Tennis Community Honours Late NTF President, Engr. Ifedayo Akindoju, With Heartfelt Tributes
…Centre Court pavilions named in his memory
In an atmosphere charged with emotion and reverence, Nigeria’s tennis family came together at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, to celebrate the life and legacy of the late Engr. Ifedayo Akindoju, former President of the Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF).
The Night of Tributes was not merely a farewell but a poignant celebration of a man whose leadership, humility, and passion reshaped the face of Nigerian tennis.
The event, attended by family, friends, and top sports administrators, reflected Akindoju’s far-reaching influence.
Among the dignitaries present were the President of the Confederation of African Tennis (CAT), Jean Claude Talon; former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Engr. Sani Ndanusa; NTF President, Chief Victor Ochei; and several heads of sports federations and corporate partners.
Chief Victor Ochei, in his tribute, described Akindoju as “a man of integrity and excellence who gave his all to the development of tennis in Nigeria.”
He praised the late president’s tireless efforts to grow the game from grassroots to global levels, noting that his legacy would continue to inspire future generations.
Drawing an engineering metaphor, Ochei said:
“The likes of Engr. Ndanusa laid the foundation, and Dayo reinforced it.
By God’s grace, I will continue the superstructure so that his dream for Nigerian tennis will stand tall for years to come.”
CAT President, Jean Claude Talon, who attended on behalf of the continental tennis body, described Akindoju as “a humble and passionate leader whose vision transcended borders.”
He said Akindoju’s legacy would continue to influence tennis development across Africa.
Former NTF President and ex-Minister of Sports, Engr. Sani Ndanusa, called his passing “a painful loss to Nigerian sports,” describing him as a unifier whose humanity and selflessness defined his leadership.
On behalf of the family, Paul Akindoju Oluwatimileyin expressed deep gratitude to the NTF and the wider tennis community for the love and solidarity shown, saying his father’s passion for tennis was now reflected in the affection poured out by the people he served.
In honour of his immense contributions, the Nigeria Tennis Federation announced the naming of the Centre Court pavilions after Engr. Ifedayo Akindoju, a permanent reminder of his dedication to the sport’s growth and development.
Speaking on behalf of the Organising Committee, Mr. Obinna Ofodum thanked guests for their show of love and sacrifices, describing Akindoju as “a brother, a friend, an achiever, and a truly great man whose impact will never fade.”
As candles lit up the tennis court in quiet remembrance, one message echoed through the night, though Engr. Ifedayo Akindoju is gone, his spirit of service, vision, and love for the game will continue to illuminate the path of Nigerian tennis for generations to come.
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