By Victor Okoye
Abuja, Nov. 5, 2024 (NAN) Efe Okwagbe, the new chairman of the Nigeria Tennis Umpires Association (NTUA), has promised to push for improved welfare for its members.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Okwagbe made the remarks on the sidelines of the Association’s Annual General Meeting on Saturday held at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Package B, Abuja.
Okwagbe told reporters after his victory at the polls that his main agenda as chairman would be to seek improved welfare packages for all NTUA members.
“Over the years, we have had challenges with the welfare of our officials. So, part of what we will be doing is to partner with the public and private sector for the funding and promotion of tennis officiating.
“The truth is, without a proper tennis officiating, the game of Tennis can not grow.
“It doesn’t matter the skill or abilities of the players. If they are not properly guided and don’t understand the rudiments of the game, then we have a challenge.
“So, going forward, we will partner with the Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF), the private sector, corporate organisations, and the government both within as well as international bodies to seek for sponsorship and support to promote both the officiating and the welfare of officials,” he said
Chukwunonso Nwabueze, the Public Relations Officer, expressed joy at the result of the election, saying that the confidence reposed on him by the members of the association was indeed a call for more work and service.
“I feel so elated. It is not easy being honoured by your colleagues.
“NTUA has been very pivotal and has contributed immensely to the growth and development of tennis in the country.
“I am very happy that my colleagues saw what I had done in the last two years, and with the review of the constitution, they have rewarded me with another four years.
“This is a testament to the great job we have been doing and a call for more work to ensure that the positive image of NTUA is projected in the right way.
“We are happy we have the media who have been very supportive to our cause,” he said.
NAN also reports that the newly elected Executive Committee members who are to serve for a single term of four years, following the amendment of the Association’s constitution at the AGM, were all unopposed.
They include: Efe Okwagbe (Chairman), Tyav Tyolumun (Vice Chairman),
Yusuf Dinga (General Secretary), Olajimbiti Micheal (Assistant General Secretary), Miracle Audu (Financial Secretary), and Princess-Ekwi Ajide (Treasurer)
The others are Chukwunonso Nwabueze (Public Relations Officer) and Idris Abubakar (Provost).(NAN)
