Hakeem Adegbenro was the cynosure of all eyes as the maiden edition of the Ogun SWAN/Oba Akamo Table Tennis Competition climaxed at the NUJ Press centre, Iwe Iroyin, Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital on Tuesday, September 29, 2020.
Against all odds, Adegbenro a sports writer for Newsville online and a member of the Federated Chapel, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ogun State chapter defeated tournament favourite Abiodun Jimoh of Daily Dispatch in two straight sets 11-8, 11-7
The thrilling contest happened in the presence of the tournament’s sponsor Oba AbdulFatai Akorede Akamo, the Olu Of Itori, officials from the state sports council and dignitaries from other walks of life.
In the third place game, Chairman of Ogun State SWAN Hakeem Akintunde of OGTV negotiated his way past Rafiu Alarape who represented the consolidated chapel.
His victory was also in two straight sets with a 14-12, 11-8 triumph in less than forty minutes.
There was a novelty game between the sponsor Oba AbdulFatai Akorede Akamo and another prominent and illustrious son of Itori Land, Engr. Nathaniel Sodipo popularly referred to as Uncle Nath. The reverred Monarch triumphed 11-6.
At the end of the two day event where sport writers displayed their practical competence on the table, Oba Akamo who will be 60 on Thursday appreciated Ogun SWAN for honouring him with the event adding that the partnership between himself and Ogun SWAN has just started.
He said “I give glory to Almighty God for bringing me this far, if not for God it wouldn’t have been possible. I appreciate the Ogun State Chapter of Sport Writers Association Of Nigeria, thanks for honouring me, on behalf of myself, my family and the whole Itori Land, our relationship will get bigger and better by the Grace of God”.
Chairman Ogun SWAN Alhaji Hakeem Akintunde appreciated the Monarch for his support and consent despite the short notice.
“We are delighted that this has happened, despite the short notice and other commitments, we are grateful for the support to thrive from the beginning to the end”.
Sixteen players registered for the event, the eventual Champion got a giant trophy and a cash prize while the first runner up and second runner up were also rewarded with cash prizes for their efforts.
