The Team Civil Defence on Sunday emerged winner of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) Tennis Championship at the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, Lagos South West Nigeria.
The team defeated team Mulier at the finals which attracted key tennis dignitaries in the country and where ex-vice president Dr. Alex Ekwueme was honoured for his role in promoting tennis in the country.
Team Civil Defence went home with the Trophy and a cheque of N7 million while the first, second and third place runners-up went home with a cheque of N5 million, N3 million and N2 million respectively in the competition which witnessed 12 teams playing across the country.
In his remarks at the end of the contest, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Commission, Prof. Umar Dambatta expressed delight over the satisfactory conduct of the championship which he said produced quality tennis and young talented tennis players featuring and giving the more experienced players a run for their money.
He disclosed that the impact of the tournament has given the NCC a lot satisfaction and fulfillment noting that ! we are proud to have used this opportunity to engage a number of Nigeria youths in very fruitful and engaging enterprise with a bright future outlook.”
The NCC boss who was represented the Director of Research and Planing at the Commission, Mrs. Abigail Solanke said that some young Nigerians who were part of the tournament had gotten scholarship and sponsorship to tennis academies abroad where they will further their studies and their professional tennis careers noting that the NCC Tennis Cup is team tennis competition that is open to all including the very best male and female tennis players in Nigeria.
According to her, the best and promising Nigerian male and female players are participated in the league and that a good number of them are now raked on the ATP Tour adding that the major objective of the tournament is to contribute to the overall development of Nigeria through sports using tennis adding that through tennis offers the potential to engage, motivate, entertain and keep youth physically fit and mentally focused.
Danbatta said that the NCC is also using the competition to provide a decent living and a chance to be famous for the Nigerian youths adding that the Commission would support other agencies and organisations that wants to join its efforts like MTN Nigeria, which is currently supporting through six awards.
The MTN Nigeria award categories are the most outstanding male player, most outstanding female player, most outstanding junior (boys), most outstanding junior (girls), most improved female player and most improved female player.
Isaiah Erhiawarien, West Africa
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