The former National champion and international table tennis coach, Chief Waheed Ekun, and committee of friends on Thursday paid a royal visit to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty Oba Mohood Olalekan Balogun at his residential palace in Ibadan.
According to the Agbaakin Mayegun of Ibadanland, the visit was to receive the royal blessings of the Olubadan ahead of the anniversary event put together by his committee of friends between 26 & 27th of August, 2023.
You will recall that the immediate past President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari on May 11, 2023 congratulated Chief Waheed on the 50th anniversary of his table tennis national title at the First National Sports Festival in 1973.
Chief Waheed Ekun while speaking at the Palace appreciated the Olubadan of Ibadanland for the leadership the imperial majesty has been providing for the city and Yoruba race at large, and Stated that he and his team decided to start the anniversary celebration with paying a royal visit for a royal blessing.
Olubadan of Ibadanland while receiving the entourage applauded Chief Waheed Ekun for his many successes in the field of sports, most especially table tennis, and being the only person from the Southwest to hold the first National table tennis champion without defeat till today.
Oba Lekan Balogun therefore gave his royal blessings, saying that Chief Waheed Ekun has made Ibadan proud and has positioned in the book of world history, he prayed for Chief Waheed Ekun and his team, and assured them of his presence during the grand finale of the celebration.
Among members of the committee of friends in attendance at the Olubadan palace were Prince Larry Adeyemo; Balogun Gaphar Ojetola; Mogaji (Asiwaju) Nurudeen Akinade; Prince Caleb Akande, CCII Treasurer and Dcn Ademola Alabi (JP), Planning Committee Secretary.
Finally, the two-day Programme has been scheduled to hold as follows:
A. Friday, 25th August, 2023 organized by CCII at Ibadan House by 2pm, to feature
1) Lecture
2) Youth Table Tennis Final
3) Award Presentation to the Honouree
B. Grandfinale on Sunday, 27th August, 2023 at Jogor Events Centre by 1pm
1) Book Launch
2) Unveiling of Foundation
3) Exhibition Table Tennis Match between Waheed & Sunday Eboh (his challenger at 1973 championship).
