By Correspondent in Minna.
The sponsor, Dr. Akinkoye (in blue), Chairperson of NSSA, Mrs. Akinkoye, Coach Segun Afokhai and all the winners.
(C) Sports Ration.
A Minna-based medical practitioner, in Niger state,Dr. Akinpelumi Olu Akinkoye, has called on wealthy Nigerians to invest part of their resources in human capacity development by sponsoring sporting activities capable of improving public health and reducing illness.
Dr. Akinkoye made the appeal shortly after presenting prizes to winners of the December edition of the Niger State Squash League, held over the weekend at the Minna Sports Club, David Mark Road.
The physician, who bankrolled the tournament, said the sponsorship formed part of activities marking his 70th birthday, adding that the event is aimed at positively shaping the lives of young people, whom he described as Nigeria’s future leaders.
According to him, increased private-sector support for sports,especially monthly competitions like the squash league,would keep many idle youths engaged, reducing their vulnerability to crime and other social vices.
Earlier,his wife, Mrs. Taiwo Akinkoye , who is the Chairperson of the Niger State Squash Association (NSSA),
said the introduction of the squash league ,under her leadership, was designed to help curb crime driven by unemployment by productively engaging young people across the state.
Our Correspondent reports that the December championship featured top talents, including Nigeria’s number ten male seed, Obadiah Ishaya, who clinched the senior category title with a 3–0 victory over Tomiuwa Richards.
In other results, Isaac Afokhai edged out Elijah Kwange 3–2 to win the intermediate male category, while Amarachi Ozulumba defeated Chioma Aniekwe to emerge champion in the female category.
Twelve-year-old Nathaniel Musa won the junior category with a 3–1 triumph over Dominion Nwakuche.
The Reporters reports that the tournament, the final squash league event for 2025, also featured eleven new junior entrants, as the NSSA continues its drive to discover and nurture emerging talent.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
