Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru, FCA, has reaffirmed his commitment to youth development through sports, declaring that “when we create the right environment for our youth, talent flourishes, friendships blossom, and excellence thrives.”
He made this assertion while addressing participants and guests at the grand finale of the 2nd Edition of the Senator Abiru Mixed Team Table Tennis Championships (2.0) held on Saturday at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos.
The lawmaker, who represents Lagos East Senatorial District, said the tournament’s success reflected the power of sports to inspire excellence, promote unity, and foster inclusion among young people.
“Throughout the championships, we witnessed an abundance of passion, skill, and sportsmanship. Our athletes from across Nigeria and other parts of Africa reminded us of the beauty of competition and the unity that sports can foster,” he stated.
Senator Abiru, alongside his wife, Mrs. Feyisola Abiru, established the annual championship through the SAIL Empowerment Foundation, a platform dedicated to nurturing youth potential in sports, technology, and entrepreneurship. According to him, the initiative aims to create opportunities where talent can be discovered and refined into global excellence.
The event, which drew 30 mixed teams from Nigeria, Togo, and the Benin Republic, was nothing short of spectacular. In a dramatic upset, the unseeded Oyo team, led by the dynamic pair of Wasiu Azeez and Halima Hussein, defied the odds to clinch the championship title. Oyo and Bayelsa teams battled their way past heavyweights such as Lagos, Edo, and Kwara to reach the final.
The highly charged finale, witnessed by the tournament’s sponsors and dignitaries, including Senator and Mrs. Abiru, thrilled spectators with dazzling rallies and top-tier performances. Oyo claimed an early lead through the mixed doubles before Bayelsa’s Hope Udoaka leveled the scores. However, Azeez turned the tide, coming from behind to defeat Samuel Boboye 3-1, while Hussein and her doubles partner Khadijat Okanlawon sealed the 3-1 victory, crowning Oyo as champions.
In the third-place clash, Team Kwara bounced back from their semifinal defeat to overpower Lagos Team 2 in a commanding 3-0 win, securing the bronze medal at the N5.5 million prize money event.
Senator Abiru lauded all the athletes for their courage and discipline, noting that “every participant, medalist or not, is a champion in their own right.” He expressed deep appreciation to key partners and officials whose contributions ensured the tournament’s success. Among them were Barrister Wahid Enitan Oshodi, President of ITTF Africa; Dr. Kweku Tandoh, ITTF Africa Chief Operating Officer; Mr. Ferdinard Sounou, ITTF Africa Regional Vice President (West); Dr. Adesoji Tayo, President of the Nigerian Table Tennis Federation (NTTF); and Mr. Deji Abisola, Chief Impact Officer of the SAIL Empowerment Foundation.
“Your efforts have made this tournament not only successful but memorable,” Abiru said, while also appreciating residents of Lagos East and guests for their unwavering support. He revealed plans to make the next edition “even bigger, better, and more inclusive.”
Speaking with journalists, Mr. Deji Abisola, Chief Impact Officer of the SAIL Foundation, reiterated that the Foundation remains focused on creating sustainable platforms for young people to thrive in sports, technology, and entrepreneurship.
He noted, “Our vision is to keep building spaces where creativity can blossom, giving the youth in Lagos and beyond a fair chance to shine.”
