— Set to Represent Nigeria at Inaugural African School Games in Algeria
In a remarkable testament to vision, dedication, and strategic youth development, OKLA Table Tennis Academy (OTTA) has etched its name in the annals of sporting history by producing a National Champion and clinching top honours at the maiden edition of the Nigeria School Sport Federation (NSSF) National Table Tennis Championships, held at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.
This historic achievement comes less than five years after the establishment of the Academy by the distinguished legislator representing Kosofe Constituency 01 in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Sanni Ganiyu Babatunde Okanlawon, whose unwavering commitment to youth empowerment, talent discovery, and grassroots sports development continues to yield transformational results.
Among the outstanding highlights of the tournament was the emergence of Master Okunlade Daniel Toluwalase, a 15-year-old SS1 student, who stormed to victory, defeating his counterparts from across the nation to become Nigeria’s National Table Tennis Champion. Remarkably, Master Daniel joined the Academy in 2022 as a Primary Six pupil with no prior knowledge of the game — a clear demonstration of the Academy’s world-class coaching structure, discipline, and mentorship.
In recognition of this feat, Master Daniel has earned the honour of representing Nigeria at the inaugural African School Games, scheduled to hold from July 26 to August 5, 2025, across the Algerian cities of Constantine, Sétif, Skikda, and Annaba.
This continental event, backed by the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA), will bring together over 3,000 young athletes aged 14 to 17 competing in 25 sports disciplines — an unparalleled platform to showcase emerging African talents.
This achievement reinforces the unwavering vision of Hon. Okanlawon, whose passion for nurturing young champions from grassroots to global stages is steadily becoming a reality. It equally serves as a clarion call to the youth within and beyond Kosofe to embrace sports, unlock their potential, and dare to dream of global excellence.
Indeed, the triumph of OKLA Table Tennis Academy is not only a victory for Kosofe but a proud moment for Lagos State and Nigeria at large, as the nation prepares to fly its flag high at the African School Games.
Dated: June 25, 2025.