Lagos hails Oshodi’s historic rise to ATTF Presidency

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has hailed Wahid Enitan Oshodi’s election as the 6th President of the African Table Tennis Federation (ATTF) on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Oshodi, a former Commissioner for Youth, Sports, and Social Development, was unanimously elected during the Elective Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the ATTF held at the African Union (AU) headquarters, attended by 40 member nations.

He becomes the second Nigerian to hold the prestigious position after Engr. Segun George, who served from 1988 to 1996.

“We are extremely proud of a true Lagosian who has continually elevated Nigeria and Lagos on the global stage through his dedication to sports. His rise in sports administration both within and beyond Africa is no surprise, given his reliability in sports development,” Sanwo-Olu remarked.

The governor highlighted Oshodi’s contributions to youth development, noting how his leadership helped discover talents such as Quadri Aruna and Olajide Omotayo.

“Oshodi’s passion for athletes’ welfare has endeared him to many, and despite leaving office as Commissioner, he has remained deeply committed to sports, evidenced by his unanimous election in Addis Ababa,” Sanwo-Olu added.

Sanwo-Olu also assured Oshodi of Lagos State’s full support and encouraged all Nigerians to rally behind him as he continues to bring pride to the nation through his international acclaim.

Oshodi’s journey in sports administration began in 2000 when he was appointed to the Lagos State Sports Council Governing Board during the administration of then-Governor Bola Tinubu. He later chaired the Lagos State Table Tennis Association (LSTTA).

During Governor Babatunde Fashola’s tenure, Oshodi was appointed Commissioner for Youth, Sports, and Social Development in 2011, where he oversaw the successful hosting of the National Sports Festival, “Eko 2012.”

He was subsequently elected President of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF), where he revitalized the sport and nurtured international stars.

Recognized globally for his expertise, Oshodi was appointed Chairman of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Nomination Committee. In 2019, he was elected Deputy President of the ATTF, and in 2021, he won the ITTF Executive Vice President election, defeating candidates from China and Europe. His leadership has firmly established Nigeria as a center for table tennis excellence.

With his latest election, Oshodi becomes the only Nigerian currently heading a continental sports body.