Ganiyu Muftau
The Erelu Ngozi Adeleke’ Table Tennis Championship For Female Secondary School Students In Osun State came to a thrilling conclusion on Monday at the Ultra Modern Micheal and Felicia Alabi Memorial Table Tennis Hall, Osogbo.
Alimat Olasunkanmi of Oba Laoye Grammar School, Ede showcased her exceptional talents securing victory at the inaugural Erelu Ngozi Adeleke Table Tennis Championship.
Alimat triumphed over the determined Kabirat Bankole of Nawarudeen Grammar School, Oke Baale, Osogbo in the first semi-final, and then defeated Hamzat Hikimat of Adventist Grammar School, Ede in a thrilling final.
The week-long tournament, organized by SportsGig International in collaboration with Ministry of Education, Sports and the Osun Sports Council in honour of the Wife of the Governor of Osun State, Erelu Ngozi Adeleke’ saw over 25 female Secondary School Students from across Osun State compete for the prestigious trophy.
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The event which started on May 28th, featured a festive atmosphere on the final day, with the presence of the Wife of the Governor, adding to the grandeur of the occasion.
In the final match, Alimat displayed her skill and composure, outplaying Hamzat Hikimat in a game that enthralled both fans and dignitaries.
The Wife of the Governor, in her speech after the final, emphasized the importance of the tournament as a platform to identify and nurture young talent. She remarked, “Our main interest in organizing this competition is to identify the talent in these school children, showcase it, and encourage them. If the boys can do it, the girls can also do it. I am glad because they came prepared, and the whole world has seen my girls from Osun State competing.”
Erelu Ngozi Adeleke expressed her pride in the participants, acknowledging that while Alimot emerged as the winner, all the players demonstrated potential and dedication. She also extended her gratitude to the event’s sponsors, including Checkers Custard, Zagg Energy Malt Drink, Olafiranye Sports Foundation, Amstrong Paints Ltd, HMK Royal Mall, Schools’ Sport Foundation and Spick and Span.
Alimot Olasunkanmi, the tournament champion, attributed her success to determination and perseverance. She said, “I thank God for the victory and I want to specially appreciate the wife of our Governor, Her Excellency, Erelu Ngozi Adeleke, for everything she’s done and is still doing, especially this competition. I pray the Lord will bless her.”
In addition to the accolades and trophy, Erelu Ngozi Adeleke announced a cash gift for the winner, enhancing the rewards organized for the tournament. As the event concluded, the Wife of the Governor expressed her hope for an even bigger and better tournament next year, aiming to further encourage and showcase the talents of young girls in Osun State though the #LetTheGirlsPlay campaign.
Also the Chief Executive Officer Of SportsGig International, Olayinka Olawole was thankful for all the support given before and through our the tournament. He laid more emphasis on why girls should be encouraged to participate in Sports.
Present at the event were, the Permanent Secretary, Sports Ministry, Mr. Oladele Olawuni, Sports Council Boss, Mr. Rotimi Dunmoye, Chairman Osun Table Tennis Association, Mr. Ayo Alabi and his lovely wife, Director, Ministry of Sports, Mr. Layi Adesiyan, Osun State Football Association Boss, Mayor Sola Fanawopo.
Director, Training, Sports Council, Mr. Ademola Daini, Director of Organization, Sports Council, Mrs Ronke Ogunbanwo-Ajibola, Former Sports Council GM, Mrs Lola Oluokun, the South-West PDP National Vice Chairman, Mr. Kamorudeen Ajisafe.
Schools’ Sports Foundation CEO, Yomi Elijah, Marketing Manager (SouthWest) Checkers Africa Ltd, Shubham Bajaj, ably represented by Osun Sales Head, Mr Emmanuel Roland, Ibrahim Akinokun, Chief Operating Manager of SportsGig International amongst others.
The 2024 Erelu Ngozi Adeleke Table Tennis Championship has set a new standard for youth sports in Osun State, highlighting the potential and resilience of young female athletes.
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