Home Sport Baptist Academy Alumni to transform school’s tennis court into Lagos sports hub

Baptist Academy Alumni to transform school’s tennis court into Lagos sports hub

Baptist Academy Tennis Court
Advertisement

Baptist Academy alumni plan to make their new tennis court a hub for tennis in Lagos, commemorating 50 years since graduation with a grand vision.

 

 

The Baptist Academy Old Students Association (BAOSA) 1970-74/76 Class Set has announced ambitious plans to transform the school’s newly built tennis court into a major hub for tennis in Lagos State.

The alumni group shared their vision during a presentation ceremony for the state-of-the-art tennis facility, held on Tuesday at the historic institution in Obanikoro, Lagos.

 

Also read: CAF Launches #ProtectTheDream to Safeguard Young African Footballers

 

The new tennis court, a gift commemorating the set’s 50th graduation anniversary, was constructed as a tribute to the school’s enduring motto, “Deo Duce,” meaning “God as Guide.”

The facility is intended not only to serve current students but also to restore the school’s sporting heritage.

Speaking at the event, Lanre Idowu, the immediate past president of BAOSA, reflected on the significance of the project, which began five years ago.

“Our vision was always more than just acquiring land,” Idowu remarked. “When we entered the school, there were two standard courts, one of which doubled as a basketball court.

Over time, those facilities disappeared. We’ve done much to support the school academically, but sports are also vital to a well-rounded education.”

Idowu also highlighted that this is just the beginning. “We are not stopping here; this project has a second and third phase, and we will need to raise more funds to complete it.”

Tony Egoegonwa, Chairman of the Class Set, recalled the early challenges faced during the project. “The idea to build this court came about five years ago.

Initially, we were given a plot of land by the school authorities, but it was seized after two weeks, and disputes arose.

Fortunately, we later secured a new plot, and with the support of our members, we managed to complete the court just in time for our 50th anniversary,” Egoegonwa explained.

The facility will not only benefit the Baptist Academy students but also be accessible to the surrounding community.

Idowu, who chairs the 50th Anniversary Committee, stated, “Our dream is to make this a hub for tennis in this part of Lagos.

We envision a future where major tennis competitions are hosted here, and we hope one day a national or world champion will credit this ground as the place where they trained.”

The presentation event also featured an exhibition tennis match involving former BAOSA chairman Yemi Gbenro, Lagos State coach Oluwaseyi Stephen, and current students Ayomide Olalere and Adeyemo Emmanuel.

The exhibition symbolised the court’s readiness to host both experienced athletes and budding talents.

Other prominent members of the Class Set, such as Olumide Ajomale (project manager), Jumoke Okunnu, Muyiwa Laditan, and Austin Aigbotsua, were present at the ceremony.

However, notable donors, including Mr. John Momoh, Mr. Robert Odiachi, Mr. Taiwo Abidogun, and Dr. Kehinde Adegoke, were unable to attend.

Work on a second tennis court is set to begin immediately, with the association actively seeking support to ensure its swift completion.

The Baptist Academy alumni hope this ongoing effort will continue to enhance the school’s legacy as a key player in Lagos State’s sporting future.

Advertisement

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.