Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has been applauded for his support for the Governor’s Cup Lagos Tennis Championship, the 16th edition which holds from 8-22 October, 2016.
President of Nigeria Tennis Federation, NTF, Engr. Sani Ndanusa said the federation must show appreciation to Ambode, who did not only embrace the International Tennis Federation, ITF, approved Futures when he assumed office last year, but ensured that the annual competition is expanded in his second year in office.
The Governor’s Cup has been a tennis tournament organised to celebrate the sitting governor in Lagos State since the administration of Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu.
This year’s competition, the second since Ambode assumed office, will have its total prize money increased to 100,000 dollars as against 80,000 dollars in the previous editions.
“This competition started with Asiwaju Tinubu, who we all know as a great leader. Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola succeeded in improving on this tournament and we are so happy that Governor Ambode, with his love for sports, has ensured that the Governor’s Cup Lagos Tennis becomes a bigger tournament that will attract more players to the city of Lagos,” said Ndanusa, former Nigerian Minister of Sports.
“The Confederation of African Tennis (CAT) and the ITF were so much moved with the enthusiasm Governor Ambode showed in taking the competition to the next level. I want to say on behalf of Tennis Nigeria that thank you our dear Governor for your support.
“The Lagos Governor’s Cup has been adjudged as the biggest tennis tournament in sub Saharan Africa as it has attracted a lot of players around the world and produced future stars in the game. It has also made Lagos a tourism destination in Africa where foreign players came to Lagos with their coaches and parents and they left in the wake a good story of hospitality bestowed on them in Lagos.
“The consistency and good organisation over the years from the Local Organising Committee (LOC) headed by Chief Pius Akinyelure have been a source of encouragement for us in Nigerian tennis and more importantly Prince Wale Oladunjoye, the Tournament Director, who has been on the driver’s seat to make sure that we have excellent packages every year, is worthy of commendation, ” he said.
Ndanusa, former President of Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) assured that both local and foreign players coming for the competition this year will enjoy their two weeks stay in Lagos as the NTF in conjunction with the LOC and the host, Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, will leave nothing to chance to organise a memorable tournament.