Written by: Elo Akose
The Isoko Nation is gearing up for a historic sporting event as the maiden edition of the Isoko Nation Unity Table Tennis Tournament takes place on Saturday, December 28, 2024, at at the Isoko Unity Hous, IDU roundabout, Oleh.
The groundbreaking event noted to be the first of its kind in Delta State, will bring together table tennis players, spectators, and notable sons and daughters of the Isoko Nation to celebrate unity and sportsmanship during the yuletide season.
According to a press statement released by the organizer, Dr. Palmer Ogheneyole Nathaniel, popularly known as The Black Prince of Isoko Nation, the event will have renowned billionaire industrialist and managing Director of Skyward Resources Limited, High Chief Hon. Enahoro Eta, as its chairman while Elder Jerusalem Obokeno, an oil magnate and Managing Director of Streamflow Global Services, will be the Special Guest of Honour.
Similarly, the former Governor of Delta State and fervent Table Tennis enthusiast, Sen. Dr. Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa, will attend as the Father of the Day, while the wife of the current Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, Deaconess Toboro will be the Mother of the Day.
The Honourable Member representing Isoko Federal Constituency in the Federal House of Representatives will be the Chief Host, even as the honourable commissioner for youths, Barr. ThankGod Trakiriowei will serve as the Chief spectator.
The sporting event which began in November with preliminaries across Isoko communities in Delta and Bayelsa States, will climax next Saturday with the overall winner expected to take home a cash prize of One Million Naira.
Similarly, the first runner up will be blessed with a cash prize of five hundred thousand naira while the third position will clinch the sum of three hundred thousand naira.
According to Dr. Palmer, the event will be officiated by the Asaba Table Tennis Club with professional coaches from the Nigerian Table Tennis Association.
“This tournament is not just about competition; it is about creating a legacy that places Isoko Nation on the global map. We are showcasing our talent, resilience, and togetherness through sports,” said.
Other dignitaries expected at the event include, the Honourable Member representing Isoko South Constituency II in the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Chief Ferguson Onwo, his Isoko North Constituency counterpart Hon. Barr. Bernard Odion, the Chairmen of Isoko North and South Hon Deacon Goodwin Ogorugba and Hon. Friday Warri and Chairman of South-South Table Tennis Association Hon. Abonti Stow.
Others are Chairman of Delta Trust Mortgage Bank Hon. Jude Ogbimi, Chairman of Delta State Sports Commission, Hon. Joshua Oborevwori, the PDP State Organizing Secretary Hon. Elder Emmanuel Egbabor, Executive Assistant on Beautification to the Delta State Governor, Chief Emmanuel Erezih and the Chief Accountant of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Sir Anthony Obogho
