By Nformi Desmond Tumi
The atmosphere at the Tennis Court of the Jolly Nyame Stadium in Jalingo was filled with excitement on Monday as the maiden edition of the Dr. Agbu Kefas North-East Tennis Championship officially got underway, attracting promising young players, coaches, sports administrators and tennis enthusiasts from across the North-East.
The championship, sponsored by the Secretary to the Government of Taraba State, Chief Barr. Gebon Timothy Kataps Ngwii, who also serves as the North-East Zonal Representative of the Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF), is designed to identify, nurture and promote young tennis talents while providing them with a platform to compete and prepare for higher levels of the game.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Chief Kataps said the tournament reflects the vision of Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas to empower young people through sports and create opportunities for them to realise their full potential.
He noted that the North-East is home to many gifted young athletes whose talents can only flourish through sustained investment, quality coaching, mentorship and regular competitions.
According to him, sports remain one of the most effective tools for promoting unity, discipline and leadership while opening doors for young people to excel nationally and internationally. He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting initiatives that will strengthen tennis and encourage greater youth participation in sports across Taraba State and the North-East.
President of the Jalingo Tennis Club, Brig. Gen. Jeremiah Faransa (Rtd.), described the championship as a landmark initiative for youth development and the growth of tennis in the region. He said the competition is more than a contest for trophies, explaining that it offers young athletes the opportunity to discover their potential, build confidence and prepare for future national and international competitions.
Brig. Gen. Faransa urged the players to compete with discipline, determination and respect for the rules of the game. He commended Chief Barr. Gebon Timothy Kataps Ngwii for sponsoring the championship and appreciated the coaches, parents, officials, security personnel and volunteers whose support made the tournament possible.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Taraba State Sports Development Commission, Coach Bulus Husseini, described the championship as a significant boost to grassroots sports development in Taraba State. He praised Governor Agbu Kefas for his continued investment in youth development and commended Chief Kataps for creating an avenue through which young people can showcase their talents and pursue excellence in tennis.
Coach Husseini encouraged the athletes to remain focused, disciplined and committed throughout the championship, noting that today's competition could become the foundation for tomorrow's national and international tennis stars.
In separate goodwill messages, the Member representing Nguroje Constituency in the Taraba State House of Assembly, Hon. Nelson Cyprain Len, and the Chairman of the Taraba State Youth Development Agency, Hon. Gara Nongha, applauded Governor Agbu Kefas and Chief Barr. Gebon Timothy Kataps Ngwii for providing a platform that enables talented young people from across the North-East to showcase their abilities and pursue greater opportunities through sports.
Competition began immediately after the opening ceremony with exciting displays of skill and determination. One of the day's standout matches saw Divine Denis of Adamawa State defeat Adamu Abba 6–4, 7–5 in the Under-17 Boys' Singles event after a fiercely contested encounter that drew applause from spectators.
The championship continues in Jalingo with more matches expected over the coming days as emerging tennis talents from across the North-East battle for honours and take important steps toward fulfilling their sporting ambitions.
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