By Nformi Desmond
The Secretary to the Government of Taraba State, High Chief Gebon Timothy Kataps Ngwii, says the maiden Dr. Agbu Kefas Northeast Tennis Championship marks the beginning of a sustained effort to discover and develop young tennis talents across the Northeast.
Speaking at the grand finale of the championship held on Thursday at the Tennis Court of the Jolly Nyame Stadium, Jalingo, Kataps said the region is blessed with abundant sporting talents that require sustained support, exposure and investment to compete at higher levels.
He commended the Local Organising Committee for the successful organisation of the tournament and called on governments, corporate organisations and sports stakeholders to invest more in grassroots sports development.
According to him, the championship is designed to provide young athletes with opportunities to sharpen their skills, gain competitive experience and prepare for national and international competitions.
Kataps dedicated the tournament to the Governor of Taraba State, Dr. Agbu Kefas, in recognition of the administration's commitment to youth development and sports.
Representing the Vice President of the Nigerian Tennis Federation, Alhaji Yusuf Dati commended Governor Kefas for creating a peaceful environment that enables young people to develop their talents. He described the championship as a strategic investment capable of producing future national and international tennis stars.
Representing Governor Kefas, Rt. Hon. Kizito J. Bonzena applauded the SGS for initiating the championship and urged public and private stakeholders to support programmes that positively engage young people through sports.
The championship featured Under-12, Under-14 and Under-17 events, attracting young players from Taraba, Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno and Yobe States. Beyond the competition, the tournament promoted unity, friendship and healthy rivalry among participants from across the region.
The grand finale attracted members of the Taraba State House of Assembly, Commissioners, Permanent Secretaries, officials of the Nigerian Tennis Federation, sports administrators, political stakeholders, media practitioners and tennis enthusiasts.
The National Sports Commission Northeast also honoured Governor Agbu Kefas, High Chief Gebon Timothy Kataps Ngwii and other distinguished personalities for their contributions to sports development.
Among the champions were Divine Denis of Adamawa (Under-17 Boys), Yaman Philip Noku of Adamawa (Under-17 Girls), James A. Noku of Taraba (Under-14 Boys), Josephine Musa of Taraba (Under-14 Girls) and Rahila James of Taraba (Under-12 Girls).
The successful maiden edition has raised expectations that the championship will become an annual platform for discovering, nurturing and producing the next generation of tennis talents from the Northeast for Nigeria and beyond.
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