by Olalekan Okusan, ITTF-Africa Press Officer
Present was Kweku Tandoh, the Tournament Director, he congratulated the candidates for being selected for the course.
“I think you should all consider yourselves lucky to be part of the training which will empower you individually to learn from experienced practitioners. I want to urge you to make use of this rare opportunity to improve your knowledge of the sport as well being part of the biggest table tennis tournament in Africa. The facilitator, Olalekan Okusan will be imparting years of experience gained from covering table tennis across the globe. I must commend the Local Organising Committee for organising the idea of the media workshop which we believe we help will raise the profile of the sport. The workshop is a privilege for you prospective journalists, so you have to take this opportunity seriously,” Kweku Tandoh.
Equally John Peters, a Blue Badge umpire, supported the idea of the workshop.
“This media workshop for young journalists gives an opportunity to undergraduates to know more about the game and how they can create more awareness about the ITTF in Nigeria and Africa at large. I am hoping that you can all make use of the knowledge you will get from being part of the workshop.” John Peters
A seminar in progress at the media workshop (Photo: courtesy of Olalaken Okusan
Positive reactions it was the same from the students. Raji Olalekan Miftaudeen, a Mass Communication undergraduate at the University of Lagos and Olatunji Aminat from Crescent University were equally positive. Likewise, former Nigerian national junior player, Adebisi Olamide Sulaimon, an undergraduate at Lagos State University was buoyant as was Omolola Omoyele, a digital media expert.
“The workshop was full of impact and has changed my views. I have also decided to cover more table tennis stories.” Raji Olalekan Miftaudeen
“I have gained more information about using digital channels to cover stories; this workshop was an eye-opener for me.” Olatunji Aminat
“I am so excited to be part of the training and I hope that I can help to promote the sport through the knowledge I have gained from attending this workshop. I am so happy that I am part of this event and I hope I can continue to raise the profile of the game through knowledge,” Adebisi Olamide
“Social media has given Nigerians a platform to be successful in their chosen field; the challenges most people have is not being aware how they can benefit from digital media. So if more young people engaged themselves in the game of table tennis, it will improve the sport to a greater extent in Nigeria and Africa as a whole.” Omolola Omoyele
A total of 107 men and 61 women will compete in Lagos.
Members of the group in Lagos (Photo: courtesy of Olalekan Okusan)
