by Olalekan Okusan, ITTF-Africa Press Officer

Welcome guests, Quadri and Ganiat Aruna were received Gboyega Fadowole-Aje, the National Fund Development and Communication Co-ordinator, Gboyega Fadowole-Aje.

He described the gesture as most commendable, hoping other sports stars in Nigeria will follow suit.

“We want to first of all congratulate you on your victory at the just concluded Nigeria Open and wish you well in your endeavours. We were indeed touched by this gesture. We believe your presence in the Village will surely inspire the children to aim high like you in their endeavours. On behalf of the Country Director, we are grateful and we wish well in your endeavours.” Gboyega Fadowole-Aje

There was an opportunity to play against the Men’s Singles winner at the recent 2018 ITTF Challenge Series Seamaster Open (Photo: courtesy of Olalekan Okusan)

Young people are dear to the heart of Quadri Aruna; the gesture being part of his plans to support the disadvantaged in society.

“This is another way to show love to those who are not privileged. I believe this small gesture will augment what others have been doing for them. I am doing this to also give back to the society where I emerged from; this will not be a one-off thing. I hope to make it regular in my plans whenever I am home in Nigeria.” Quadri Aruna

Most pertinently, Lawrence Agbaegbu, the National Store Co-ordinator of SOS Children’s Villages, believes the efforts of the table tennis star is a welcome development, while urging other well-meaning individuals and corporate bodies to support the centre.

Notably Quadri Aruna donated a mini table tennis table with food items valued at thousands of dollars being given; thoughtfully Quadri Aruna also took time out to play table tennis with some of the children at the centre.

Quadri Aruna distributed food parcels for the Village (Photo: courtesy of Olalekan Okusan)