Daniel Ford International is a UK-based property consultancy, specialising in helping African investors and diaspora professionals find, acquire, and manage prime real estate in London. Recently the company hosted its annual Daniel Ford International Elite Youth Table Tennis Tournament in Lagos. In this brief interview, YEMI EDUN, the company’s CEO, offers insights into why the tournament is staged at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere, its impact on youth development, future plans for the tournament, and many more issues. He spoke with CHUKA UROKO. Excerpts:
The Daniel Ford International Elite Youth Table Tennis Championships has become an annual event and was a huge success this year. Why host this tournament?
There is a saying: Go where the need is greatest and the help is fewest. I grew up in Surulere, surrounded by sporting competitions. They were the backdrop of our childhood, but more importantly, they were crucibles where talents were shaped, and national pride was forged. The early stages of any sport are critical. Attention, competition, and funding are the oxygen that allow young talents to survive and develop. Supporting that stage resonates with us on a deeply personal level, not just professionally, but also emotionally.
The turnout for the tournament this year was quite impressive. What was the source of attraction to that event?
People are generally willing to rally behind causes that are credible, transparent, and genuinely impactful. We’ve been very grateful for the support we’ve received, both in time and resources, from individuals and organisations who believe in what this tournament represents.
There is also a shared sense of long-term investment. Everyone involved is eager to see how these young athletes develop in the years ahead and to know that their support played a role in that journey.
Many of the participants were not Lagos-based. They came from far and near. How did you achieve that?
A significant part of that credit goes to the Table Tennis Federation and its strong national network. Enitan Oshodi and his team deserve immense recognition for the work they’ve done in keeping the sport active and visible across the country. For a relatively niche sport, sustaining that kind of national engagement is no small feat.
Daniel Ford is a real estate company. What informed your interest in sports, particularly table tennis?
We work with a very diverse client base, from bankers and medical professionals to entrepreneurs, and many others. Because of how we approach business, we see ourselves as more than a transactional property firm.
That perspective naturally broadens our interests and responsibilities. We recognise that our contributions do not need to be confined strictly to our industry. Supporting youth development through sport is one of the ways we give back in a meaningful and enduring way.
After three editions of the tournament, how would you assess participation and outcomes?
The tournament has grown year-on-year in both scale and quality. It has gone from strength to strength and is now widely regarded as the largest youth table tennis tournament in Nigeria.
To see that level of progress over just three editions is very encouraging, and we hope it continues to grow well beyond our original expectations.
What has been the level of Lagos State government and corporate bodies involvement?
The support has been very encouraging. This was clearly demonstrated by the attendance of His Excellency, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Governor of Lagos State.
Corporate partners have also shown strong backing, and that collective support sends an important signal about the value of youth sports development in Lagos and Nigeria more broadly.
What are your final thoughts on the event and its continuity?
We are extremely pleased with the pace of growth so far. This is an initiative that deserves to keep expanding, strengthening, and deepening its impact. Our focus now is continuity, ensuring that the tournament not only survives, but also becomes an enduring platform for identifying and nurturing future champions.
