Former Team Nigeria table tennis coach, Babatunde Obisanya
is in deep grief following the death of the Asoju-Oba of Lagos,
Chief Molade Okoya- Thomas.
Obisanya, champion of the first Asoju-Oba table tennis
championship 46 years ago, was inconsolable that the man
who gave him the platform to fame in sports passed on
without saying goodbye.
In a telephone chat with Daily Sunsports, Obisanya , described
the late foremost sports philanthropist as a charitable and
selfless personality that gave his all for the development of
Nigerian sports men and women.
“I am devastated and in shock that Chief Okoya -Thomas is
no more. I took it for granted that he will still be with us in
years to come.
“He impacted positively on my life and the lives of so many
other people both in the sports circle and outside.
“I won the first Asoju- Oba table tennis competition 46 years
ago and I will forever appreciate Chief Okoya -Thomas for the
opportunity he gave me and other national athletes to
showcase our talents in the sport.
“He was first among equals, a man who meant well for
Nigerian sports especially the game of table tennis.
“I thought that he would have lived longer to enjoy, the fruits
of his labour. This is a man who single handedly sponsored a
table tennis tournament in this country for 46 years without
relying on the Federal Government or the National Sports
Commission.
“Nigerian sports has lost an icon and it would be very difficult
to get another Okoya -Thomas in our sports.
“I pray to God to grant his soul a perfect rest and that his
children will keep alive the great
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