By ANOZIE EGOLE

In line with encouraging young Nigerians who are into sports, the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, has dolled out a whopping N7 million to Team Offikwu, winners of this year’s Nationwide Tennis league which it is the sole sponsor.

The tournament came to an end at the weekend at the Lawn Tennis Club, Onikan, Lagos with dignitaries  including the former Vice president of Nigeria, Dr Alex Ekwueme, Sports Minister, Mr Solomon Dalung among others in attendance.

Team Offikwu beating team Tombim in the last two rounds of the competition emerged champions to go home with the grand price of N7,000,000.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Sports, youths and development,  Mr Solomon Dalung,  said that he is very happy that the private sectors are beginning to throw their suppprt behind sports.

In his words he said, “I am very happy to have the former vice president, Chief Alex Ekwueme present here. His presence here shows his passion not only for sports but to also see that young people who are into sports are encouraged.   I am also thankful to the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, for ensuring that private sector supports sports. This competition has been held in the six geo political zones of this country without any dime from the federal government”

“this has shown that if the local organisers put their acts right, there are a lot to benefit from corporate sponsors.

I also want to use this opportunity to encourage the younger ones to pay attention to sports because there is also wealth in sports” he said.

Also speaking at the event, the winner, Sylvester Emmanuel said that the competition means a lot to tennis. “This competition means a lot to us, with this you are aware that every week, you have tournament so it will keep you busy. Even if I travel next year, the team will look for better players than me. The organizers are really doing well and I pray they continue like this for us.