- Safiu Kehinde
Lagos State government has endorsed former Commissioner of Youths, Sports, and Social Development, Wahid Enitan Oshodi, for the African Table Tennis Federation (ATTF) President.
The state government’s endorsement of the ex-commissioner was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso.
According to the statement made available to NPO Reports, the government expressed its support for Oshodi’s candidacy, citing his genuine passion for table tennis over the past decades.
While lauding Oshodi for his contribution to the development of the sport in Lagos, the state’s governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, as quoted by Omotoso described the former commissioner as a worthy Lagosian.
Sanwo-Olu further highlighted Oshodi’s rise to profile.
“We are backing him and wish him all the best. He is a worthy Lagosian who has encouraged many of our youths to take up the game as professionals. Besides, he has been at the forefront of our talent search. He has groomed many,
“We are excited that Mr. Oshodi has continued to make Lagos and Nigeria proud with his impeccable record within and outside Africa. In 2021, he became a leading figure in world table tennis; he was elected Executive Vice President of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) and Deputy President of ATTF.
“We believe his election will positively impact table tennis and sports in general, and we are confident that Lagos will continue to be a leading city in table tennis in Africa.” Sanwo-Olu said.
According to the statement, Oshodi is set to contest for the position at the Y2024 Elective Annual General Meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on October 15.
Oshodi’s leadership as Commissioner, Lagos became a prominent destination for table tennis globally.
Oshodi began his journey as the Chairman of the Lagos State Table Tennis Association and became Commissioner in Y2011 during Governor Babatunde Fashola’s administration.
During his tenure as Commissioner, Lagos hosted the highly acclaimed National Sports Festival, ‘Eko 2012,’ and established itself as a key sports hub in Africa with the introduction of the International Sports Classics series.
If elected, Oshodi will be the second Nigerian to hold the prestigious position, following the steps of Engr. Segun George, a former ATTF President. His election will also make him the only Nigerian heading a continental Sports Federation.