CRiver supports Offiong Edems table tennis grassroots project

The recently sworn-in governor of Cross River State, Prince Bassey Otu, has been linked with a strong interest in funding the table tennis program launched by Nigeria’s most popular female table tennis star, Offiong Edem, to keep Calabar table tennis. center in the area.

Highly decorated Olympian and current European Women’s Table Tennis Cup holder Offiong Edem is said to deserve the support of the governors as she has grown her mini table tennis tournament from a handful of local kids to an interstate competition in the past three years. This year’s edition, which started on June 1, 2023, featured over a hundred children from Cross River, Abia, Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa.

Dr. Janet Ekpenyong, the Cross River State Commissioner for Health, was delighted with Offiong Edems’ quality qualities as a teenager, and assured that the state governor, Prince Bassey Otu, will not hesitate to support Offiong Edems’ vision and work with him to find more superstars for the state and the nation.

The good thing about his excellence, Governor Bassey Outissa is that he has expressed many times that he is really interested in the development of sports and he believes that it is also a vehicle to really engage the youths because he said many times that politics should not be the only way for the youths develop abilities, there are several other ways.

When it comes to sports, it’s an area you see more of the men, so we can really see the women doing so well, you know representing us and doing very well, we’re so proud of that. And for him to go there and win and bring back the awards is really awesome. It’s not about playing, but also about finding ways to give back, which increases the impact, especially in the lives of younger people. Dr. Ekpenyong noted.

Similarly, Abia State Table Tennis Head Coach, Ifeoma Isaac commended Offiong Edem for his wisdom and sacrifice to ensure that children in the area learn and enjoy table tennis.

I was very grateful when Offiong called me about the foundation’s activities. I was so happy that one of us in this zone has played the game at the international level and being an Olympian can organize such a competition for the South-East and South-South zone. I promised him all my support to ensure the participation of my team. This is the first time in our history that an Olympian brought his money, time and others to invest in the grassroots development of the area. It is not an easy task. I thank him for that.

Abia State kids showed fighting spirit to win some games on the first day of the competition and according to coach Ifeoma, the kids were very excited to see and touch Offiong Edem in person.

Dr. Ekpenyong promised Offiong Edem, CEO of Offiong Edem Foundation, to support him and bring his friends and family to the three-day event because of the immense impact and value of the Foundations project.

We know that sports is one of those areas that you use as a tool to get kids off the street. I think it’s great that I actually have an Offiong who has ventured into this area and is now trying to give back to raise more Offiongs to make themselves better. He must be praised and also supported. This even motivates more young girls to venture into sports and of course continue to represent the nation.

And you agree with me that sports are very important. The Governor is someone who is very committed and passionate about seeing that young people can really progress in whatever field or business they choose to go into.

I know he is going to invest in sports and everything to keep our youth busy so that they don’t fall into any kind of social vices. It certainly interests him, so I am very sure that he will bring in those who are real professionals. I mean he might even work with Offiong to see how to develop younger Cross Riverians and encourage them to venture into the sport.

The former health commissioner also pointed out that many young people are making money from sports because of the huge career benefits.

It is an area where everyone should be interested in creating the likes of Ronaldo and other sports stars. It is something that every government that means good to its people should do its best to venture into. I am very sure that Prince Out is willing to invest and also give the necessary effort and commitment to make the sport flourish in Cross River State.

Four state representatives and members of the organized private sector participated in the third Offiong Edem Table Tennis mini tournament for teenagers in Calabar, Cross River State.

The event which ended on Saturday June 3 saw about 200 teenagers from Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Abia and Bayelsa states participate in the foundation’s initiative to promote table tennis among the youth in the region.

The competition started on Thursday 1 June 2023 and will feature a round robin tournament and a coaching clinic for players who will receive prizes and standard table tennis rackets as part of their take-home gear.

Teenage table tennis superstars Victor Ebong and Bright Jewel delighted the spectators with an exhibition game at the opening. Offiong Edem and Hope Udoaka also played to the enthusiasm of the audience.

Udoaka beat Edem in a friendly match 11-6.

Delighted, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria Akwa-Cross Secretary Clinton Offiong said members of the organized private sector are willing to support and participate in table tennis activities as corporate social responsibility and benefit from the health and social opportunities of Offiong Edem. The foundation has offered table tennis.

Other witnesses at the opening ceremony include the Commanding Officer of 13 Brigade Calabar, Brigadier EIOkoro, represented by Staff Sgt. Lucky Obaraye, Director of Sports University of Calabar, Dr. Blessing Anam and Cross River State Director of Sports, Cocobassey Etim.

Also, the Chairman of the Cross River State Sports Commission, Hon. Emmanuel Elom, Vice Chairman of the State Table Tennis Association, Bishop Usen Umoh and Dr Janet Ekpenyong, Commissioner for Health under Governor Beni. Ayade