Senator Tokunbo Mukhail Abiru representing Lagos East senatorial district in the National Assembly, is organising the first of its kind 2024 mixed table tennis championships at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere , Lagos.
The 3 day open championships will witness table tennis players in a group format jostling for the covetous prizes as the Senator is employing the avenue to contribute to the growth and development of youths to fulfill their dreams and aspirations.
Not less than 29 teams, in which three are from African Countries, Ghana ,Togo and Benin have registered for the maiden tournament.
Director General, Lagos State Sports Commission Lekan Fatodu expressed the state readiness in supporting any initiative that will aid the progression of the table tennis players not only in the country but across the globe.
” We want to create many first in different sporting areas. We are convinced that sports is a means through which people can achieve empowerment, self-sufficiency, self-development and economic emancipation”.
President of the African Table Tennis Federation (ATTF) and Executive Vice President, International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF),Wahid Enitan Oshodi, emphasized the tournament’s role in discovering new talents and familiarizing players with the new tournament format in Africa.
He commended Senator Abiru for supporting table tennis and encouraged other Nigerians to empower youth through sports.
Senator Tokunbo Abiru ably represented by his media aide, Enitan Olukotun, highlighted the significance of the tournament, stating, “Today’s event marks another important milestone in the history of professional table tennis tournaments in Nigeria. We are making history and blazing the trail with this first mixed table tennis championship ever held in Africa.”
The Senator praised the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) for their efforts in making the tournament a reality and reaffirmed the SAIL Empowerment Foundation’s commitment to youth empowerment through such an event.
