Calabar Agog As Senator J.O.E hosts Second Edition of the Renewed Hope and People First National Tennis Open
“I will continue to support Sports in Cross River State”- Senator Owan Enoh
Oru Leonard
The second edition of the Renewed Hope and people First National Tennis Open, Calabar 2024, has come to a thrilling end, between 4th- 6th December, 2024. The tournament, hosted by Senator John Owan Enoh, Honourable Minister of State for Industry, drew players from across Nigeria to compete in various categories.
The finals, held on December 7, saw Nubari John and Rebecca Ekpenyong emerge as winners, taking home cash prizes, gifts, and trophies. The tournament aimed to promote tennis growth and development in Cross River State and Nigeria, while fostering unity and sportsmanship among Nigerians.
Senator John Owan Enoh, who previously served as Nigeria’s 36th Minister of Sports, committed to continuing his support for tennis and football development in Cross River State. He announced plans to increase the prize money for future editions and challenged players to make it to the finals. The Minister also revealed plans for a football talent hunt in Cross River State in 2025.
The Honourable Minister of State for Industry appreciated the efforts of His Excellency Prince Bassey Edet Otu ,the Executive Governor of Cross River State for his passion towards sports development in the state ,such that he embraced the tournament into the events programme of the grand annual Calabar Festival. The Minister also acknowledged the enthusiasm of the Sports Commissioner Hon. Agnes Atsu, noting that the performance of Team Cross River at the 8th edition of the National Youth Games in Asaba ,Delta State,showed great improvement from their previous performance, and this speaks monumentally of the efforts put in by the leadership of the state.
His Excellency the Governor of Cross River State, who was able represented by the Sports Commissioner, Hon. Agnes Atsu lauded the initiative and committed to working with the talents from the tournament to elavete the state in tennis.
The tournament featured top-ranked tennis players in Nigeria, including Rebecca Ekpenyong, Timiprie Maxwell, and Amarachi Odoh. Senator John Enoh donated tennis equipment for young talents in Cross River State and sponsored players to participate in national tournaments. The event concluded with the presentation of awards to outstanding players, coaches, and the Honourable Minister of State for Industry.
The prizes include:
Male and female winner
#350,000 each
- Ist runner up male and female #250,000
Semi finalists male and female (4) #150,000 each
Quater finalists male (4) ,#100,000 each
First round, #50,000
(Diana-Mary Nsan SA Media To HMSFMITI)