The 3-days Squash (closed) championship has ended in Minna, Niger state capital with a call on well to do Nigerians, sports lovers in particular to help government create jobs for jobless Nigerian youths by investing in sports growth and development.
Former Nigeria’s number one female Squash player, and Chairperson Niger State Squash Racket Association (NSSRA), Mrs. Taiwo Oluremi Akinkoye made the call at closing ceremony of the maiden monthly Squash league which took place at the Squash Court, Minna Sports club on Sunday.
Akinkoye, who is the first woman to occupy the Chairmanship seat of Niger State Squash Racket Association said she believed that with the support of sports philanthropists or well to do Nigerlites in particular will bring about the restoration of Squash glory in Niger state.
Akinkoye, popularly called ‘Madam Top’, comparing her days as number one Squash player in Nigeria, playing for Niger state and today’s state of things expressed sadness over the near total abandonment of sports generally by those who should have been in the forefront of sustaining it and nurturing same for growth and development.
She said, “On a daily basis we lament over rise in crime and criminalities, we cry out for our children becoming source of nightmares, but we neglect the easiest ways to keep them busy and away from all forms of crimes”.
Creating employment to meet the rising population of youths, according to her is the easiest and cheapest way to manage surge in crime and criminalities caused by idleness and lack of jobs and therefore pleaded with both private establishments and the state government to support her efforts to bring back lost glory of Squash.
As the Chairperson of the inaugural Niger State Squash Competition, Akinkoye said she is happy witnessing exceptional talents that will restore the name of Niger at the National Squash ranking if given the needed support and therefore appealed for the encouragement of stakeholders to achieve desired goals.
“This competition which is in commemoration of my 65th birthday was more than just one of the series of matches, it was a celebration of Squash and an opportunity to showcase remarkable skills of our players”.
The maiden event, in collaboration with Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Niger state chapter, she said marks the beginning of something truly special for Squash in Niger state as she is ready to transform the competition into a monthly Squash league that will provide players with continuous opportunities to develop their skills, gain experience, and foster vibrant Squash community.
“Together, we can make our vision is to create a strong foundation for future champions of Squash in Niger state a reality. As we grow, we will actively seek partnerships with government sponsors who share our commitments to sports development. With their support, we can dream bigger-extending our league to welcome international players and competitions, thereby placing Niger State on the global Squash map”.
Our correspondent reports that, Gideon Ibrahim Bala defeated Sampson Alabi emerge winner in the male category (senior), while Isaac Afokhai won the junior category prize after defeating Ezra David.
Also Esther Paul beat Amarachi Ozurumba to clinch the first prize in the female categories during the competition which was well attended by Sports lovers from within and outside Niger state.
