The annual event, jointly organized by Fifth Chukker and Access Bank, combines elite polo competition with humanitarian fundraising, as proceeds from the tournament are dedicated to supporting UNICEF education programmes for orphaned and vulnerable children across Nigeria.
Over the course of 10 days, participating teams will compete fiercely for some of the tournament’s most coveted trophies, including the Charity Shield, the Access Bank Cup and the Usman Dantata Cup.
Organisers say this year’s edition is expected to be one of the biggest in recent years, attracting polo enthusiasts, corporate stakeholders and charity advocates from across the country and beyond.
In a statement released ahead of the competition, Access Bank announced an increase in its annual donation to N10 million to further support UNICEF’s intervention projects focused on HIV/AIDS awareness and assistance for vulnerable children.
The bank also disclosed that additional funds raised through gate proceeds, public donations and the sale of tournament memorabilia would be channelled into the same humanitarian initiative.
“We have been working in Kaduna, in collaboration with UNICEF to evaluate quality of lives. We need to do a lot more in support of those who are vulnerable especially at this moment,” the statement said.
“This year’s tournament is more than an affirmation of our commitment to socio-economic well-being of mankind and acknowledgment of the impact the initiative has had on the lives of the orphaned and vulnerable children in northern Nigeria especially in Kaduna state.”
The tournament has over the years grown beyond a sporting spectacle into one of Nigeria’s most recognized charity-driven polo events, with stakeholders using the platform to draw attention to social challenges affecting children and underserved communities.
UNICEF, which continues to partner with Access Bank on the initiative, also reaffirmed its commitment to improving access to education and child welfare across the country.
“There are millions of Nigerian children out of school and many of them are from the north,” UNICEF stated.
“We do believe the power of education will transform society. So, UNICEF looks forward to expanding this partnership with Access Bank to advocate the realization of children’s rights.”
The agency emphasized that collaborations between private organizations and humanitarian institutions remain critical in addressing educational inequality, poverty and social vulnerability among children, particularly in northern Nigeria where out-of-school rates remain among the highest in the country.
As anticipation builds ahead of the tournament, organizers say the 2026 edition will not only showcase high-level polo action but also strengthen efforts aimed at improving the lives and future opportunities of thousands of disadvantaged children.