Benin Hosts Veterans’ Tennis Tournament As Sponsor Elo Jackson International Vows To Revive  Ogbe Hard Court

By Simeon OSAJIE

The Elo Jackson International in collaboration with Edo State Tennis Association is hosting the second edition of Veteran Tennis Tournament this weekend at the remodeled Tennis Arena of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, Edo State.

The tournament being organized and sponsored by Dr. Elo Jackson, the Vice Chairman, Edo State Tennis Association is scheduled to begin on Friday 15^th and end on Saturday 16^th  March, 2024 with high personalities, including Barr. (Dr) Asue Ighodalo, People’s Democratic Party, (PDP) flagbearer in the 2024 Edo Gubernatorial Elections as the Special Guest of Honour.

The Secretary of the Local Organizing Committee, Engr. Emmanuel Ujadughele in a statement on Monday, March 11, 2024 said the tournament is open to all veteran tennis players in the whole of South-South region of Nigeria who are 50 years and above.

He explained that the tournament is designed to create platforms for veteran tennis players to exercise, have fun, rejuvenate and network amongst themselves.

According to Engr. Emmanuel, the tournament is in two categories: Men Singles which is open to 50-55 years-old veterans and Men Doubles for 56 years-old and above.

He also noted that there would be cash prizes for winners in the two categories as well as other benefits for all participants.

“The maiden edition of the tournament held last year in Benin City with veteran tennis players all over Edo State in attendance. With the success recorded, the excitement and fun amongst veteran tennis players who participated in the maiden edition, the Sponsor, Dr. Elo Jackson decided to extend the tournament to the whole of South-South region of Nigeria in this year’s edition. It is going to be an annual event that will herald grassroots competitions designed for talents hunt and development,” he revealed.

Meanwhile, Dr. Elo Jackson has vowed to join hands with Edo State Government to bring back Ogbe Hard Court Tennis Classics to the City of Benin.

He revealed that the actualization of the dream of bringing back the Ogbe Hard Court is possible with the backing of the People’s Democratic Party flagbearer in the 2024 Edo Gubernatorial Election, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, who is also expected as the Special Guest of Honour during the closing ceremony of the tournament on the 16^th March, 2024.

“Dr. Asue Ighodalo has assured us that his enthusiasm and passion for sports has been extended to tennis. Through him, our vision and plans to bring back Ogbe Hard Court and talents hunt programmes of tennis in Edo State can be actualized. We are proud to have him as a pillar of support,” he said.