By Frank Ulom
Rt. Hon. Orok Otu Duke has remained a central figure in the development of table tennis in Cross River State, with his long-standing support for athletes and grassroots programmes continuing to shape the sport’s success within and beyond the state.
Although table tennis is often regarded as a sport played in schools and community centres, it has grown into one of Cross River’s most successful sporting disciplines, producing athletes who have represented the state and Nigeria in national, regional and international competitions.
At the heart of that success is the Canaan Table Tennis Club in Calabar, founded and funded by Duke. Over the years, the club has established itself as one of the state’s most productive talent development centres, nurturing players who have gone on to compete at higher levels and contribute to Cross River’s reputation as a competitive force in Nigerian table tennis.
Supporters describe Duke as the driving force behind a sustainable talent pipeline in a sector often challenged by inadequate funding and weak institutional structures. Through his continued investment, the club has maintained regular training programmes, organised competitions and created opportunities for young athletes to gain exposure beyond the state.
For many aspiring players, Canaan Table Tennis Club has become more than a sports organisation. It has provided a pathway for talented youngsters to develop their careers and pursue opportunities that may otherwise have remained out of reach.
However, Duke’s involvement in the sport has also generated discussion about the relationship between sports administration and politics.
Beyond his role in sports, Duke is an active political figure, placing him at the intersection of governance and athletic development. His dual role has prompted debate over whether the progress recorded in Cross River table tennis reflects effective personal leadership or highlights the absence of stronger public institutions capable of sustaining sports development independently.
Observers note that while Duke’s influence has helped keep table tennis competitive and relevant in the state, the model also raises questions about long-term sustainability should such private commitment no longer exist.
Others argue that his contributions demonstrate how political influence can be channelled towards meaningful community development when combined with a genuine commitment to sports.
Despite differing perspectives, the achievements of Cross River athletes continue to underscore the effectiveness of the structures established through the Canaan Table Tennis Club. The steady emergence of players capable of competing at national and continental championships has reinforced the state’s standing within Nigerian table tennis.
As discussions continue over the future of sports development in Cross River, Duke’s legacy remains closely linked to the growth of table tennis in the state.
Whether history ultimately remembers him primarily as a political figure who invested in sports or as a sports development champion may depend on how the structures he helped build evolve in the years ahead. For now, his influence remains deeply embedded in the story of table tennis in Cross River State.