As the Edo Youth Tennis Championship climaxed in style at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium,the Executive chairman,Edo State Sports Commission Hon Amadin Desmond Enabulele has commended the organisers and sponsors of the under 13 and U-16 event 82.ng for their support towards the development of young tennis athletes in the state.
The Edo State sports commission boss gave the commendation through the Executive Director representing Edo North in the board of the state Sports Commission Hon Frank Ilaboya who represented him during the closing ceremony at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin.
Enabulele assured the 82.ng and other sponsors of sporting events in the state of an enabling environment and support.
” Let me thank the organisers and sponsors 82.ng for the support they have given us, coming around to support towards development of our young athletes.”
” This is the kind of support we need this time. It is a noble thing for one to give back to his community. Who knows tomorrow? Some of the kids here now could become Nigeria and world champions in the nearest future. We call on well meaning private individuals and cooperate organizations in the state to emulate the CEO of 82.ng Mr. Victor Ezewoko Ugwuala”.
In the finals of the events,Ohimai Prosper and Bugor Emmanuel Gold were among the gold winners in the female and male categories.
Ohimai Prosper and Bugor in an interview with journalists said that they were happy to emerged champions. They thanked the organisers and sponsors of the championship.
Speaking during the closing ceremony at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Mr. Victor Ezewoko Ugwuala, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of 82.ng Ltd, said the championship reflects the company’s vision of creating opportunities that transform lives.
” It is a privilege for me to bring my company 82.ng here to give back to my community. I started playing tennis at a tender age right here at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium and I am happy to give back to where I started from and we are going to make a yearly affairs. We need to encourage our young athletes with regular competitions to keep them busy positively. ” He said.
The sponsor also promised to extend the same opportunity to Squash, noting that he had planned to start with Squash but later changed his mind to begin with tennis.
Also speaking, Eddy Ohwofasa, Business Development Consultant, 82.ng Ltd, and Project Consultant for the 82.ng Edo Youth Tennis Championship 2026, said the tournament is intended to become a flagship annual event.
“Our vision is to establish one of Nigeria’s leading youth tennis championships by creating a professionally organized competition that gives young athletes the opportunity to compete and showcase their talents.” He said.
As part of their commitment to their corporate social responsibility, 82.ng, entered into collaboration with the Edo State Tennis Association to organize Edo Youth Tennis Championship 2026 at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City as part of their contribution to youth development and community impact.
The championship which was open to U12 and U16 male and female players, was designed to provide a competitive platform for discovering, nurturing, and celebrating the next generation of tennis talents in Edo State and across Nigeria.
