SOUTH-SOUTH INTER CLUB TENNIS ASSOCIATION’S 2021 AGM/RETREAT & TOURNAMENT ENDS IN A’IBOM
…as Sir. Emem Akpabio emerges SSITA President
… Rivers/Bayelsa zone to host maiden edition of Nigeria-Delta SSITA open tournament
by Mfonobong Ukpong
The South South Inter Club Tennis Association’s 2021 Annual General Meeting, Retreat and Tournament hosted by Akwa Ibom/Cross River zone of the body which commenced on Friday 3rd December, 2021 was on Saturday rounded off in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State with the formal inaguration of a new exco of the body headed by Sir Emem Akpabio as President.
Also, the Government House Table Tennis Team from Asaba, Delta State emerged Champions of this year’s South-South Inter Club Tennis Tournament played at the standard tennis court of the Ikot Ekpene Club located at the GRA in Ikot Ekpene. The team carted home a star prize of N200,000(Two hundred thousand naira), while the Chapel of Grace, Ukana got the runner up prize of a hundred thousand naira(N100,000)
The new executive that would pilot affairs of the South-South Inter Club Tennis Association, SISA, has Sir. Emem Akpabio of the Chapel of Grace Club, Ukana as President, while the Deputy President is Chijioke Ndubuisi Amu Nnadi, a member of the Port Harcourt Sports Club.
Other exco members include, Ugbama Bright of Asaba Sports Club as Ist Vice-President, Engr. Kenneth Onumaku of Eket Club is the 2nd Vice-President, Fidel Cocodia of Port Harcourt Club is the Secretary General, Akaniyene Ibanga of Ikot Ekpene Club, Assistant Secretary, Victor Inalu Chukwuemi of Shell Club, Warri, Financial Secretary, Effa Odee Ojong of Calabar Club is the Treasurer, while Barr. Augustine Enefok of Uyo Club is the Public Relations Officer.
Also, Famous Daunemigha of Yenagoa Sports Club is the Organizing Secretary, Stella Epegu of Port Harcourt Club is Welfare Officer while Ekpenyong Peter Effiong of the Police Tennis Club, Port Harcourt is the new Technical Adviser/Competion Secretary.
Administering oath of office on the Emem Akpabio led SSITA exco, Barr. Akan-Mary Udo tasked the exco to ensure strict adherence to the constitution of the body while discharging their duties.
In his acceptance speech, the President of South-South Inter Club Tennis Association, Sir. Emem Akpabio who later administered oath of office on some trustees and patrons of the club including, Rear Admiral Uduak Essien, Ifeanyi Nwauchukwu, and Perekewei among others, thanked delegates for the confidence reposed in him and pledged his readiness to abide by the constitution of the body.
He also vowed to move the association forward. While congratulating Champions of the South-South tournament for emerging victorious during the tournament, Sir Akpabio popularly celebrated as ‘leader of the boys’ and a sports lover, assured that the Sports Club will not relent in its determination to discover more sporting talents amongst the youths.
Describing the 2021 AGM as very successful, Sir Emem Akpabio commended delegates from across the South-South states for gracing the retreat, and prayed God to grant them journey mercies back to their various destination.
Meanwhile, the Rivers/Bayelsa zone of SSITA is to host the maiden edition of Nigeria-Delta SSITA open tournament next year.
Among personalities that watched the tournament at the Ikot Ekpene Club include, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports & MPM Coordinator, Sir Monday Uko, who performed the ceremonial racket toss to signal the formal commencement of the tournament, the outgoing PDP National Legal Adviser & Chairman MPM, Barr Emmanuel Enoidem, former Deputy Senate Chief Whip, and Proprietor of Ritman University, Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien, House of Assembly Member for Essien Udim State Constituency, Barr. Esse Umoh, Vice-Chancellor, Akwa Ibom State University, Prof. Nse Essien, Commissioner for local government and chieftaincy affairs, Mr. Frank Archibong, Chairman of Ikot Ekpene local government area, Mr. Unyime Etim and wife, delegates from Cross River, Bayelsa, Edo, Delta, Akwa Ibom, Rivers State and a host of others.
