Achievers University, Owo, on Tuesday hosted the second edition of the Ọba (Sir) Olateru Olagbegi II KBE Tennis Championship, transforming its tennis court into a rallying point for sport, scholarship and character-building as students were urged to “keep their eyes on the ball”—on court, in classrooms and in life.
The championship, held at the University’s tennis court, concluded with a keynote charge from the sponsor, retired Honourable Justice (Dr.) Adesuyi Olateru-Olagbegi, who drew on decades of personal experience to frame tennis as a metaphor for success. He told players and students that sustained focus, discipline and resilience — distilled in the simple coaching instruction to “keep your eyes on the ball” — are decisive advantages in academic pursuits and professional life.
While speaking, retired Justice Olateru-Olagbegi recounted his early exposure to tennis, the mentors who nurtured his interest and the structured sporting culture of Nigeria in earlier decades. He said the sport sharpened his focus and character, lessons that later proved valuable in his legal career.
He likened tennis’s two-service rule to life’s second chances, urging students not to be defined by early mistakes. Citing an anecdote of a player who overturned a 0–5 deficit to win, he underscored perseverance as a non-negotiable virtue. He also described tennis as a social and professional gateway, noting that networks built on the court had opened doors in his legal career.
Addressing contemporary challenges, the justice cautioned students against unregulated social media use, advising disciplined time management and insisting that leisure and digital engagement should remain secondary to academic commitments.
The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the University’s Governing Council, Professor Bode Ayorinde, commended the organisers and the sponsor. He reinforced calls to institutionalise the championship as a permanent feature of the University’s calendar and a legacy project for the campus community that would be held annually without any interruption.
Earlier, while declaring the grand finale open, the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Oyesoji Aremu, traced the origin of the championship to 2021, noting that its first edition was held in 2024. He stressed the importance of preserving institutional memory and sustaining initiatives that contribute to holistic student development.
In the Men’s Singles final, Daisi Peter defeated Ajayi David 8–6 to claim the title after a closely contested match. Adesuyi Olamide won the Women’s Singles category with a 6–1 victory over Adegboye Temiloluwa. In the Men’s Doubles final, Ajayi David and Dedeigbo Segun overcame Daisi Peter and Araba Michael 6–4, while the Women’s Doubles title went to Olamide and Stephanie, who defeated Moyinoluwa and Success 6–3.
The championship ended with the presentation of medals, certificates and cash prizes to winners across all categories, as organisers reaffirmed plans to sustain the tournament as part of Achievers University’s broader strategy to nurture talent, discipline, and ambition among its students.
