Despite exiting the sports ministry, the Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Owan Enoh continues to associate with sports.
The minister at the weekend hosted players from across Nigeria to the second edition of the Renewed Hope and People First National Tennis Open, Calabar 2024.
The finals took place on December 7 on the hard court of the Calabar Sports Club 1898.
Nubari and Rebecca stole the show at the finals of the tournament after pipping their opponents, Aliyah Precious and Timiprie Maxwell, to walk home with cash prizes, gifts and trophies.
An electric crowd cheers the players’ concerted efforts as hard hitters who display wonderful backhands with utmost precision, playing very calculated games with their hands while talking with their racquets.
The thrilling encounter is annually staged to promote the growth and development of tennis in Cross River State and Nigeria as a whole.
The focus is for players in the state to have the needed exposure to excel in the sport of tennis while fostering the spirit of unity and sportsmanship amongst Nigerians and sports lovers.
As the Chief Host of the tournament, Senator John Owan Enoh made it clear that although he was no longer Sports Minister, he would continue to support the growth and development of Tennis and football in Cross River State, his home state.
He said: “I will continue to give young Cross Riverians who show excellence and hard work, the platform to excel right to the zenith of tennis and football.”
Senator Enoh is committed to increasing the prize money through every edition of the tournament and challenging players in the state to make it to the finals.
The minister further announced his plan for a football talent hunt across Cross River State early in 2025.
He stated that early exposure is good for football talents.
To buttress his commitment, he said: “This is a clarion call to Cross Riverians that there is an opportunity and early support for those who show seriousness to excel in tennis and football.
I am ready and willing to give the needed support .”
In addition, the Minister of State for Industry appreciated the efforts of His Excellency Prince Bassey Edet Otu, the Executive Governor of Cross River State, for his passion towards sports development in the state such that he embraced the tournament into the grand annual Calabar Festival.
The Minister also acknowledged the enthusiasm of the Sports Commissioner, Hon. Agnes Atsu, noting that the performance of Team Cross River at the 8th edition of the National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State, showed great improvement from their previous performance,e, and this speaks monumentally of the efforts put in by the leadership of the state.
Senator Enoh said that sports are integral in promoting national unity and development.
The second edition of the tennis tournament saw an array of dexterous and ranked tennis players in Nigeria.Female Nigeria No.7 Rebecca Ekpenyong, No. 11, Timiprie Maxwell and Amarachi Odoh, Nigeria No. 24.
Others include Aliya Precious, Universal Tennis Ranking U14, U16 Champion Bayelsa State and John Nubari, who emerged as the winner of the one-time U16 champion Rivers State.
Senator Enoh donated Tennis equipment for the continuous training of young tennis talents in Cross River State, and sponsorship to other national tournaments for Charles Olom and Theresa Otu of CRS for their maximum sports exposure.
The high point of the day was the presentation of cash prizes, gifts and trophies to players, not forgetting the presentation of awards of honour to the outstanding coach of the tournament, Ekpenyong Peter Effiong and the Minister of State for Industry, in recognition of his continuous support towards the growth and development of tennis in Cross River State and Nigeria.
Emma Jemegah, The Sun
