Isoko Nation Hosts Maiden Table Tennis Tournament, Showcasing Unity, Sportsmanship ~ Truth Reporters

By Dominic Egivri

The Isoko Nation is set to witness a landmark sporting event as the first-ever Isoko Nation Unity Table Tennis Tournament holds on Saturday, December 28, 2024, at the Isoko Unity House, IDU Roundabout, Oleh.

This historic event, a trailblazer in Delta State, will bring together table tennis enthusiasts, athletes, and notable sons and daughters of the Isoko Nation in a grand celebration of unity and sportsmanship during the festive season.

In a statement released by the event’s organizer, Dr. Palmer Ogheneyole Nathaniel, widely known as The Black Prince of Isoko Nation, the tournament promises to be a memorable occasion. Renowned industrialist and Managing Director of Skyward Resources Limited, High Chief Hon. Enahoro Eta, will serve as the chairman of the event, while Elder Jerusalem Obokeno, oil mogul and Managing Director of Streamflow Global Services, will be the Special Guest of Honour.

The former Governor of Delta State and avid table tennis fan, Sen. Dr. Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa, will grace the event as the Father of the Day, while Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, wife of the current Governor, will attend as the Mother of the Day. Hon. Jonathan Ukodhiko, Member representing Isoko Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, is the Chief Host, with Barr. ThankGod Trakiriowei, Commissioner for Youths, serving as the Chief Spectator.

Preliminary matches, which began in November across Isoko communities in Delta and Bayelsa States, will culminate in the grand finale next Saturday. The overall winner will receive a cash prize of One Million Naira, while the second and third-place winners will be awarded Five Hundred Thousand Naira and Three Hundred Thousand Naira, respectively.

Professional coaches from the Nigerian Table Tennis Association, alongside officials from the Asaba Table Tennis Club, will oversee the tournament.

“This tournament goes beyond competition; it is about creating a legacy that positions the Isoko Nation on the global stage. It reflects our unity, resilience, and talent through sports,” said Dr. Palmer.

Prominent guests expected include Hon. Chief Ferguson Onwo, Hon. Barr. Bernard Odion, Hon. Deacon Goodwin Ogorugba, Hon. Friday Warri, Hon. Abonti Stow, and Hon. Jude Ogbimi. Also in attendance will be Hon. Joshua Oborevwori, Hon. Elder Emmanuel Egbabor, Chief Emmanuel Erezih, and Sir Anthony Obogho, Chief Othuke Otunumeruke among others.

The Isoko Nation Unity Table Tennis Tournament promises to be a remarkable event, fostering community spirit and showcasing Isoko pride through the power of sports.