The Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) is set to host a significant two-day national coaching seminar focused on leadership and management skills, scheduled for December 17-18 at the Additional Sports and Entertainment Pro Limited in Mowe, Ogun State. This initiative aims to bolster the competencies of Nigerian table tennis coaches, with a specific focus on enhancing the skills of female coaches. This directive is in line with the International Table Tennis Federation’s (ITTF) Gender Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (GEDI) Initiative, which emphasizes the importance of gender inclusivity within the sports coaching framework.
The seminar is part of a comprehensive one-week sports and leadership boot camp entitled “Awaken the Giant, She Can 4.0,” which has garnered support from the NTTF. This program seeks to empower female coaches and athletes in Nigeria and is positioned within a broader context of sports development initiatives aimed at nurturing talent and fostering leadership within the sport. Importantly, this seminar represents the third phase of the 2024 “My Gender, My Strength” program—a strategy designed to uplift and empower female stakeholders in table tennis, with notable advocate Abosede Akinsete highlighted as a beneficiary of this program.
Under the leadership of NTTF President Tikon Ishaku and Vice President Adesoji Tayo, the federation commits to progressive measures that advance coaching development. Their vision emphasizes creating a robust structure for constant professional growth among coaches, which can ultimately lead to improved performance standards within Nigerian table tennis. Moreover, the initiative aims to create an inclusive environment that not only encourages the participation of women in sports but also celebrates their contributions to coaching and athlete development.
Enitan Oshodi, the Executive Vice President of ITTF and President of ITTF-Africa, has reiterated his support and commitment to empowering women in the realm of sports, aligning with the objectives of the GEDI Initiative. His participation highlights the shared responsibility and international collaboration required to foster an environment conducive to gender equity in sports. The seminar will feature experts and prominent speakers discussing vital topics that address leadership and management skills, aiming to equip coaches with the necessary tools to identify and nurture talent effectively.
Additionally, the topics covered during the seminar will focus on building high-performance table tennis players capable of competing at international levels. Coaches will gain insights on various strategies that contribute to sustainable development goals within the sport. The initiative resonates with the vision of a growth-centric and performance-oriented coaching philosophy that prioritizes talent development and encourages female participation actively.
In conclusion, the NTTF’s coaching seminar represents a pivotal moment for Nigerian table tennis, addressing both leadership development and the vital need for inclusivity in coaching. As the federation embarks on this journey, the combination of support from local and international bodies promises a transformative impact on the coaching landscape in Nigeria. Empowering female coaches will not only enhance individual careers but also uplift the sport as a whole, ensuring that Nigeria continues to develop competitive table tennis players on the global stage.
