Fifth
Chukker Resort started from a humble and simple desire
by Adamu Atta, an ardent Polo player, to have a place
where he could keep and raise his Polo horses as well
as occasionally invite his friends for Polo practice.
However, as development commenced in 2001, he realized
the immense potential of the farm, which could be utilized
as an exceptional facility for sports, recreation and
tourism. Thus the idea for the Fifth Chukker Resorts
was developed. He subsequently found people who shared
his vision and the Board of Trustees were constituted.
The current
forte of the Resort is Polo, which has made a remarkable
impression in the last one-year. The inaugural event
to mark the commissioning of Fifth Chukker in October
2003 was The African Masters Polo Tournament. This pioneer
tournament showcased competition between African Polo-playing
countries.
In addition
to the African Masters tournament, the Resort also hosted
the now annual Emir of Katsina Charity Shield, which
showcases competition between Nigerian teams. In 2003,
8 teams from all over the country representing all the
geographic regions participated in the Tournament.
The turn out of spectators for the inaugural tournament
from within Kaduna, its environs, across the nation
and beyond was truly spectacular. The Resort has been
fortunate to host notable personalities such as the
Vice-President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His
Excellency Alh. Atiku Abubakar, GCON, His Excellency
General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, GCON, and His Excellency
Alh. Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi, amongst other top Government
dignitaries. We also played host to Traditional rulers
such as The Emirs of Zazzau, Katsina, and Zuru as well
as the Galadiman Kano. Ambassadors, High Commissioners
and diplomats from Canada, Ghana, Argentina and South
Africa amongst others are also among our list of esteemed
visitors. This has even included foreign visitors such
as the world-renowned musical superstar, Joe, all the
way from the USA.
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In
2001, Fifth Chukker was only just beginning to materialize
into more than a mere dream. The primary focus of the
‘farm’ as it was continually referred to
then, was to provide comfortable stabling for the founders’
horses. They had a vision of a peaceful environment
where they could not only stable their horses but where
they would also be able to enjoy their Polo with friends
and family.
Polo as family
oriented recreation proved an irresistible concept.
The idea took off and huge interest ensued. Weekend
‘stick and ball’, regular practice matches
and barbecues became a regular feature. Polo playing
businessmen from out of town were able to commute from
their offices on Thursday or Friday evening and be back
at their desks on Monday morning.
The major goal
of the Resort is to create a first class sporting and
recreational facility that appeals to both the young
and the adult. We aim to cater for the needs of either
individuals or families, with every member of the family
being able to find something to suit them from all the
activities available at the Resort.
Fifth Chukker
initially started out with no field, 28 stables and
1 paddock. Today, the Resort boasts stabling facilities
for up to 150 horses, a standard playing field, 2 practice
fields and 8 paddocks.
The current
landmass of the Resort is 130 hectares with room for
further expansion. The landscape and facilities at Fifth
Chukker provide an exceptionally idyllic, country atmosphere
that will undoubtedly attract those who want to get
away from the hustle and bustle of everyday city life.
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