Engr. Chukwudi Dimkpa is the President of Port Harcourt Polo Club. In this Interview with David Amusa in Port Harcourt, he spoke on the preparations for the forthcoming prestigous Port Harcourt Golden Jubilee polo tournament in Rives state. Excerpts
Q: What is your name?
Chukwudi Dimkpa
What is your position in Port Harcourt Polo club?
President
I learnt that the club is organizing an international polo tournament and its golden jubilee to be held this month, the question is, are you sure there is going to be a turn up of international players, considering the Omicron variant coronavirus pandemic?
Already, we have players that have come in who are in quarantine. The others we are expecting will definitely do the same thing when they arrive. We are working with Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). So, everybody coming in here both local and foreign is expected to adhere with the protocols for Nigeria. Definitely, as long as you do so, wherever you are coming from, I think we are fine.
Specifically speaking, what steps have been taken to ensure that the game is Omicron protocol complaint?
The games are outdoor. Everything concerning the 2022 Port Harcourt Polo club 50th anniversary tournament is an outdoor event. So, we are in space. We are going to be doing all the things that are mandated by NCDC, which is washing of hands, wearing of face masks, distancing and checking temperature. We are even going to have a booth if people want to get vaccinated can actually be vaccinated. We have worked that out with a centre to just for the period have their booth here. All these measures have been put in place to protect players,visitors, tourists, sports enthusiasts attending the event. So, we’re complaint.
Would visitors show any proof of vaccination before they will be allowed into the polo club field?
Like I said, we have a medical facility where people can actually test themselves for COVID-19 and also take the vaccine. But, you don’t necessarily have to come with any certificate. We just believe that people are responsible enough. If you know you are positive, isolate. You know, it’s just like the churches, you don’t ask for any certificate. We are not going to ask for it. We expect people to be responsible.
Organizing such a big event- event of such magnitude involves a lot of money, what has been the response of sponsors?
Well, we thank God, members and sponsors alike have been forthcoming. As you can see, we are in top gear. Everything is almost set.
Have there been invite for top celebrities, music artistes and political leaders as guest such as the Governor of Rivers state?
The Governor of Rivers state is the grand patron of this club. So, he has been invited. We have A-list celebrities, A-list entertainers, A-list polo. Everything about the 50th anniversary tournament is A-list.
Thank you for your time; it was nice talking to you.
