As the Edo Youth Tennis Championship climaxed in style at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, commended the organisers and sponsors of the under-13 and U-16 event, 82.ng, for their support towards the development of young tennis athletes in the state.
The Edo State Sports Commission boss gave the commendation through the Executive Director, representing Edo North on the state Sports Commission board, Hon. Frank Ilaboya, who represented him during the closing ceremony at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin.
Enabulele assured the 82.ng and other sponsors of sporting events in the state of an enabling environment and support.
“Let me thank the organisers and sponsors 82.ng for the support they have given us, coming around to support towards development of our young athletes.”
“This is the kind of support we need this time. It is a noble thing for one to give back to his community. Who knows tomorrow? Some of the kids here now could become Nigeria and world champions in the near future. We call on well-meaning private individuals and cooperate organizations in the state to emulate the CEO of 82. Mr Victor Ezewoko Ugwuala.
In the finals of the events, Ohimai Prosper and Bugor Emmanuel Gold were among the gold medal winners in the female and male categories.
Ohimai Prosper and Bugor, in an interview with journalists, said that they were happy to emerge as champions. They thanked the organisers and sponsors of the championship.
Speaking during the closing ceremony at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Mr. Victor Ezewoko Ugwuala, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of 82.ng Ltd, said the championship reflects the company’s vision of creating opportunities that transform lives.
“It is a privilege for me to bring my company, 82.ng, here to give back to my community. I started playing tennis at a tender age right here at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, and I am happy to give back to where I started. We are going to make it a yearly event. We need to encourage our young athletes with regular competitions to keep them busy positively. ” He said.
The sponsor also promised to extend the same opportunity to Squash, noting that he had planned to start with Squash but later changed his mind to begin with tennis. Also speaking, Eddy Ohwofasa, Business Development Consultant, 82.ng Ltd, and Project Consultant for the 82.ng Edo Youth Tennis Championship 2026, said the tournament is intended to become a flagship annual event.
“Our vision is to establish one of Nigeria’s leading youth tennis championships by creating a professionally organised competition that allows young athletes to compete and showcase their talents.” He said.
As part of their commitment to their corporate social responsibility, 82.ng entered into collaboration with the Edo State Tennis Association to organise the Edo Youth Tennis Championship 2026 at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, as part of their contribution to youth development and community impact.
The championship, which was open to U12 and U16 male and female players, was designed to provide a competitive platform for discovering, nurturing, and celebrating the next generation of tennis talents in Edo State and across Nigeria.