ANLCA Table Tennis Tournament Kicks Off December

…N10m Cash Prize Excites NTTF

BY FUNMI ALUKO

The Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) is on the verge of making history as it pioneers a maiden tournament with a cash prize of N10 million.

Prince Oduntan digging the bat alongside a super enthusiastic youngster at the enclosed arena

The competition billed to take place at the state-of-the-art Not Bad Sports Arena Ltd complex located at the sprawling Gown Estate, Egbeda Lagos, between Friday 6^th December and Saturday 7^th December 2024, promises to be defining sporting moment for business class people, chief executive officers and stakeholders in the maritime industry.

At the pre-event conference held at the sporting facility in Egbeda on Tuesday, ANLCA Vice President Prince Segun Oduntan and the Western Zone Coordinator, Alhaji Femi Anifowoshe said the initiative which is being organized by the Western Zone, in collaboration with the Nigerian Table Tennis Federation (NTTF); will be an annual event.

Journalist Ekama and Pastor Oladipupo also having some time out at the table tennis court area of the sporting arena

Explaining the significance of the competition, Oduntan, said people need to take time out occasionally from their busy schedules to engage in sporting activities, in order to keep fit.

He notes that the human wellness, mental and physical must be properly cared to prevent avoidable breakdown due to negligence in giving the body the right physical exercises.

Ohadike with yet another zestful, powerful young player

“As the foremost customs brokerage practitioners in Nigeria, the western zone of ANLCA deemed it fit to organize a common platform to keep fit, away from the normal work stress. It is to encourage our members to see the need to keep fit, you have to exercise and there are different sporting activities that help people to keep fit. Some people do basket ball, football and gym. We could play golf but we decided it should be table tennis for now.

“You may ask, why western zone? Well the idea was that of the western zone coordinator who said he has a dream and a conviction to get his members’ find a sporting event that can benefit them, be it their wellness, physical and the rest.

Although the ANLCA Vice President said the association is expecting a large turnout, he however disclosed that participation is limited to two representatives per organization.

“Interest has been high, with over 15 organizations already showing interest. This two-day tournament will include approximately 30 participants, totaling about 60 players. Matches will be overseen by Nigerian Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) as umpires, ensuring that standards are maintained.”

He assured that the tournament will foster a spirit of friendly competition with prizes for the top three winners.

According to him, the West Zone of the association has chosen to focus on table tennis this year as a way to unify members and provide a platform for relaxation outside the usual hectic business environment.

The timing of the tournament, 6th and 7th of December according to Oduntan, is ideal as it coincides with the close of the 2024 business year.

“We looked at the end of the year when activities are going through to the New Year; we decided the appropriate time is this time. We want to bring everybody together, all other stakeholders, all the people we interact with, our fellow professional colleagues. We have the ambience, sport brings people together, you forget about every other thing, where we can laugh, interact and exercise for two days; and the experience lingers on.”

Speaking further, Oduntan hinted that the table tennis initiative is a potential stepping stone to a broader, national event in the coming years.

“This is just a starting point for the association, and in future years, it may expand nationally. ANLCA is represented throughout the country, but we’re pioneering this here to set an example. If others see the value, they may join, we’re one big family.”

Fielding questions from journalists, he explained that the competition form is free of charge, and that invitation letters have been extended to various organizations, noting that some media groups like AMJON has indicated interest to participate.

He also said that invitation have been extended to the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) and other stakeholders.

He hinted that while the tournament aim to maintain the highest possible standard allowable in sport, the NTTF has expressed joy with the initiative and have also expressed satisfaction with the cash prize; saying it will act as a strong motivation in the years to follow.

Also speaking, Alhaji Femi Anifowoshe the initiator and leader of ANLCA Western Zone expressed confidence that the competition will be worth its while.

“We are holding this tournament because it’s about coming together. After months of work, this will give us an opportunity to relax, bond and build friendships.”

With health concerns also plaguing the freight community and the port industry as a whole, Anifowoshe underscored the importance of exercise for discovering and addressing potential health issues, early.

“Health is a significant concern now. Many people don’t realize the health issues they may have, but through regular exercise, we can be more aware of our well-being. That’s why we’re organizing this tournament to encourage people to look after their health.

“This initiative goes beyond just our jobs or the game. It’s about the well-being of Nigerians in general. Even those who exercise regularly may be have underlying health issues they’re unaware of. Through this event, we’re encouraging people to take out time to relax, and exercise for a healthier life.

“We aim to make this tournament an annual tradition to promote community and health in the future,” he said.

The facility proprietor, a former Nigeria Customs Service officer, Deputy Comptroller Mike Ohadike (Rtd), thanked ANLCA for choosing Not Bad Sports Arena Ltd.

“I would like to thank the leadership of ANLCA for choosing our facility for this inaugural competition. I’ve just finished a game myself, and I must say I’m impressed that ANLCA found our facility suitable for this event.”

An avid sports man, Ohadike said the game of table tennis has great health benefits.

“Table tennis is a fantastic sport for staying healthy. Studies show that racket sports, like table tennis, can even extend your life by several years. Choosing this sport aligns with ANLCA’s commitment to health,” he said.

He said the facility offers a range of amenities including a dedicated table tennis hall, gym, sauna, and steam baths, which guarantees participants comfort and conducive environment.

To ensure a seamless experience, ANLCA said it has made provisions for nearby lodging hotel accommodation for participants and spectators.

The arrangements include a medical pavilion with doctors and nurses, to offer health checks, and on standby emergency as is fashionable in all sporting competition.