Just like the International Olympic Committee (IOC) recognized the enormous support that Governor Babatunde Fashola has been given to sports in Nigeria, from the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) came another honour as the sports loving governor has been commended for supporting table tennis with the staging of international competitions in the last one year.
Babatunde Raji Fashola, Lagos State governor.la
In a letter signed on behalf of ITTF by the President of African Table Tennis Federation (ATTF), Khaled El-Salhy, and addressed to the President, Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF), the world table tennis ruling body described Fashola as a passionate sportsman, who has taken interest in the sport with the staging of the maiden Lagos Classics in 2013 and the just concluded ITTF Lagos World Tour and African Top 16 Cup.
“On behalf of ITTF and ATTF Executive Committee and table tennis family globally, we want to thank you for successfully hosting the ITTF Lagos World Tour and Africa Top 16 Cup to the satisfaction of all.
The two-in-one tournament was well presented to the public and the publicity again was superb. Everyone was happy with the large and enthusiastic crowd in the hall despite the World Cup fever even on Nigeria match day,” ITTF said.
They added: “We are proud of the overall organization of the competitions and the positive way you presented our sport.
“We want to sincerely express our appreciation to the sports loving Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babatunde Fashola for his love for table tennis. We are grateful as we look forward to another successful competition in 2015.”
For this honour, ITTF Executive Board member, Olabanji Oladapo, presented an award to the governor.
Also, the Marketing Director of ITTF, Steve Daintom lauded Nigeria and Lagos for staging a superb tournament while promising that the world body would be considering Nigeria for major competitions in future.