Ibadan, Nigeria – As the Ibadan Tennis Club marked its centennial anniversary over the weekend, Member of the House of Representatives for Ido/Ibarapa East Federal Constituency, Hon. Remi Oseni, called on Nigerians to embrace sports as a vital tool for health and longevity, stressing that wellness today extends beyond conventional medicine.
Oseni, who also chairs the House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), gave this advice during his keynote address at the club’s 100th anniversary celebration, which featured a luncheon, lecture, and a N750 million fundraising event held at the club’s premises in the Iyaganku Government Reserved Area, Ibadan.
“Sporting is the only natural way to keep fit, healthier, and live long,” Oseni stated. “I want to advise Nigerians to prioritise it because sporting activities play vital roles in human endeavour.”
The theme of the commemorative lecture was “The Burgle Blast of Financial Technology in Nigerian Economic Space: Perspectives, Choices and Implications,” highlighting the transformative impact of fintech in Nigeria.
In his remarks, the President of the Ibadan Tennis Club, Mr. Oladipupo Sule, described the centennial as a monumental achievement, symbolising resilience and consistent community engagement. He emphasised that the club’s legacy is not just rooted in recreation but in decades of meaningful societal contributions.
“Our club prides itself in giving back to the community, especially in the areas of education and healthcare delivery,” Sule said. “Today’s launch is to raise funds for initiatives in these sectors, along with infrastructural and sporting development.”
Key projects outlined as part of the centennial celebration include:
- Sponsorship of WAEC fees for 100 brilliant students from less privileged backgrounds across 10 local government areas in Oyo State, with potential scholarships through university.
- A comprehensive medical outreach programme in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners, offering services such as eye screenings, cataract surgeries, and vital health checks.
- A year-long tennis development programme for 100 school children, equipped with gear and training support.
Also present at the event was Kemi Alao-Akala, wife of the late former Governor of Oyo State and Lady Chairperson of the occasion, who praised the club for sustaining the legacy her husband, a former Grand Patron, held dear.
Dignitaries at the high-profile gathering included the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin; Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi; President-General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, Ajeniyi Ajewole; and Rep. Stanley Olajide (Ibadan North-West/South-West Constituency), among others.
The centennial celebration not only marked a historic milestone for one of Nigeria’s oldest sporting clubs but also reinforced its role as a catalyst for social change and community development in the region.