Orok Duke Celebrates Birthday with Young Table Tennis Players, Coaches, Splashes Cash Gifts
By Missang AKPET
The NDDC commissioner representing Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Orok Duke has marked his birthday in a remarkable way on Saturday with table tennis players and coaches in Calabar.
The celebration, which held at the Canaan table tennis club in Calabar, drew young Table Tennis players, coaches, and sports enthusiasts.
Addressing the athletes, Duke said the decision to celebrate with the table tennis community was borne out of his commitment to grassroots sports development and youth empowerment in Cross River State.
"I believe the future of sports in Nigeria lies with our young generation so, celebrating my birthday with you is my way of encouraging you to keep working hard and believing in yourselves," he said.
In the spirit of the celebration, the former lawmaker distributed cash gifts to players and coaches present while restating his continued support for table tennis development in the state, describing the sport as one that builds discipline, focus, and international excellence.
The athletes thanked the former lawmaker for the gesture, describing it as a morale booster.
Rt. Hon. Orok Duke has long been associated with sports and youth development initiatives in Cross River, and Saturday’s celebration reinforced his reputation as a grassroots-friendly leader.
