The co-founder of the SAIL Empowerment Foundation and Senator representing Lagos East Senatorial District, Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru, FCA, has applauded athletes for their exceptional performances at the 2nd Edition of the Senator Abiru Mixed Team Table Tennis Championship (2.0), held on Saturday at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.
The tournament, which featured 30 teams from Nigeria, Togo, and the Benin Republic, ended on a high note as Team Oyo emerged overall champions after a series of thrilling matches and outstanding displays of skill.
Led by Wasiu Azeez and Halima Hussein, the Oyo team defied expectations to defeat Team Bayelsa in an intense final. Despite being unseeded, both Oyo and Bayelsa stunned top-rated teams from Lagos, Edo, and Kwara to reach the grand finale.
The championship’s final match — witnessed by Senator Abiru and his wife, Mrs. Feyisola Abiru — kept spectators on edge with dazzling rallies and high-tempo play. Oyo took an early lead through the mixed doubles before Bayelsa’s Hope Udoaka leveled the score. However, Azeez fought back from a one-set deficit to defeat Samuel Boboye 3–1, while Hussein and her partner, Khadijat Okanlawon, sealed Oyo’s victory with a 3–1 triumph in the women’s doubles.
In the third-place playoff, Team Kwara overpowered Lagos Team 2 with a commanding 3–0 win to claim the bronze medal in the ₦5.5 million prize money tournament.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Senator Abiru described the event as a reflection of his administration’s commitment to empowering youth through sports and innovation.
“This tournament has once again shown that when we create the right environment for our youth, talent flourishes, friendships blossom, and excellence thrives. Throughout the championships, we witnessed passion, skill, and sportsmanship — proof that sports remain a powerful tool for unity and development,” he said.
Senator Abiru, alongside his wife, established the championship through the SAIL Empowerment Foundation, as part of a broader initiative to nurture young talent in sports, technology, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
The lawmaker commended all participating teams for their dedication and discipline, noting that “every player, medalist or not, is a champion in their own right.” He also expressed gratitude to the tournament’s key partners and officials, including Barr. Wahid Enitan Oshodi (President, ITTF Africa), Dr. Kweku Tandoh (Chief Operating Officer, ITTF Africa), Mr. Ferdinard Sounou (Regional Vice President, ITTF Africa, West), Dr. Adesoji Tayo (President, NTTF), and Mr. Deji Abisola (Chief Impact Officer, SAIL Empowerment Foundation).
Senator Abiru further appreciated the residents of Lagos East and other guests for their unwavering support, while promising that subsequent editions of the championship would be “even bigger, better, and more inclusive.”
In his remarks, Mr. Deji Abisola reiterated the foundation’s commitment to creating opportunities for young people to thrive across sports, technology, and entrepreneurship.
“The SAIL Foundation will continue to provide platforms where young people can explore their creativity, develop skills, and contribute meaningfully to society,” Abisola said.
