By Daily Sports Nigeria on April 30, 2025

The Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, says his administration is committed to supporting sports and programmes that harness the potential of young people.

Aiyedatiwa, represented by his Special Adviser on Power, Hon Johnson Alabi, stated this on Saturday at the maiden Sir Olateru-Olagbegi Lawn Tennis Championships, held at the Ibadan Recreation Club.

He said the initiative was not only ideal for preserving the memory of great leaders, but also created a platform for young talent to thrive, adding that Oba Olateru-Olagbegi, the Olowo of Owo, was a symbol of royalty blended with modernity.

“As a government, our vision aligns with the intent and purposes of this tournament. We remain committed to supporting initiatives that produce cultural heritage, youth development and community growth. We will continue to invest in sports, infrastructure and programmes that harness the potential of our young people.

“Sports as we know, have the power to bring people together, break barriers and foster development. It is a vital tool for youth engagement and societal advancement,” Aiyedatiwa said.

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Akinloye Owolabi Ige Olakulehin I, represented by Ajia Olubadan, Oloye Abiola Iyiola, commended the family of Sir Olateru-Olagbegi for instituting the tournament through Prince Adegoke Olateru-Olagbegi.

“Sporting talents which can represent our country in international tournament will be discovered and nurtured from a tournament like this,” Oba Olakulehin said.

Prince Adegoke Olateru-Olagbegi said immortalising his father was the inspiration behind the maiden Tennis Championships.

“I have always dreamed of something that will immortalise him that will keep his name reverberating forever, hence the beginning of Sir Olateru-Olagbegi KBE Tennis Championships,” he said.

He appreciated the sponsors for their financial support, prayers and presence, and thanked participants for honouring the Olateru-Olagbegi family with their presence.

The President, Ibadan Recreation Club, Mr Olaitan Akinola, said the late Sir Olateru-Olagbegi was not just an imperial majesty who appreciated lawn tennis from a distance, but a true player of the game.

“He was a true player of the game, finding joy in the swing of the racket, the strategy of the serve and the camaraderie that this sport uniquely fosters,” Akinola said.

The tennis championships produced Salami Ganiyu as winner of the Men’s Singles Final while Ismail Rasak finished runner-up. In the Men’s Double championship, Wole Solademu and Raheem Nurudeen emerged winners while Ganiyu Salami and Ismail Rasak were runners-up.

Monday Segun won the Boys Junior Finals, with Ileri John as runner-up. The Girls Junior Finals saw Mabubat Rasak emerging as winner and Rokibat Afolabi was runner-up in the tournament.

Source Punch Ng

Posted April 30, 2025

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