"This Is Only the Beginning" — SGS Kataps as Dr. Agbu Kefas Northeast Tennis Championship Uncovers New Tennis Talents

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.

NORTH EAST TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIP: ADAMAWA'S YAMAN PHILIP WINS GIRLS U-17 TITLE

By Nformi Desmond 

Yaman Philip of Adamawa State has won the Girls Under-17 title at the ongoing Dr. Agbu Kefas North East Tennis Championship after defeating Charity Ubandoma of Taraba State 6-1, 3-6, 10-8 in an exciting final at the Tennis Court of the Jolly Nyame Stadium, Jalingo.

Yaman dominated the opening set 6-1, but Charity responded strongly to take the second set 6-3 and force the match into a deciding super tie-break. Yaman eventually won the tie-break 10-8 to secure the championship.

With the victory, Yaman Philip finished as Champion, Charity Ubandoma emerged Runner-up, while Sophia Emeka of Yobe State claimed the Second Runner-up position.

The final attracted several dignitaries, including the Secretary to the Government of Taraba State and North-East Zonal Representative of the Nigeria Tennis Federation, High Chief Barr. Gebon Timothy Kataps Ngwii, who is the sponsor of the championship; the Vice President of the Nigeria Tennis Federation, Alhaji Yusuf Datti; the Secretary of the Nigeria Tennis Federation, Mr. Aliyu Makpa; the Central Zone Representative of the Nigeria Tennis Federation, Mr. Victor Hembah; the President of Jalingo Tennis Club, Brig. Gen. Jeremiah A. Faransa (Rtd); the Chairman of the Taraba State Sports Development Commission, Coach Bulus Husseini; and other government officials and sports administrators.

The match drew applause from spectators, coaches and officials, who commended both players for their determination and sportsmanship throughout the contest.

With the Girls Under-17 event concluded, attention now shifts to the Boys Under-14 and Boys Under-17 finals, which will be played on Thursday as the championship reaches its climax.

Taraba Hosts Maiden Dr. Agbu Kefas North-East Tennis Championship, Spotlighting Emerging Young Talents

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.