Tennis Can Help You Live Longer, Anambra Deputy Governor Ibezim Says at Inaugural Governor’s Cup

By Mokwugwo Solomon

Anambra State Deputy Governor, Dr Onyeka Ibezim, has highlighted the health benefits of lawn tennis, describing the sport as an effective way to promote physical fitness, mental well-being and longevity.

Ibezim, a medical practitioner, stated this on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, while flagging off the maiden edition of the Governor’s Cup Lawn Tennis Tournament in Awka, the state capital.

He said regular participation in sports, particularly lawn tennis, could help improve cardiovascular health, strengthen muscles, maintain a healthy weight and foster social connections.

According to him, tennis offers an opportunity for people of different age groups to remain physically active, noting that the sport can be adapted to suit players’ abilities as they grow older.

“Lawn tennis is an excellent way to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle. Beyond physical fitness, it helps build mental strength, encourages social interaction and contributes to overall well-being,” Ibezim said.

He urged participants to take full advantage of the tournament, not only to compete but also to improve their health and build lasting relationships.

The deputy governor commended Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo for prioritising sports development in Anambra State. He also praised the President of Anambra Country Club, Ozo Ejiamatu Damian Enekwechi, and the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Audi Company Ltd, Dr Clem Ifezue, for their roles in organising and supporting the competition.

Aghamba Highlights Sports Development and Youth Empowerment

Also speaking at the event, the Anambra State Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports, Hon. Patrick Aghamba, applauded Governor Soludo for his commitment to human capital development, particularly through sports.

He expressed appreciation to Audi Company Ltd for sponsoring the tournament, describing it as more than a sporting competition.

According to Aghamba, the initiative represents an investment in talent discovery, athlete development, healthy living and the sustainability of sports in the state.

He noted that the Soludo administration recognises sports as an important instrument for youth engagement, economic empowerment and social development.

Aghamba added that the state government, through the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports, had continued to pursue initiatives aimed at strengthening grassroots sports and creating opportunities for young athletes to develop their talents.

16 Clubs to Compete for ₦1 Million Top Prize

In his opening remarks, the President of Anambra Country Club, Ozo Ejiamatu Damian Enekwechi, described the tournament as an innovative initiative, noting that the competition was the first of its kind organised under the Governor’s Cup banner.

He encouraged participating clubs to embrace the opportunity to exercise, improve their skills and build friendships through healthy competition.

The principal sponsor of the tournament, Dr Clem Ifezue, disclosed that 16 clubs had registered for the competition, exceeding the 13 clubs initially anticipated.

He announced that the winning club would receive ₦1 million, while the runner-up would take home ₦500,000. Each of the other participating clubs would receive a minimum of ₦100,000, he added.

Ifezue reaffirmed his company’s commitment to supporting sports development in Anambra State, stressing the importance of sustained private-sector involvement in sporting initiatives.

Participants Commend Organisers, Seek Greater Youth Inclusion

Speaking to journalists at the event, the President of Beverly Hills Recreation Club, Nnewi, Chibuikem Ojukwu, commended the organisers for creating a platform that combines physical exercise with social interaction.

He said the tournament would enable participants to meet new people, strengthen existing relationships and build friendships beyond their respective clubs.

Similarly, the Financial Secretary of Anambra Sports Club, Awka, Mr Charles Nweke, praised the organisers and sponsors for promoting lawn tennis in the state.

However, he urged the organisers to make future editions more accessible to younger athletes, emphasising that meaningful sports development and human capital investment require the active participation of young people.

The inaugural Governor’s Cup Lawn Tennis Tournament is expected to provide participating clubs with an opportunity to showcase their abilities while promoting fitness, camaraderie and the growth of lawn tennis in Anambra State.

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