By Aderonke Ojediran

 Babatunde Ajagbe, an international squash player, on Thursday said equal prize money should be attached to all categories, to end the disparity between the male and female players.

He said this against the backdrop of growth in women’s squash, compared with their male counterparts.

Ajagbe said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

He said by so doing, female squash players would be encouraged to put in more energy and commitment.

“This is very true and I think the best way to go about this is by making equal cash prizes for both genders, organising more tournaments for them.

“These would encourage them to train hard and improve the level of their games, and squash in general will be better for it. it’s important that women’s squash grow significantly,” he said.

On grassroots development, the former number one ranked player in the country told NAN that with more regular tournaments, squash at the grassroots would grow exponentially.

“ There are lots of positive changes in the last five years; the last and present boards have done a great job in improving the level of squash in Nigeria.

“They had coaching camps and clinics, and they were able to send a team to the last World Squash Team Championship in the USA in 2019 and also Malaysia in 2021, which was cancelled due to Covid-19.

“In terms of development, I believe they are working towards the right path; they now have tournaments every month; these tournaments might not be a huge tournament but it’s consistent and consistency is the key to development and improvement,” he said

He announced that he would organise a junior national championship for U 13-U19 boys and girls, scheduled to commence from May 26 to May 29 at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

“I intend to make this regular, it’s my own way of giving back to squash; I have played in several categories and I know it’s important to have a regular competition to help sharpen one’s competitive skills.

“ These will also complement what the federation and association are doing, as government alone can not do it all,” the former number one ranked player said.

He also appealed for the inclusion of squash at the Commonwealth Games.

“ I hope that the handlers of Nigerian Sports would consider Nigeria Sports commission would allow these players to represent them in Commonwealth Games. It is crucial for players to have international exposure,” he said.

Ajagbe is currently ranked 153 on World Professional Squash Association

 

 

Despite her Aristocratic background, Osasumwen Igbenidion has carved a niche for herself in the media profession after graduating with a bachelor’s degree from Stonehill College in Easton Massachusetts and thereafter a master’s degree from Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts. She started journalism first at BEN TV London before hosting her own ‘The Osasu Show’; a talk shows that projects politics, business, personalities and a host of others in Nigeria and the United Kingdom. 

 

As the daughter of former governor of Edo State, Lucky  Igbinedion and her Octogenarian billionaire Grandfather, Chief Gabriel  Igbinedion; the Esama of Benin, Osasu has remained a modest lady despite being born with the proverbial silver spoon in her mouth. She is loved by her family and many for her strides in flying the Igbinedion name beyond the shores in a positive light. In celebration of her big day, she walked down the aisle; exchanging nuptial vows with her long-time fiancee, Benue-born cinematographer Nathaniel Ogwuche. It was indeed a celebration riddled with grand opulence. Those who attended the holy matrimony held on Monday the 11th of April at Okada Avenue, GRA, Benin City, would never forget in a hurry as the experience will linger on in their heart for years. All hands were on deck to make sure the wedding ceremony remains the talk of the town. The whole of Benin city is littered with congratulatory billboards with portraits of the couple as they all caught the frenzies with attendance from top politicians, socialites, and celebrities. There was an endless supply of the best local and continental dishes laced with high-cost liquors and champagne went around like it was going out of fashion. The bride’s parents were indeed excited also the bride’s grandfather; the Esama of Benin; High Chief Gabriel  Igbinedion also never failed to surprise her granddaughter with a performance from her favorite Hip Hop artiste Teni Makanaki who dished out scintillating music to the delight of the bride and the guests in attendance.

 

In continuation to the season of celebrations, the Igbinedion family is also today, Wednesday the 13th of April celebrating their Matriach Lady Cherry Igbenidion who clocked 70. Sources say the family is also in the middle of a grand soiree to celebrate Lady Cheery who is said to have been a support system to the Igbenedion dynasty.

 

• Donates R360,000 to Nelson Mandela Children’s Trust Fund

 

Access Bank Plc has further demonstrated its commitment to making a difference through charity as the Bank successfully hosted its maiden Polo tournament held at the prestigious Val de Vie Polo Club in Cape Town, South Africa. The event held to further create awareness and raise funds to support the education of underprivileged children in Africa.

 

In partnership with Fifth Chukker, through the Nelson Mandela Foundation, the initiative further deepened the Bank’s commitment towards impacting the environment and positively affecting the lives of underprivileged children in Africa.

 

Group Managing Director, Access Bank PLC, Herbert Wigwe who led other top officials of Access Bank to the event, expressed delight that the Charity tournament is achieving its main objectives. 

 

“About 12 years ago, we decided to act and positively impact the lives of underprivileged children in Africa, including South Africa. The first Charity Tournament saw us impact 400 children and now, the number has grown to 12,000 children who have been educated across the northern part of Nigeria. Henceforth, every December will be dedicated to this cause; we will set aside money to support underprivileged children in South Africa through the Nelson Mandela Foundation,” Wigwe said.  

Chief Executive Officer, Access Bank South Africa, Sugendhree Reddy said, “This successful engagement was made possible because of the opportunities provided by the South African government to establish our presence in this relatively new market. Access Bank is here to deliver value and excellent service to customers in South Africa. Hence, we will collaborate with all stakeholders to create optimal solutions and serve as Africa’s gateway to the rest of the world.” 

The event saw hundreds of game enthusiasts throng the venue to watch the beautiful game of Polo, as teams competed for the Access Bank Gold Cup and Emily Aig-Imoukhuede Memorial Cup – commissioned by Fifth Chukker in memory of one of Nigeria’s most accomplished women and former President of the National Council of Women Societies, Emily Aig-Imoukhede.

The Bank also donated the sum of R360,000 to the Nelson Mandela Children’s Trust Fund (NMCF), while funds generated from the sale of artworks at the event went to the Foundation.

 

Access Bank has been at the forefront of creating awareness and supporting the education of underprivileged children in Africa through raising much-needed funds for organizations such as UNICEF for this purpose.