In a celebration that reflected his enduring passion for grassroots sports development, 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 with table tennis players and coaches in Calabar, where he also presented cash gifts in appreciation of their dedication to the sport.
The birthday gathering brought together athletes, coaches and sports enthusiasts who have shared in Duke’s decades long commitment to nurturing table tennis talents in Cross River State. 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.
In a warm and cheerful atmosphere, Duke commended the players and coaches for their resilience, discipline and unwavering determination to keep raising 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.
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.
For many of the athletes present, the celebration was more than a birthday event. It was a reaffirmation of a relationship built on mentorship, encouragement and genuine concern for their success. The occasion was filled with goodwill, laughter and heartfelt tributes as players and coaches joined family, friends and associates in celebrating a man widely acknowledged for using sports as a platform for youth empowerment and social development.
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. His decision to celebrate his milestone birthday with the sporting community once again underscored his belief that the greatest legacy lies not in personal accolades but in investing in people and building future champions.
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