By Akanimo Kufre
Spain-based and former ASD Quattro Table Tennis ETTU Champion, Offiong Edem won the first medal for Nigeria, a bronze, in the 13th African Games in Ghana on Tuesday.
The news provoked huge excitement in the Cross River State Governor, Prince Bassey Otu who celebrated Offiong’s heroic feat and legendary table tennis milestones. The governor’s encomium was revealed through the Cross River State Commissioner for Sports, Agnes Atsu during a phone interaction with our reporter.
“Offiong Edem has made us proud. “Nigeria should watch out for the best coming from Cross River.” the governor declared.
The commissioner confirmed that the state and executive members have been celebrating Offiong Edem since Tuesday as soon as the information reached her.
“We are highly elated about it. Nigerians should watch out for more laurels courtesy of Cross River athletes. I will be with the team to motivate them as they will be going for gold for Nigeria.”
According to the Commissioner, Gov. Otu was exhilarated and immediately agreed that she travel to Ghana and stand by Cross River athletes.
“The win has strengthened the governor’s resolve to make sure that sports in Cross River are taken to the highest level” She continued.
It would be recalled that Gov. Otu last June promised to support the Offiong Edem Foundations mini Table Tennis Tournament in Calabar. Offiong Edem’s table tennis competition last year attracted about 100 children from 5 states to Calabar, her hometown.