The first edition of the Jada Tennis Tournament (JTT), was held on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at the Ogunu Tennis Club in Warri, Delta State, with Spencer Umoren Aniekan emerging overall champion.
In the male category, Aniekan won the top prize of Refrigerator to defeat Okobiebi Esiri who won sound system followed by Jackson Junior – Microwave; George Emmanuel -Toaster; Charles Onwuka- Electric kettle and Tonwe Kelvin – Solar light.
In the female category, Precious Ahwin, won washing machine to emerge champion after defeating Akata Princess who won – Gas cooker; Akin Ejoke came third with -Blender; followed by Adenike Akinyemi – Toaster; Becca Pirita- Electric kettle and Annabel Ese – Solar light.
Speaking at the event, sponsor of the tournament, Dr Charles Ukeagu, said the tournament was inspired by his daughter, Jada, who is preparing to join the Tennis club and also as a way of giving back to the club that accommodated him.
Dr Ukeagu who joined the Ogunu Tennis club last year, said tennis is a way of bringing people together, not just for recreational activities, but also a way of networking with reputable people to make meaningful contributions to society.
Aside the awards won by the players, Ukeagu said ten awards were also given to club members who had made tremendous contributions to the growth of the Ogunu Tennis club section.
Captain of the Tennis Section of Ogunu Golf Resort, Mr Ben Ifeta commended Dr Ukeagu for the sponsorship, adding that the club had been in existence since the inception of Shell BP in Ogunu.
He said: “The tennis club which is about sporting activities, is used a as platform to eliminate pain and maximize fun.
“Apart from playing tennis, it is also a platform for moulding the character of members through discipline. However, membership is open to all who have interest in playing tennis.
“Intending applicants go through a screening process to ensure men and women of good character are admitted as members of the Ogunu Tennis club.
“The Ogunu Tennis section, usually organize other tournaments, like the American double and ladder tournament to evaluate the strength of the players both the weak and strong play together,” Ifeta said.
