Gathering of stars, as MTN Pink Polo ‘wages war’ against breast cancer

The foremost Kangimi Resort in Kaduna witnessed an unprecedented crowd recently, as leading female polo players from the United States, United Kingdom and South Africa gathered for the fight against the scourge of breast cancer.

It was the 2015 edition of the MTN Pink Polo, and the main focus was the awareness and sensitization campaign on breast cancer, which analysts say is a major killer disease of women all over the world.

A novelty polo competition, organized by MTN Nigeria, saw competitors from all walks of life playing various roles in the sensitization campaign.

The tourney, which is the only pan African polo event in the continent, witnessed the gathering of top dignitaries and polo enthusiasts from far and near.

While the African Patrons Polo Tournament is widely acknowledged as one of the foremost polo tournaments in Nigeria, the MTN Pink Polo Breast Cancer awareness drive was the biggest highlight of the two weeks long polo fiesta.

Two exciting exhibition matches, featuring ladies from USA, United Kingdom and South Africa were held as part of the awareness campaign this year.
The opening game, which was watched by a large crowd, including the First Lady of Kaduna State, Hadiza El Rufai and her counterparts from Niger, Katsina and Kebbi, saw South Africa women team coming from behind to defeat their USA counterparts on toss, after the match ended 3-3 deadlock at the end of four chukkas.

The second game that pitched the Kangimi ladies team against their MTN counterparts ended 6-5 in favour of Kangimi Ladies.
Pink Polo Ambassador, Dr. Amina Abubakar Bello and the First Ladies from Katsina, Kebbi and Kaduna presented prizes to the winners and the runners up, just as Dola Bamgboye of MTN and Dr. Femi Olaleye decorated the Best Playing Pony. Souvenirs were also given to the umpires.

In his remark, Dr. Bello expressed gratitude to the Fifth Chukker Polo and Country Club for their efforts, particularly the fight against the dreaded Breast Cancer. She urged other corporate bodies to emulate their example.
“We hope that well-meaning Nigerians, especially in the private sector, will emulate MTN’s efforts at confronting the challenge of breast cancer in Nigeria. The truth is, it is possible to defeat breast cancer, but it is a fight that requires collaborative effort. MTN has led the way with this fight and we charge others to join them.”

Consultant Gynecologist, Dr. Femi Olaleye, who took charge of the awareness lecture, described Breast Cancer as one of the commonest cancers and major killer disease of women all over the world. “It is therefore expedient for all and sundry to be sensitized on this scourge,” he said.

MTN Sponsorship and Event Manager, Dola Bamgboye, in his closing remarks, disclosed that MTN views social responsibility as an important way of being actively involved in enhancing the lives of Nigerians by innovatively addressing specific needs.
“Health has always been one of our core areas of focus,” Bamgboye said. “MTN will always sponsor polo and other sports, while supporting initiatives targeted at improving the quality of healthcare delivery in Nigeria.”