Top players in the scrabble circuit will this weekend hit Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory to honour the President of the Nigeria Scrabble Federation (NSF) Engr Olobatoke Aka at a National Championship organised in celebrating his Diamond Jubilee Anniversary.
A total of 89 players comprising former World Champion Wellington Jighere, former African champions Nsikak Etim, Dennis Ikekeregor as well as other former national champions will engage one another in the tournament which has a special spin added to it.
Victor Godwin who was recently crowned as the Emmanuel Egbele Annual Scrabble Tournament (EEAST) champion will also angling for the title at the one-day event.
Players spread across three categories in the Veteran, Intermediate and Masters will jostle for cash prizes, rating points and also celebrate one of the most influential administrator in scrabble, Engr. Toke whose immeasurable contribution to the sports is unquantifiable.
The “Jagaban” of Nigeria scrabble who many has been descibed as a constant star in illuminating the country’s path to success even at the global level has remained modest despite his strategic markings at international level.
Organisation Committee chairman, Chukwudi Ehibudu disclosed that all arrangements for a tournament befitting the status of the scrabble colossus have been made.
Tournament Director Farouk Umah would oversee the 12 round of games to be played in each category.
Meanwhile, Pan Africa Scrabble Association (PANASA) President Adekoyejo Adegbesan has promised to sponsor the top two intermediate players to the President’s Cup scheduled for August this year.
This gesture according to him would help in encouraging good competition among the players.
He added that it’s also a way of showing solidarity with President Aka whose leadership style and influence will remain indelible in the annals of scrabble in the country and the world.
