By Our Reporter
A delegation of the South-South Tennis Association on Wednesday paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, at his office in Benin City. The visit was part of preparations for the forthcoming South-South Inter-Club Tennis Tournament, scheduled to hold in Edo State from February 19 to 21, 2026.
The competition, which will feature clubs from Edo/Delta, Rivers/Bayelsa, and Cross River/Akwa Ibom, marks the fourth edition in the series after successful tournaments in Delta, Rivers, and Cross River States.
Leading the delegation, Hon. Morrison Ehiemua, Representative of the Benin Club Tennis Captain and Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, traced the history of the tournament and praised Edo’s emergence as a centre for sporting excellence.
“The first edition was held in Delta, followed by Rivers and Cross River, and now it’s Edo’s turn,” Ehiemua said. “We are proud to bring the tournament here, and we seek the state’s support to ensure its success.”
He explained that the two-day event will feature 29 participating clubs, starting on Friday and ending with a closing ceremony on Sunday. While acknowledging the Benin Club and Benin Recreation Club as the main venues, he noted that their existing courts may be inadequate for the number of matches expected and appealed for additional venues such as stadium courts.
“Our visit today is to request more venues to accommodate the matches and to seek the Commission’s assistance in ensuring media coverage, as this event will further showcase Edo State’s capacity for hosting major sporting activities,” Ehiemua added.
Responding on behalf of the Chairman, Hon. Baldwin Bazuaye, MON, Executive Director (Edo South) and ex-international footballer, commended the delegation for their initiative and for choosing Edo as host of the 4th edition.
He conveyed the Commission’s appreciation and assurance of support, saying the proposal would be reviewed to determine areas where assistance could be provided. “Under the leadership of our dynamic Chairman, approval for the use of additional tennis courts will be granted. Financial and media support will also be considered after a thorough review of your proposal,” Bazuaye assured.
Members of the delegation included Engr. Musa Musty (Afemai Recreation Club), Engr. Emma Ujadughele (Esan Recreation Club), and Mr. Eddy Ohwofasa (Benin Recreation Club), who also served as Secretary of the delegation.