Yemisi Izuora
Stanbic IBTC Bank, a subsidiary of Stanbic IBTC Holdings, made a remarkable impact at the 2026 Easter Cup, hosted at the prestigious Lagos Polo Club on 05-06 April, 2026. This year’s tournament was not only about exciting polo matches; it also highlighted the strong partnerships that make the event lively.
The event transformed the hallowed grounds of the Lagos Polo Club into a vibrant celebration of Nigerian excellence, drawing corporate leaders, entrepreneurs, and families from all walks of life. The inclusive atmosphere allowed attendees to engage in the “Game of Kings,” emphasising accessibility for everyone and reinforcing the club’s appeal as a meeting point for diverse social and business communities.
Commenting on the tournament, Eric Fajemisin, Executive Director, Corporate and Investment Banking, Stanbic IBTC Bank, said, “As we celebrate the vibrancy of this year’s Easter Cup, the spirit of polo transcends mere competition. This event symbolises our commitment to fostering community, collaboration, and excellence in every facet of life. At Stanbic IBTC, we take pride in our longstanding partnership with the Lagos Polo Club, as it reflects our dedication to supporting initiatives that unite and uplift diverse segments of society. Together, we are not just promoting a sport; we are building lasting relationships that empower individuals and businesses alike.”
Adeyemo Alakija, President of the Lagos Polo Club, expressed pride in this partnership, describing it as a journey rather than a mere corporate sponsorship. “We are ever so elated to be partnering with Stanbic IBTC. We have long-standing relationship with them, dating back to when the bank’s Patron and former Chairman, Mr Atedo Peterside, was a player himself. Their continued support fosters vibrancy within our club, making Stanbic IBTC the best sponsor we could hope for. There’s a lot more to come, so stay tuned,” Alakija said.
Mohammed Sani Dangote, Captain of the Lagos Polo Club, highlighted that the partnership represents more than just a brand; it embodies a shared vision for a promising future. “The outlook for our collaboration between Stanbic IBTC and Lagos Polo Club is incredibly positive. This partnership includes our players, who are essential members of the Stanbic IBTC family. We are also looking forward to some exciting developments with the Polo Club in partnership with Stanbic IBTC, and we encourage everyone to stay tuned for what’s to come. Additionally, we are dedicated to nurturing young talent and exploring various other exciting opportunities. We truly could not have asked for a better alignment in values, culture, and vision between our two organisations. We sincerely appreciate this collaboration.”
The impact of the Easter Cup extended beyond the polo matches themselves and into the professional community. Biyi Adekunbi, Real Estate Investment Manager at ARM, commented on the networking opportunities the event created. “It’s a platform for different professionals to converge and interact. Beyond sport, business relationships are forged, allowing stakeholders to share ideas and promote polo. The Lagos Polo Club event plays an important role in creating these connections,” Adekunbi stated.
Over the years, the partnership between the Lagos Polo Club and Stanbic IBTC has cultivated a community bonded by shared values of tradition, excellence, and interconnectedness. The tournament’s inclusive nature reflects the social fabric of Lagos, drawing diverse groups together and fostering integration that opens new avenues for collaboration and growth. This year, the tournament culminated in an amazing finale, with the Easter Bonnets team emerging victoriously. Their skillful manoeuvres and seamless coordination ultimately led them to claim the championship title, showcasing not only their talent but also the spirit of unity that the tournament embodies.
For Stanbic IBTC, this signifies a commitment to unity and empowerment across all segments of society. By investing in sports and supporting the next generation, Stanbic IBTC helps ensure the Lagos Polo Club’s legacy remains vibrant within the community it serves.