..as 2023 edition opens in Akure

The wife of the Governor of Ondo State and Founder of the Summer Tennis Clinic, Chief Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, has restated that the initiative was geared towards identifying and nurturing talents.

Declaring the 2023 edition opened at the Akure recreational centre, the Ondo First Lady noted that the aim of the initiative was to instill in children, the belief that they can pursue careers in various sports, beyond just football.

Represented by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Gender Research and Documentation, Mrs Temitope Daniyan, Mrs Akeredolu opined that since the inception of the initiative, over 3,000 young individuals across the state had benefited, saying “is a testament to the impact we can make when we come together with a shared vision”.

She added that the Ondo State Summer Tennis Clinic, had birthed Arabirin Junior Tennis club where some discovered talents had been participating in national and international tournaments.

She affirmed that the clinic was guiding them towards a promising future and paving the way for them to excel both nationally and on a global scale.

Her words: “The Ondo State Summer Tennis Clinic holds immense importance, not only for the participants but also for the communities and parents who have wholeheartedly embraced this initiative.

“It provides a platform where children come together to learn about tennis, a world-renowned game that offers immense opportunities and potential.

“Tennis holds vast potential. It fosters discipline, teamwork, and a competitive spirit, all of which are essential for the holistic development of our young ones.

“While we understand that this year’s edition may not cover all the zones as we had hoped, we remain committed to ensuring that something remarkable happens this summer for the children. We will focus on Ondo Central this year, with the intention of expanding to the South and North in the coming years. The enthusiasm and anticipation among the children and their families are truly inspiring, and we must continue to support and encourage their dreams”.

She used the medium to canvassed for support from individuals and corporate bodies for the sustainability of the Tennis Clinic, while appreciating sponsors and individuals who had been supporting the initiative since inception, saying,”Together, we can create opportunities for our young ones to flourish and shine on a global stage.

“As we embark on this journey once again, let us remember that every child deserves a chance to explore their talents and interests. The Ondo State Summer Tennis Clinic aims to provide that chance. We have no doubt that we will soon witness great talents emerging from this program, representing our state and our country on international platforms”.

In his remarks, Bar. Adu Olumuyiwa, who was the Chairman of the occasion, lauded the initiative, noting that human capacity development is one of the greatest things anyone can invest in.

He added that the impacts of the initiative on the beneficiaries would never been forgotten.

Earlier in her welcome address, the Chairperson of the Summer Tennis who doubles as the Special Adviser to the Governor on Gender, Mrs. Olamide Falana had appreciated the founder of the initiative, as she expressed optimism that the initiative would continue to discover more talents who would become champions in the tennis space.


She explained that, this year’s edition was limited to Akure alone due to some unfavourable circumstances, assuring that it will be extended to other LGAs by next year, with the hope to have a standard tennis court in the state.

The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social development, Dr. Juliana Oshadahun, used the medium to deliver an award of human development which was bestowed on the First Lady by the federal ministry of women affairs, at the 23rd Women conference, held in Calabar the Cross River state.

The honour was in recognition of her invaluable contributions to the development of women in Nigeria.

The Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Mr. Bamidele Ologunloluwa, who called for a collaborative effort to sustain the initiative, asserted that it’s not for Her Excellency but to secure the future of our children while pledging his continuous support.

He lauded the founder for creating a platform that promotes the interest of young ones in sports to explore their potentials.

In attendance were members of the Foundation for Wives of Ondo State Officials and Female Political Appointees, FOWOSO women, amongst others.

Mary Agidi
Special Assistant to the Governor on Media(Office of the First Lady)
August 30, 2023