Athletes battle for final ticket as MTN CHAMPS holds in Ibadan

After successful stops in Benin and Uyo respectively, the MTN CHAMPS began yesterday in Ibadan, Oyo State, venue of the third leg of the nationwide series of secondary schools’ athletics championships, which has received nearly 4000 event entries from about 2000 Athletes.

At a press briefing in Ibadan to herald the event, several stakeholders pledged their support to ensure a hitch-free competition.

Some of the dignitaries at the event included Ifeanyi Udom, MTN’s Senior Manager, Sales and Trade Development, South West; Njide Ken-Odogwu, Manager, Sponsorships, MTN; Raheem Fatai, Director of Sports Facilities at the Oyo State Sport Council; Olujimi Kehinde Eyiomo, Acting Director of Sports, University of Ibadan, and Akinosun Sunday Ezekiel from the Ministry of Education, Oyo State.

Also at the event were Secretary, Athletics Committee, Nigeria School Sports Federation (NSSF), Segun Omodunni; Assistant Secretary, Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Taldang Tanimu; Olympic Medallist Deji Aliu, Nationwide Meet Director, MTN CHAMPS, and sprinter, Enoch Adegoke, who is the MTN CHAMPS ambassador for Ibadan.

In his welcome address, Fatai, who represented the Oyo State Sports Commissioner, Wasilat Adegoke, assured of the state government’s co-operation and support to ensure the success of the competition.

On her part, Udom, who spoke on behalf of the sponsors, said: “This championship was established as a national development intervention to unearth and groom future talent that would put Nigeria on the world stage. It also fosters brand loyalty by supporting the strong desire of young Nigerians to excel both in academics and sports.

“Sponsoring this competition is consistent with the MTN’s history of supporting and grooming local