By Kelvin Obambon
As preparations hit top gear for the upcoming Niger Delta Games in Edo, the Chairman of Canaan Table Tennis Club of Calabar, Rt Hon Orok Duke PhD, has made a significant donation to bolster Team Cross River’s chances of success.
Duke donated table tennis equipment worthb approximately N3.7 million to the state’s table tennis contingent. The donation includes high-grade rubbers (tennages), tibar, and blades (woods) for six players, along with specialized equipment for a rising table tennis star, Victor Duke.
Addressing the athletes and their coaches, at the U.J. Esuene Stadium in Calabar on Monday, Duke emphasized that the timing of the donation was critical.
“I got information that up to this moment, those representing us in table tennis hadn’t gotten their kits,” Duke stated. “In table tennis, you must get acquainted with your equipment. You cannot just thrust new equipment at a player on the day of the tournament; they will lose a significant percentage of their skills. I decided to step in because costs have skyrocketed – what we used to buy for N100,000 now costs ₦250,000.”
To ensure the longevity of the expensive gear, Duke also provided storage cabinet, warning that high-end indoor equipment can be ruined within two weeks if exposed to the sun or used on dilapidated outdoor tables.
Beyond the donation, the Canaan Table Tennis Club Chairman made a passionate plea to high-net-worth individuals and corporate bodies to support the Cross River State Sports Commission. He argued that the government cannot carry the burden of sports development alone.
“Government doesn’t have the capacity to do everything,” Duke said. “I urge dignitaries, senators, and those seeking election to step in. My appeal is simple: ‘Adopt an Athlete.’ Whether it is boxing, volleyball, or table tennis, your assistance – no matter how small – helps a lot. It covers school fees, feeding, and transportation for these kids who often trek to training.”
Duke who currently represents the state in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) board, revealed that Canaan Table Tennis Club of Calabar currently handles the educational expenses of many athletes, including university students, to ensure they remain focused on their training with the blessing of their parents.
Outlining a new policy direction, the table tennis czar noted that the club is shifting its focus toward “homegrown” talents. According to him, this move is intended to curb the trend of athletes gaining skills in the state only to represent their states of origin once they become successful.
“We want to concentrate on Cross Riverians so that as you gain skills and qualify to represent Nigeria, you stick by us – just like Offiong Edem and Cecilia Otu,” he added.
Receiving the items on behalf of the Commission, the Director of Sports, Mrs. Rosemary Usang, described Rt. Hon. Orok Duke as a “legend” whose support for sports predates her tenure.
“He has not only given equipment and cash but has also fixed the doors to this hall. He is a legend who creates legends,” Usang said. She referenced the protein-rich diet and intensive training the athletes have undergone, noting that the state is “counting the medals” already.
“The Governor said if we don’t win, we shouldn’t come back. But with the rice, equipment, and money the Chairman hash provided, we are well-mobilized. We will come back with gold,” she declared.
The donation also included N50,000 to each of the six athletes in the table tennis contingent, N70,000 for each of the coaches, two bags of rice and packs of toiletries to support the athletes’ needs as they prepare to depart for the games between Wednesday and Thursday.
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