BAOSA plans Lagos tennis hub at Baptist Academy

Baptist Academy Old Students Association 1970-74/76 Class Set has revealed plans to transform the school’s newly built tennis court into a hub for the sport in Lagos State.

The body made this known at Tuesday’s presentation ceremony of the tennis facility at the famed institution in Obanikoro, Lagos State.

The state-of-the-art  facility was presented as a gift to commemorate the set’s 50th anniversary of graduation, underscoring the school’s enduring motto “Deo Duce,” meaning God as Guide.

Speaking at the occasion, the immediate past president of BAOSA, Lanre Idowu, said the project, which commenced five years ago, aims to restore the school’s sporting heritage.

He said, “Our vision was always more than land. When we entered school, we had two standard courts, with one doubling as a basketball court, but now, all those have gone.

“We have done a lot of things to help the school academically, but to have a well-rounded education, sports are also necessary. We are not stopping here; we have a second and a third phase, and we will need to raise more funds to complete it.”

The Class Set Chairman, Tony Egoegonwa, recalled the initial challenges associated with the project, saying, “It was five years ago that the idea for building this tennis court came to be. Not so long after, the school authorities gave us a plot of land, and two weeks into starting, the land was seized and disputes over the land started.

“However, later, we got this plot here, and we had to put more effort into it because we didn’t want it abandoned. And 50 years anniversary was coming closer, so that urgency and support from everyone led us to get this achieved.”

According to Idowu, who chairs the 50th Anniversary Committee, the facility will be open to neighbouring communities.

“The dream is to make this a hub of tennis in this part of Lagos so that when there are major competitions in the area, they can use our grounds,” he stated.

“We are not going to keep it to ourselves in Baptist Academy; we will allow our neighbours to use the court as well. We look forward to a time in the future when someone who is a national or world champion can say this is the ground where I got my training.”

The event featured an exhibition match between former BAOSA chairman Yemi Gbenro, Lagos State coach Oluwaseyi Stephen, current students Ayomide Olalere, and Adeyemo Emmanuel.

Other Class Set members present at the ceremony include Olumide Ajomale, who is the project manager, Jumoke Okunnu, Muyiwa Laditan, and Austin Aigbotsua.

Notable donors to the project who were absent include Mr. John Momoh, Mr. Robert Odiachi, Mr. Taiwo Abidogun, and Dr. Kehinde Adegoke.

Work on the second tennis court is scheduled to commence on Wednesday (today), and the association is seeking support for its completion.