The Proprietor and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Crescent University, Abeokuta, Prince Ma’ruf Adesegun Ajibola (SAN), has been inducted as a pioneer member of the Abeokuta Polo Club during the club’s first anniversary celebration.
Ajibola was among 10 new members formally decorated by the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, at the anniversary and induction ceremony held at Park Inn by Radisson, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Speaking at the event, the Founder and President of the Abeokuta Polo Club, Dr Sheriff Adams Abdulrahman, said the club had recorded remarkable progress within its first year and was steadily advancing towards becoming a world-class institution founded on excellence, integrity, friendship and equestrian heritage.
He said the club had grown into a vibrant community committed not only to promoting the sport of polo but also to contributing to the socio-economic development of Ogun State.
According to Abdulrahman, the induction ceremony was organised to honour the pioneer members whose confidence, commitment and support had laid a solid foundation for the club’s growth and long-term success.
“The event is not only to celebrate our first anniversary but also to honour our pioneer members whose confidence and commitment have laid the foundation for a lasting legacy,” he said.
He also highlighted the club’s community development initiatives, disclosing that it had trained 120 young people in digital technology and artificial intelligence as part of efforts to empower youths and create employment opportunities.
Also speaking, the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Saka Matemilola, described the establishment of the Abeokuta Polo Club as a significant milestone that would further elevate the profile of Abeokuta, Ogun State and Nigeria.
The monarch said the club would enhance the city’s landscape while setting a new benchmark for premium recreational and sporting facilities in the state.
“It is a premium club that will build standards and bring prestige not only to Abeokuta but also to Ogun State and Nigeria as a whole,” he said.
The ceremony also featured the presentation of special recognition awards to the wife of former Ogun State Governor, Mrs Olufunso Amosun, and the Ogun State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Oluwasesan Fagbayi, in recognition of their contributions.
Among other dignitaries in attendance were the Olota of Ota, Oba Adeyemi Obalanlege, the Orunto of Owu Kingdom, Chief Abiodun Lasile, and several prominent traditional rulers and community leaders.
Ajibola attended the event alongside a delegation from Crescent University, including the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ibraheem Gbajabiamila; the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Rasaki Kareem; the Registrar, Prince Zakariyya Ajibola; the Bursar, Alhaji Gbadebo Ogunmefun; and the Principal Assistant Registrar (Public Relations), Mr Idris Katib.