The Lagos State Government has officially backed Wahid Enitan Oshodi, former Commissioner for Youth, Sports, and Social Development, as a candidate for the presidency of the African Table Tennis Federation (ATTF).
Oshodi will contest the election at the upcoming Annual General Meeting on October 15, 2024, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
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In a statement from Lagos State’s Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, the government highlighted Oshodi’s long-standing dedication to the sport. Omotoso noted that Oshodi has been deeply involved in promoting table tennis for decades, both in Lagos and globally.
“He is a worthy Lagosian who has encouraged many of our youths to take up the game as professionals,” Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu remarked, praising Oshodi’s efforts to develop talent and elevate the sport’s profile across Africa.
Oshodi’s leadership dates back to his role as the Chairman of the Lagos State Table Tennis Association, followed by his tenure as Commissioner under Governor Babatunde Fashola’s administration.
His significant achievements include hosting the 2012 National Sports Festival, which established Lagos as a leading sports hub in Africa, particularly for table tennis.
Sanwo-Olu also emphasized Oshodi’s impact on the international stage. In 2021, he became the Executive Vice President of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) and the Deputy President of the ATTF, solidifying his influence in global sports leadership. Should he win the ATTF presidency, Oshodi would become the second Nigerian to hold the position, following Engr. Segun George.
The Lagos State Government remains optimistic about Oshodi’s candidacy, believing it will further elevate Lagos and Nigeria’s prominence in the world of table tennis.
