By Akanimo Kufre
Teenage Prestige Archibong is among the 7-Man Scrabble contingent expected to represent Akwa Ibom State at the National Scrabble Festival in Abeokuta, Ogun State from Sunday 14th to 21st April 2024.
Archibong was one out of the nearly 200 kids whose scrabble talent was unearthed during Gov. Godswill Akpabio Scrabble to School Initiative in 2013. Today, the 16 year old Archibong is the current African Youth Scrabble Champion and qualified in South South zonal eliminations to represent the Senate President’s state, Akwa Ibom.
Unfortunately, the Akwa Ibom State Scrabble delegation is unable to depart Uyo on yesterday due to logistics constraints and adequate funding. Leading the scrabble delegation as Team Captain, Mr Emmanuel Ekpo, pioneer scrabble medalist has called on the public, individuals and corporate citizens to support as well as partner in their worthy exploits.
“Akwa Ibom State is blessed with Scrabble talents but we have lost most of them to other states because of proper funding. We are doing our best to bring up the young ones to take over. Scrabble helps children cognitive skills and bring out the genius in them.
“We have a positive expectation from the Senate President on this trip. We believe that once our plight gets to his hearing our situation would have 100% change. Sen. Akpabio will take it upon his shoulders.”
Mr. Ekpo who doubled as the Uyo Scrabble Club secretary affirm his trust that Akpabio’s assistance has elevated scrabble to its present height in Nigeria and Africa. Ekpo also appreciate the Akwa Ibom State Scrabble Association Chairman, Dr Iniobong Essien whose support made the team qualifying games possible.
The National Scrabble Festival in Ogun will also serve as a training platform for Prestige Archibong who qualified to represent Nigeria in World Youth Scrabble Championship in Sri Lanka by September 2024.
The Akwa Ibom State athletes will travel with Uyo Club President, Mr Idong Ofong, Coach Victor Owoekere and a player-coach, Moses Peter who is immediate past World No. 2 Scrabble Player, former African champion and former UK Champion. Also in the mix are Ryan Jacob, National champion, Nsidebe Frank, NSF Silver medalist, and Dr. Onome Irozuru, the only female in the squad.
While in Ogun State, the Akwa Ibom Scrabble contingent will participate in National Scrabble Championship, Asaph Zadok Tournament, National Inter-club Championship and Scrabble Federation Annual General Meeting.