Salami K. Adebayo of the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA), Ilorin and Bamidele Yetunde of Information and Communications’ Chapel on Wednesday December 4, 2024, won the Male and Female Singles events of the 2024 Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Organised Table Tennis Championship, respectively.
In the Female category, Bamidele, who entered the contest as the defending champion defeated Bushrah Yusuf of Correspondents Chapel two straight sets in the semi-final, before seeing off Itunu Olaosebikan of Radio Kwara, also on two straight sets, to win gold.
Olaosebikan had earlier beaten Olabisi Yusuff of NTA in the first semi-final. Both Bushrah and Olabisi won the joint third prizes.
In the Male event, the absence of Emeritus champion, Jide Allen paved way for the emergence of new champion in the category.
Adebayo of NTA defeated Jimba Musa Babatunde two sets in the semi-final, while Adeoti Adebayo Ayobami of The Herald Newspaper defeated Sodiq Adebara of Harmony FM, also on two sets, in the second semi-final.
Adebayo of NTA and Adeoti of The Herald had earlier beaten Oyedeji Lukman of the Correspondents’ Chapel and Abdulwahab Olansile of Radio Kwara respectively, in the quarter-finals.
The Male final match between Adebayo and Adeoti ended 2-1 in favour of Adebayo, who emerged as the new champion.
The sponsor, Hon. Shola Odetundun, who was represented by Hon. Femi Ajide expressed delight with the competition, pointing out that the aim, which was to encourage togetherness, was achieved. Hon. Odetundun is representing Irepodun in the Kwara State House of Assembly.
“It was a well thought of initiative as it brings out of the other side of journalists, away from the normal tedious writing and editing.
The Council Chairman, Comrade Abdullateef ‘Lanre Ahmed said that NUJ has continued to strive in sustaining the Championship, taking into cognisant, it’s importance in achieving oneness and togetherness among members of various Chapels.
“The Championship is being sustained through sponsorship by various personalities, as Hon. Razaq Owolabi, former SA Sports, Mallam Attahiru Ibrahim, Hon. Seun Oginniyi, also of the Kwara State House of Assembly, and now, Hon Shola Odetundun contributing to its sustainance.
Honoured at the ocassion are the sponsor, Hon Shola Odetundun, Chairman of NUJ, Comrade Abdullateef ‘Lanre Ahmed, the Council Secretary, Olayinka Alaya, Hon. Femi Ajide, the Chairperson of NAWOJ, Mrs. Bola, Jide Allen, the GMs of NTA and Radio Kwara, Jimoh Bashir and the SWAN Chairman, Mallam Ayodeji Ismail.
Winners and participants smiled home with medals and cash prizes.
