CALABAR – The Cross River State Representative on the Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Rt. Hon. (Otuekong) Orok Otu Duke, PhD, marked his 65th birthday in a unique celebration that reflected his decades-long commitment to grassroots sports development, spending the day with table tennis players and coaches in Calabar NEGROIDHAVEN can report.
Rather than opting for an elaborate personal celebration, the veteran sports administrator chose to spend the special occasion with the sporting community that has remained close to his heart. The birthday gathering brought together athletes, coaches, and sports enthusiasts who have shared in Duke’s commitment to nurturing table tennis talents in Cross River State.
In a warm and cheerful atmosphere, Duke commended the players and coaches for their resilience, discipline, and unwavering determination to raise the profile of Cross River on the national and international sporting stage. He described them as worthy ambassadors whose commitment continues to inspire younger generations.
As a demonstration of his appreciation, the NDDC Board member splashed cash gifts on the players and coaches, urging them to remain focused and committed to excellence. He assured them that he would continue to champion initiatives aimed at improving their welfare and creating opportunities for young talents to thrive.
Duke has remained one of the foremost pillars of table tennis development in Cross River State, providing sustained support to athletes and contributing significantly to the emergence of several national and international champions. He serves as Chairman of the Cross River State Table Tennis Association (CRSTTA) and the Canaan Table Tennis Club, fostering youth empowerment and sports excellence .
The beneficiaries expressed profound gratitude for the gesture, noting that Duke’s support has consistently gone beyond words to tangible investments in athletes’ growth and development. They described him as a father figure whose contributions have transformed the fortunes of table tennis in Cross River State over the years.
