NSF South-West Zonal Coordinator Monsur Akanbi Honours Hakeem Olaribigbe With Cash Award For Causeway Challenge Feat

By Tayo Ogunseye

Nigeria Scrabble Federation (NSF) South-West Zonal Coordinator, Engr. Monsur Akanbi, has honoured national scrabble star Hakeem Olaribigbe with a cash reward of N250,000 for his outstanding performance at the Causeway Challenge in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Akanbi announced the cash gift to Olaribigbe at a brief ceremony in Lagos, describing the player’s achievement as a worthy representation of Nigeria on the international stage.

Pan-African Scrabble Association (PANASA)  President Adekoyejo Adegbesan, Oyo State Scrabble Association Chairman Salau Samson, Lagos State Head Coach Ayomiposi Akinfemisoye, Elder Segun Adegbenro and other personalities attended the event.

Olaribigbe finished as first runner-up in Division 1 of the prestigious tournament, which attracted 88 players from 30 countries.

He narrowly missed out on the top prize, but his performance further underlined his status as one of the country’s leading scrabble players.

Akanbi said he was particularly delighted to recognise Olaribigbe, noting that the player had consistently delivered medals for Lagos State and Nigeria at national and international competitions.

“Congratulations to Hakeem Olaribigbe. As the NSF South-West Zonal Coordinator, it is a thing of honour to recognise our individual athletes both within and outside the country,” Akanbi said.

He described Olaribigbe as a “serial winner” for Lagos State, recalling his numerous gold-medal performances at the National Sports Festival and his contributions to Nigeria’s international successes.

“He has continually delivered laurels for the country in the last four years. He did it in Kenya and Liberia, while his recent feat in Thailand is also worthy of recognition. He missed the mark by just a game by coming second, and that is a very important feat that deserves recognition,” he added.

Akanbi also recalled Olaribigbe’s contribution to Nigeria’s success at the World English-Language Scrabble Players Association Championship (WESPAC) in Ghana last year.

According to him, the player was among those whose performances contributed to Nigeria emerging as the best-playing nation at the global championship.

“It is a thing of honour to really show him this appreciation because when we have players who are always ready to don the country’s colours and perform, it is equally worthy to show recognition,” Akanbi said.

Responding to the gesture, Olaribigbe expressed appreciation for the recognition, while admitting that he was disappointed at narrowly missing the top position.

“Unfortunately, I missed the top position just like in Ghana, and in Nigeria, it is still a work in progress. I’m happy I got the first runner-up position,” he said.

The recognition is expected to further inspire Olaribigbe as he continues to represent Nigeria and pursue more international honours in competitive scrabble.