The Nigeria Tennis Umpires Association (NTUA) at the weekend elected a new executives to pilot its affairs for the next two years.
The eight-member exco emerged unopposed during the association’s Annual General Meeting (AGM)/election held in Benin City, Edo State capital.
Mr. Emeka Achusiogu and Rose Abu emerged chairman and vice respectively, while Efe Okuoagbe was elected as Secretary of the association.
Other members of the new exco include: Miriam Okoro (Assistant Secretary), Tyav Simon (financial secretary), Duke Onojeide (Treasurer), Bitrus Danjuma (provost) and Chukwunonso Nwabueze (Public Relations).
In his remark, Emeka Achusiogu pledged continuous education of officials, adding that he would assist and encourage umpires.
According to him, “Some of us have not been fortunate to officiates tournaments. When you see the top umpires matches, you see the beauty… Those are the things I intend to bring here.
“Moreso, I will ensure constant opportunities and professionalism to make the game attractive.”
Also, Chukwunonso Nwabueze who emerged spokesman for the association said the umpires have had a track record of being invited to international tournaments and pledged to consolidate on the feat.
Nwabueze said: “Just this year alone, we had four of our officials participating in wimbledon that is unprecedented.”
While calling on spirited individuals to partner the association, Nwabueze said the umpire is one of the best officiating association in Nigeria”.
In his valedictory speech, the outgoing Chairman, Kehinde Ijaola, while reeling out his achievements between 2018 and 2022, expressed gratitude to members of the Association for the huge support, advice and encouragement.
He thanked the President of the Nigeria Tennis Federation, Engr. Ifedayo Akindoju, and other Patrons for being a strong pillar of support in the last four years.
Kehinde urged all to extend the love, affection, support to the incoming administration and advice them where necessary.
Mr. Ijaola will also be serving as an ex-officio member in the current executive as stipulated in the association’s constitution.