The Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF) has immortalised its late president, Engineer Ifedayo Akindoju, by naming the Centre Court pavilions of the National Tennis Centre in Abuja after him. Akindoju, who passed away last month after a brief illness, was honoured on Saturday during a solemn night of tributes held at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Package B.

The event, attended by tennis administrators, players, family members, and friends from within and outside Nigeria, celebrated Akindoju’s lifelong contributions to the growth of tennis in the country and across Africa.

President of the Confederation of African Tennis (CAT), Jean-Claude Talon, described the late NTF boss as a visionary leader and a man dedicated to peace and development within the sport.

“It is with profound sorrow and heavy hearts that we mourn the passing of our beloved brother, friend, and colleague,” Talon said. “Engineer Akindoju was not only a visionary leader but also a passionate advocate for the growth of tennis in Nigeria and across Africa. His loss is deeply felt by all who had the privilege of knowing him. May the Almighty grant him eternal peace.”

In his remarks, former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly and newly elected NTF President, Victor Ochei, said Akindoju’s demise was a painful loss to the Nigerian tennis fraternity.

 “It’s a sad loss, but you can’t question God. Dayo achieved what many who lived longer could not. He laid the foundation for Nigerian tennis, and I promise to build on that structure so that the game can reach its full potential,” Ochei said.

Speaking on behalf of the Akindoju family, his son, Paul, expressed appreciation for the outpouring of love and support from the tennis community and Nigerians at large.

 “The presence of everyone here, the prayers, and the solidarity have brought my family great comfort. My father will be smiling down on us today. Tennis was one of his greatest passions, and this tribute means the world to us,” he said.

The NTF said the renaming of the Centre Court pavilions was a symbolic gesture to honour Akindoju’s enduring legacy and lifelong dedication to the development of tennis in Nigeria.