By Daniel Oyekan
The vibrant city of Lagos has once again become a beehive of sporting activities as the 2nd Senator Abiru Mixed Team Table Tennis Championship serves off today at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere.
The three-day tournament, which runs from October 30 to November 1, features 30 teams from across Nigeria, Benin Republic and Togo, bringing together more than 150 athletes competing for a share of the ₦5.5 million prize pool, an increase from ₦4 million last year.
The championship, which is the first mixed team event of its kind in Africa, was established by Senator Tokunbo Abiru, founder of the Sail Innovation Lab and Empowerment Foundation, as part of his youth development and community impact initiative.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Senator Abiru, who represents Lagos East Senatorial District, reiterated his commitment to using sports as a tool for youth empowerment and social inclusion.
“Our youth development philosophy goes beyond classrooms and computer labs. The discipline, focus, and teamwork that make great innovators are the same traits that define great athletes,” Abiru said.
“It was on this belief that we launched this championship to celebrate excellence, inclusion, and community spirit through sports. This year’s edition marks an exciting leap forward as the total prize money has been increased from ₦4 million to ₦5.5 million to reward excellence and encourage professionalism.”
The senator also revealed plans to integrate technology and entrepreneurship training into the tournament framework, allowing participants to benefit from opportunities available through the Sail Innovation Lab in Ikorodu, a centre dedicated to equipping young Nigerians with digital, creative, and entrepreneurial skills.
“Whether it’s a racket or a keyboard, excellence is possible,” Abiru added. “This initiative is designed to build a generation that combines sportsmanship, creativity, and resilience to thrive in today’s world.”
President of the African Table Tennis Federation (ITTF Africa), Wahid Enitan Oshodi, praised the senator’s consistency in promoting youth development and supporting grassroots sports in Nigeria.
“The mixed team idea is fantastic. It gives us a platform to prepare for the next Olympics,” Oshodi said. “Any talent without opportunity is a waste, and what Senator Abiru has done is to create opportunities for young players to develop themselves.”
Also speaking, the President of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF), Adesoji Adetayo, described the championship as a bold and innovative project that has elevated Nigeria’s standing in African table tennis.
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“Nigeria became the first African nation to host this event last year, and this year we are witnessing its evolution into an international competition,” Adetayo said.
“Countries like Benin Republic and Togo, who attended last year as observers, are now competing. This shows how far we’ve come in developing the sport regionally.”
Lagos State Sports Commission Director-General, Lekan Fatodu, commended the initiative as a reflection of Lagos’ strong commitment to grassroots sports and youth development.
“This event aligns perfectly with our vision to discover and nurture young talents,” Fatodu said. “It’s not just about competition; it’s about building sustainability, investment in youth, and community development. I urge every athlete to give their best and represent their community with pride.”
The event, organised in partnership with ITTF Africa and the NTTF, is expected to climax with the grand finale on Saturday, where winners will emerge and receive both monetary rewards and mentorship opportunities through the Sail Innovation platform.
The Secretary-General of the NTTF, Ilesanmi Akanni, gave the vote of thanks, appreciating the sponsors, athletes, and the media for their commitment to promoting the sport’s growth in Nigeria and beyond.