Lagos Govt Backs Oshodi for ATTF Presidency

The Lagos State Government has officially endorsed Wahid Enitan Oshodi, a former Commissioner for Youth, Sports, and Social Development, in his bid for the presidency of the African Table Tennis Federation (ATTF). Oshodi is set to run for this prestigious position during the 2024 Elective Annual General Meeting, which will take place on October 15 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

In a statement from Gbenga Omotoso, the state’s Commissioner for Information and Strategy, the government expressed strong support for Oshodi’s candidacy, emphasizing his “genuine passion for table tennis over the past decades.” Under his leadership, Lagos has emerged as a major hub for table tennis on the global scene.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu also voiced his backing for Oshodi, stating, “We are fully supportive of him and wish him all the best. He is a true Lagosian who has inspired many of our youth to pursue the game professionally. Additionally, he has played a critical role in our talent development initiatives.”

Oshodi’s involvement in table tennis started as the Chairman of the Lagos State Table Tennis Association, leading to his appointment as Commissioner in 2011 during Governor Babatunde Fashola’s administration. His tenure included overseeing the highly successful National Sports Festival, known as ‘Eko 2012,’ which helped establish Lagos as a key sports hub in Africa, particularly with the introduction of the International Sports Classics series.

Governor Sanwo-Olu highlighted Oshodi’s expanding influence within the table tennis community, noting, “We are delighted that Mr. Oshodi continues to bring pride to Lagos and Nigeria with his remarkable achievements both in Africa and beyond. In 2021, he gained international recognition by being elected as the Executive Vice President of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) and Deputy President of ATTF. We are hopeful that his election will positively influence table tennis and sport as a whole, helping to ensure that Lagos remains at the forefront of table tennis in Africa.”

If elected, Oshodi would make history as the second Nigerian to hold this esteemed position, following in the footsteps of Engr. Segun George, a former ATTF President. This milestone would also make him the only Nigerian leading a continental sports federation.