Ayanwale emerge winner of Seyi Tinubu Table Tennis Challenge as Ogunlende, Bolowotan task youths on sports involvement

Mr. Ayanwale Jamiu an indoor game athlete from Agege has emerged the new winner of the 2nd Edition of Seyi Tinubu Table Tennis Challenge having trounced Augustine Emmanuel from Apapa 3-1 in a first-five final game.

While decorating the champion of the last 16 rounds of the table tennis tourney-Ayanwale with his medal, a golden trophy and a 250,000-naira cash prize, the Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC) Director General Oluwatoyin Gafaar Bolowotan noted that the youngster did exceptionally well all through, giving the game the needed seriousness and concentration, which eventually translated to victory.

Bolowotan added that going forward athletes should endeavour to sharpen their skills more and remain in form as there are many opportunities to latch on and make a statement in their sporting career.

“Anything that has to do with the young people is very important to this administration of our Governor Mr. Babajide Olushola Sanwo-Olu because youth development and engagement is very germane to him.

“The call to all the athletes is to put your best in everything that you do, you never know who is around watching you and what can come out of it, in spite of the prizes available here today, most of them have been there for the last five years doing so well having represented Lagos in various sporting competitions.

“Asoju Oba games will start tomorrow as well as the National Opens which will kick off on 23rd we will now crown it with renewed hope table tennis challenge for the top 16 in Nigeria. That is what we’ve been doing for the last four five years, the younger ones are also coming up, we have the competitions lined up for them, we encourage them so that they can see and have an hope of making impact.”

Mr. Damilare Orimoloye the Senior Special Assistant to Mr. Governor on Sports the mission statement of LSSC-We want create a culture for sport in Africa and it is starting from Lagos State so we are calling on the youths out there put your all into it once the opportunity comes

Mr. Augustine Emmanuel who bags the second position was also decorated with a medal and a cash prize of 150,000 naira while the third position was given to two individuals Muiz Adegoke and Authur Williams for their frantic and competitive mien all through the game.

The competitors were drawn from across all the localities of Lagos State, it featured youngsters and professional players, who showcased their athletic competence all through the tennis tourney.

A powerful delegation of youthful cabinet members of the Lagos State executive was in attendance from Mr. Idris Aregbe the Special Adviser to Mr. Governor on Tourism, Commissioner of Youth and Social Development Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende (RAK) and the Lagos State All Progressives Congress Youth Leader Dr. Muritala Seriki amongst others.

Speaking on the sideline during the games Ogunlende hinted that the state government is passionate about driving sporting activities to bring out the best of Lagos youthful population, so as to help them channel their God-given energy into positive ventures.

Ogunlende said that: “I am essentially here today to give the moral support and encouragements that our youths need, I commend the organizers for putting this together I know it came under a very short period being the second edition and we will continue to show our support every year.

“It is a youthful event and we need to support ourself if not we cannot continue to promote that unity, we are talking about which is needed for us to foster good relationships across board.

“I have seen the prizes and the tokens I believe this will be an encouragement especially this yuletide period it is a take home every one of them can use to assist their families.

“The idea is to continue to infuse as many programmes into the local governments, the state is doing a lot but the state cannot do it alone, which is why we must all come together as evident with our turn out here today.

“2024 will be a laudable one because we are building on a lot of grassroots sports like table tennis, badminton, taekwondo not the conventional football and basketball, so the commission is doing a lot having the support of myself and Mr. Governor so there is going to be a lot of working relationship amongst all parties.

“Let’s put our best in whatever you are doing, you never know who is watching and looking out for you, we are in social media era videos and pictures are being taken and it is being aired everywhere, so to everybody that is participating put your best in it like your life depends on it. Your output depends on the input that you inject into any project it applies here too.”

The organizer of the event Mr. Saheed Afonja former SSA on Youths Development to Mr. Governor and now the Personal Assistant to Mr. Seyi Tinubu on grassroots politics noted that the athletes were randomly selected across the localities of Lagos State having filled forms online.

“Lot of people were here given the name involved, and we accommodated both female and male participation also we are in discussion with the DG LSSC to see how we can be involved in the sponsorship of exceptional athletes that evolves from here, a report will be given as well about the event and when they want to have other competitions at state or national level they will be recommended.”