Newly Elected Leaders Set to Stir Affairs of Nigeria Table Tennis Federation, Promuses Grassroot Development and Global Excellence
Sports Correspondents
The Nigeria Table Tennis Federation over the weekend nominated Dr. Tayo Adesoji Emmanuel as the President and Honourable Khamisu Ahmed Mailantarki as the Vice President. The two were unanimously voted in unopposed by the 15 board members at the VIP lounge, Moshood Abiola National Stadium Abuja.
Honourable Bukola Olopade, the Director General of the National Sports Commission, expressed his profound satisfaction with the matured conduct of the electorates during the recently concluded Nigeria Table Tennis elections. He lauded the smooth and peaceful process, which he believed set a commendable standard for future Sports federations elections in the country.
In his speech, Hon. Olopade emphasized the strategic importance of including the National Association for Physical Health Education, Recreation, Sports and Dance (NAPHER-SD) and the National Association of Women in Sports (NAWIS) in the electoral process. He reiterated that the core essence of their involvement was to ensure robust gender sensitivity and inclusivity within the sport administration.
Furthermore, he offered counsel to the newly elected President, urging him to prioritise this gender balance and inclusivity when appointing other leaders and members of the board. Honourable Olopade stressed that a diverse and representative leadership would be crucial for the historic growth and development of table tennis in Nigeria, ensuring that the voices and contributions of all stakeholders are effectively heard and integrated.
Dr. Tayo Adesoji Emmanuel, a revered figure in Nigerian Table Tennis, is bringing with him a wealth of experience and a passionate vision for the sport’s future. Dr. Emmanuel, who, previously served as a player, umpire, technical director, and Vice President for the Federation, expressed profound satisfaction in is continued commitment to the game he loves.
“I am pleased to sacrifice my time and efforts to give back to the game that has given me so much, My primary goal is to help those who are not yet at the highest level to realise their full potential, develop their talents, and ultimately improve their lives.” He stated.
Dr Tayo outlined an ambitious agenda for his four-year tenure, emphasising a commitment to not only African but also global prominence for Nigerian Table Tennis. “Giving back to society is about doing things right; it is about putting the name of Nigeria on the map of the World, not just Africa. And that is what we intend to do in the next four years,” he declared.
He further highlighted the strength of his incoming administration. “As you can see, I have a formidable team that we will work together, to groom athletes from the grassroots to meet Olympic standards. Winning medals in table tennis requires dedication and training for 2 to 3 years, and we are prepared to invest in that process.” He said.
Dr Adesoji proudly noted the existing talent within Nigeria, stating, “We are proud to say that our young athletes are already competing in the Africa Junior Championships. Right now, we are committed to expanding our reach to the North to groom even more, making sure the youth are taken off the streets and away from their vices, allowing them to live better lives. We want to leave the World better than when we met it.”
He also expressed his enthusiasm for his Vice President, stating, “I am happy, I have a Vice President who is like me, has a deep passion for the game, and has been working behind the scenes all these years to improve the lives of young talented youth.”
The Vice President whose vision is to empower Youth and ignite innovation through sports, is also a Nigerian entrepreneur and sports administrator, and a philanthropist, renowned for his visionary leadership and impactful contributions across multiple sectors with a strong commitment to Youth empowerment, economic development, and Sustainable community transformation, he has built a notable reputation through effective public-private partnerships and strategic initiatives. With these two combinations, the Table Tennis Federation under their leadership is poised for a period of transformative growth, focusing on comprehensive athlete development, strategic regional outreach, and a relentless pursuit of international success, all while prioritising the welfare and future of Nigeria’s youth.
Also voted in are the zonal representatives;
Dr Tayo Adesoji Emmanuel South-West Representative,
Honourable Ahmed Khamisu Mailantarki North-East Representative.
Dominic Sylvester Technical Representative,
Suleiman Nasiru (MON) Athletes Representative.
Bar. Wahid Enitan Oshodi International Representative,
Engr. Ishaku Tikon International Representative.
Prof. Joshua Umeifekwem NAPHER-SD Representative,
Mrs Joy Ibekwe NAWIS Representative,
Mrs. Monilola Udoh AFFAN Representative.
Mr Sunday Odebode Sponsor/Philanthropist Representative,
CP Tony Emefiele Fsi Military/ Paramilitary Representative.
Ebikpolade Ama-Ebi Wilson South-South Representative,
Akunna Boniface Uju South-East Representative,
Ibrahim Abdul-Hamid Ali North-Central Representative,
Ndanusa Mohammad Sani (SAN) North-West Representative.
(NSC Media)
