NTTF boss hands over equipped table tennis hall to Oyo govt

In a landmark gesture toward the growth of table tennis in Oyo State, the chairman of the Oyo State Table Tennis Association and president of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation, Adesoji Tayo, has officially handed over a multi million naira table tennis hall to the state government.

The commissioning ceremony took place on Monday, September 21, at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan, where the donor expressed his delight at seeing the project reach completion.

Tayo described the facility as a legacy for future generations of players, as part of his vision of nurturing talent, building champions, and leaving behind a lasting legacy for the sport.

“It is not about infrastructure to me but about the legacy one is leaving behind,” he said.

“This hall will serve as a place where players can train, showcase their talent, and aim for the podium. We have four world class tables and flooring that will remain in top condition for at least ten years. I believe another Aruna Quadri or Waheed Ekun will be discovered here.”

The Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Wasilat Adegoke, expressed profound gratitude on behalf of the government. She assured that the facility would be “adequately and religiously maintained,” noting that Governor Seyi Makinde himself was aware of the donation.

“To say we are grateful is an understatement,” she remarked.

“This gesture will undoubtedly boost the performance of our athletes at both national and international levels.”

Adegoke further called on other well meaning Nigerians to emulate Tayo’s example by supporting sports development in any way they can.

The General Manager of the Oyo State Sports Council, Mrs. Olabisi Adegoke, also commended the donor and urged athletes to use the hall strictly for its intended purpose. She emphasised the importance of coaches in ensuring that players are properly trained so that the facility achieves its full potential.

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