club seeks to expand its facilities to better accommodate members and enhance their overall experience. While polo remains the centrepiece, Alakija emphasised that other sports within the club will also receive increased attention.
“A lot of people don’t know that we have other games here, including squash, table tennis and darts,” he said. “We want to keep expanding the infrastructure for these sports and generally develop polo as a whole, by building the younger generation and opening it up to more ladies to play.”
He pointed to the successful Ladies Invitational Tournament held in December last year as evidence of the club’s commitment to inclusivity.
“That tournament was very successful, and it shows that we are intentional about being all-encompassing and ensuring that all demographics are covered and can enjoy the sport of polo,” he added.
Addressing questions on the quality of the club’s polo turf, Alakija affirmed that the pitch already meets international standards, while noting that continuous improvements are planned.
“Our turf is world standard, but there is always room for improvement,” he said. “We are constantly growing new grass where it is needed, and we are also planning drainage works around the club to improve water movement and prevent water from sitting on the field. It’s an ongoing development process.”
Beyond polo, the club is also gearing up for increased competitive action in its other sporting disciplines. According to Alakija, tournaments in squash, table tennis and darts are in the pipeline, with sponsorship support already secured.
“Our Other Games member, Mr. Fred Allison, is charged with ensuring the development of those sports,” he explained. “You can look forward to competitions around squash, table tennis and darts. We have sponsors lined up, and we are very excited about pushing these initiatives.”
With competitions scheduled to begin from January 27, Alakija also highlighted why the Lagos Polo Club stands out as a must-visit destination for sports enthusiasts during the season.
“In Lagos, you can watch football or basketball almost anywhere, but polo is different,” he said. “Lagos Polo Club is the biggest polo club in the country in terms of clout, membership and history. It also offers a great environment for networking and social interaction, beyond just what happens on the field.”
Further emphasising the club’s stature, another official at the press conference recalled its long-standing legacy, noting that the Lagos Polo Club was founded in 1904.
“We are talking about over 122 years of existence,” the official said. “There is a deep heritage of polo here. The quality of polo that will be played this season is top in Nigeria and top in Africa. If you want to experience quality polo in the right environment, you don’t want to miss being at the Lagos Polo Club from January 27 to February 15.”
As the new polo season approaches, the Lagos Polo Club appears poised for another landmark chapter under Alakija’s leadership, blending tradition with development and a renewed commitment to inclusivity.
