EID EL-KABIR: President of Nigeria Scrabble Federation, Engineer Toke Aka, urges Muslims to continue to grow in faith

By Trust Ittai and Betty Enoch
Muslims in the country have been encouraged to continue to cooperate with the various arms of Government in developing the nation, as well as loving God and getting closer to him.

This admonition was given by the President of Nigeria Scrabble Federation (NSF), Engineer Toke Aka, as Nigerian Muslims from all works of life join the rest of their brothers worldwide in celebrating the Eid-El-Kabir today.

Known as the “Festival of the Sacrifice”, Eid-El-Kabir is considered the holier of the two Islamic Eid festivals, as it honours the famous story of the willingness showcased by the Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son in response to God’s test.

Aka said the day should remind Muslims to be obedient to local authorities, and to love God.

“As Muslims, you are obliged to respect the laws and decisions that come from authorities. They should also respect God, be close to Him, love Him and praise Him. That is why Muslims repeatedly say: ‘God is great, God is great, God is great,” he noted.

The NSF President also advise young and talented Nigerian sports men and women to use their talents to help develope the country while calling on the Federal Government to dedicate more resources to sports.

“You know, sport has the power to open multiple sectors of the economy, from tourism to construction, education, fashion, aviation, entertainment and the health sectors of the country just to mention but a few.” Aka, The former President of Pan African Scrabble Association stated.

“Our Sports men and women are on top of their game. At the last Football World Cup, two Nigerian music stars Davido and Kiss Daniel thrilled the world in Qatar, Burna Boy was a beauty to behold during the 2023 final of the UEFA Champions League in Istanbul not to forget Tiwa Savage at the British King’s coronation ceremony. Nigerian youths keep running the show.” Aka added.

Come July Scrabble Team Nigeria will be competing at the world championship in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. Aka strongly believes that the country will make history at the event just as it did in 2015 through Wellington Jighere.

It’s interesting to know that Nigeria is currently the best Scrabble nation in the world and Engineer Toke Aka wants the country to maintain the steam.

Team Nigeria to the World Championship in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA is loaded to the hilt with tested, trusted and talented wordsmiths that will rule the world come July.

Former World Champion, Wellington Jighere, two time African Champion, Dennis Ikekeregor, former African Champion Wale Fashina and Nsikak Etim as well as current African Champion Enoch Tochukwu Nwali are part of Team Nigeria squad.

West African Scrabble Champion Eta Paul Oghenekaro, Champion of Champions Olatunde Oduwole, Oluwatimilehim Doko, the West African University Games Champion, the finest and most talented female player of all time on the continent Tuoyo Mayuku is also part of the NSF team to face the rest of the world.

Other notable faces in Team Nigeria Scrabble squad to the World Championship are Prince Osahon Omosefe who has finished on three occasions on the podium in Africa and Oshivere Avwenegha captain of the Team Nigeria to the African Scrabble Championship in Lusaka Zambia.

The NSF President also used the opportunity to call on well meaning individuals, corporate organisations to identify with Scrabble Team Nigeria that is heading to Las Vegas, Nevada, USA in July for the WESPA Championship.

“We have done our World Championship trials and selected the best players in the country to represent us. I’m very confident that Team Nigeria will excel in USA.”

“He wants the federal government, through the ministry of sports to fully back the team, nearly all members of the team have gotten their visas.”

Engineer Aka, also urge all sports Federation Presidents and Chairmen including all sports stakeholders to use celebration of Eid-El-Kabir to reflect on how they can add value to the Associations and Federations they are entrusted with.