Commonwealth Games Medallist Enku Ekuta Receives ₦1.5m Award

Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Enku Ekuta was honoured with a ₦1.5 million cash award during the Fifth Ekus Judo South-South U15-19 Championship.

The two-day championship, which attracted 18 teams from across the South-South region, saw Team Edo emerge champions after winning four gold medals and a bronze.

Team Delta finished second with one gold, one silver and two bronze medals, while Loveth Judo Club placed third with one silver and two bronze medals.

Team Josephine Judo Club finished fourth with one silver and one bronze, while Team Dennis Security Judo Club and Akwa Ibom shared fifth position after winning one silver medal each.

Team Bayelsa finished seventh with two bronze medals, while EKUS Judo and Team Lucky Judo Club shared eighth position with one bronze medal apiece.

Speaking during the championship, Head of Ekus Judo and Team Delta coach Eke Osahon said the competition had played an important role in identifying emerging talents in the region.

According to Osahon, the discovery of young athletes through competitions such as the championship would help South-South maintain its strong presence in Nigerian judo and produce athletes capable of competing internationally.

He expressed optimism that some of the newly discovered talents would develop into champions and represent the region successfully on the international stage.

Osahon also praised Ekuta for her historic achievement at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, where she won a bronze medal to end a 24-year national wait for a medal in the event.

He urged schools and private-sector organisations to invest more in judo, stressing that the sport could provide young people with opportunities while helping to keep them away from the streets.

Ekuta, who was honoured at the championship, said Nigeria’s prospects of returning to the podium at major international competitions remained bright, particularly with the quality of performances being produced by the country’s athletes.

The major highlight of the event came when the organisers presented Ekuta with ₦1.5 million. The award was presented by Big Judo, led by former judo athlete Lanky Osagie-Omoregbe.

Medals and cash prizes were also presented to the outstanding athletes and teams at the conclusion of the championship.