Deputy Governor of Edo, Philip Shaibu, has called for a stronger partnership for the development of table tennis in the country.
Shaibu made the call on Thursday at the ongoing Pastor Charles Osazuwa Table Tennis Festival, holding at Sam Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin.
The Deputy Governor commended the sponsor of the festival, Mr. Charles Osazuwa, saying that partnership will have a multiplying effect on the development of table tennis in the country.
“I am happy that we have representatives from all the states competing here today and I want to thank Pastor Charles Osazuwa. It’s not the first time, as this has become an annual event.
“For us as a state, this is what we are asking for; that private sector, private individuals, and well-meaning Nigerians should come together and help develop the sport.
“The multiplying effect is huge, look at the representative from all over the country converging here. If there is no activity like this for some of them, idleness can create something else which will be negative.
“We want to thank Pastor Charles Osazuwa and Madam for always coming to support the state and helping to discover talents,” he said.
Shaibu said Table Tennis was a game Nigeria had not put too much effort into, adding that if much effort had been applied, the sport won’t be reduced to just a few representing the country at the international level.
“When people like Osazuwa and government partner to develop the game of table tennis, then there would be no vacuum as there are lots of talents ready to represent the country.
“So, I want to thank Pastor Osazuwa, his family, Hilltop Global Oil and Gas, for sponsoring this year’s table tennis event which has become an annual festival in Edo.
“We will continue to partner with him to make sure that the game of table tennis is developed so that Edo will be the hub of table tennis talents,” he said.
Meanwhile, Osazuwa said that he was a lover of tennis just like the deputy governor loved football, adding that being a top player endeared him to the game.
“I am also competing in the tournament. I think that table tennis is another way to encourage young people to be occupied.
“Just like the deputy governor said, an idle mind is the devil’s workshop, so you can see that it’s a good thing that the 36 states of the federation are represented here.
“We also have plans that the best out of this tournament will be sponsored to play international competition.
“I am driven by the passion for the game. The government is partnering with us and we are taking it to the next level,” he said. (NAN)
