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The Universal Archaivar Elders has held a World Media Briefing for the UAE Table Tennis Tournament 2026 and Community Medical Outreach (COMO 2), drawing traditional rulers, sports administrators, table tennis legends, community leaders and members of the media to the Royal Resort, Iyaganku, Ibadan.
In his welcome address, the group’s President, Basorun Fayth Deleola Daramola, described the occasion as the official unveiling of two landmark initiatives reflecting the organisation’s commitment to service, unity, cultural preservation, sports development and community wellbeing. He thanked the Executive Council, members, patrons, sponsors, partners and the Local Organising Committee for their work, and called on corporate organisations, government agencies and individuals to support the initiatives.
Representing the Ooni of Ifẹ̀, Ọba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, was HRH Oladele Olasoji Vincent, the Sooko Adimula Ọbàlùfọ̀n, who conveyed the monarch’s goodwill and commended the organisation for promoting Yoruba culture, unity and community development, urging it to remain steadfast in preserving cultural heritage.
Ọba Nojeemdeen Afolabi, the Gegun of Ayetoro Òkè in Oyo State, also attended and praised the organisation’s leadership for combining sports, healthcare and cultural promotion into a single programme, calling it an example of purposeful leadership.
Mama Bilikisu Popoola, who represented Nigeria at the 1969 World Table Tennis Championships in Germany, said she was pleased that the centenary of table tennis was being marked through the initiative, while Chief Waidi Ẹkún, another Nigerian table tennis icon, commended the organisers for promoting grassroots sports development and unity through the sport.
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Hajia Idiat Aderibigbe, representing Nigeria Table Tennis Federation President Dr. Tayo Adesoji, conveyed the Federation’s support for the tournament and its goals of expanding community participation in the sport.
A demonstration match between Chief Baba Oyafemi, the most senior living Chief of the Kegites Club, and Chief 1-1 Leg of the National Headquarters, drew applause from attendees as a symbol of unity and fellowship.
Speakers at the briefing commended the Universal Archaivar Elders (Ẹgbẹ́ Àgbà Ẹlẹ́mù) for its leadership in humanitarian service, cultural preservation, youth empowerment and national development.
The UAE Table Tennis Tournament 2026 and Community Medical Outreach (COMO 2) are scheduled for August 8–9, 2026, at the Adamasingba Stadium, Ibadan, Oyo State.
