Sanwo-Olu backs Oshodi for ATTF presidency

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has thrown his weight behind Wahid Enitan Oshodi’s bid to become the next President of the African Table Tennis Federation.

Oshodi, a former Commissioner for Youth, Sports, and Social Development in Lagos, is set to contest for the position at the ATTF’s Y2024 Elective Annual General Meeting scheduled for October 15 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The Lagos State Government, in a statement by Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, expressed full support for Oshodi’s candidacy, praising his longstanding commitment to the development of table tennis.

“His genuine passion for table tennis over the past decades has made a lasting impact on the sport, not only in Lagos but across Africa,” Omotoso said.

“We are backing him and wish him all the best. He is a worthy Lagosian who has encouraged many of our youths to take up the game as professionals. Besides, he has been at the forefront of our talent search, grooming numerous athletes.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu commended Oshodi’s remarkable contributions to the sport, noting his continued rise in the international table tennis arena.

“We are excited that Mr. Oshodi has made Lagos and Nigeria proud with his impeccable record within and outside Africa,” Sanwo-Olu said.

“In 2021, he became a leading figure in world table tennis, elected as Executive Vice President of the International Table Tennis Federation and Deputy President of the ATTF. His election will not only boost table tennis in Africa but also enhance Lagos’ position as a leading city in the sport.”

Oshodi’s journey in sports administration began when he served as Chairman of the Lagos State Table Tennis Association, before being appointed Commissioner in 2011 during the tenure of Governor Babatunde Fashola.

Under his leadership, Lagos emerged as a global hub for table tennis, hosting the highly successful ‘Eko 2012’ National Sports Festival and introducing the International Sports Classics series, which drew top athletes from across the continent.

If successful, Oshodi will become the second Nigerian to hold the prestigious ATTF presidency, following in the footsteps of Engr. Segun George.

His election would also make him the only Nigerian heading a continental sports federation, further solidifying his influence in African and global sports administration.