Bayelsa table tennis stars rewarded after triple-title triumph in Calabar

The Bayelsa State Table Tennis Association (BYSTTA) has honoured its athletes following their impressive performances at the Offiong Edem Foundation Table Tennis Tournament 0.6 in Calabar, Cross River State.

The players were recognised at a reception and awards ceremony held on Thursday at The Fortress, the association’s headquarters on Oxbow Lake Road, Yenagoa.

BYSTTA returned from the tournament, held from 13 to 15 August, with three championship titles.

Nine-year-old Uzuazomiro Joshua, popularly known as Uzazo, emerged champion in both the Under-11 and Under-13 boys’ singles categories, while Matthew Natus John, captain of BYSTTA, won the men’s singles title.

The tournament attracted more than 100 participants from across the South-South and South-East regions.

Beyond celebrating the titles, the ceremony highlighted BYSTTA’s approach to athlete development, which combines sporting excellence with education and personal development.

‘Playing career of an athlete is short’

BYSTTA Chairman Ama-ebi Ebikpolade Stow said the association was more concerned about the long-term welfare of its athletes than their success on the table alone.

“My belief is that the playing career of an athlete is short. What happens after that? That is what we are interested in.”

He added: “I tell them that the medals you win cannot be compared to a degree. Even though we need the medals, as a parent, I value their graduation more than the medals. Both must go hand-in-hand.”

The philosophy underpins the association’s “No Education, No Tennis” approach, which encourages athletes to pursue their education alongside their sporting careers.

Mr Stow disclosed that BYSTTA is currently sponsoring five athletes at Niger Delta University.

Among those who have benefited from the programme are Hope Udoka, who completed her final examination this year, and Isaac Boye, a recent graduate of Benson Idahosa University. Nico Debekeme is also currently serving in Edo State.

Nine-year-old Uzazo rewarded

One of the highlights of the ceremony was the recognition of Uzazo, whose double triumph in Calabar was described as evidence of the potential within BYSTTA’s grassroots programme.

The nine-year-old was presented with an academic scholarship and playing kits to support both his education and continued development as a table tennis player.

His parents and siblings were present at the ceremony as he received the recognition.

Matthew, a final-year Library and Information Science student at Benson Idahosa University and a BYSTTA scholarship beneficiary, was also honoured after winning the men’s singles title.

His progression from a developing athlete to university student, team captain and senior champion was cited as an example of the pathway the association is trying to establish for its athletes.

Cadet ranking battle

The event also featured an exhibition match between two of BYSTTA’s leading cadet players, Dememakizibe and Uzazo.

Dememakizibe entered the contest as the association’s number-one-ranked cadet, with Uzazo in second place.

Dememakizibe maintained his position at the top after defeating Uzazo 3-1.

Government pledges support

The Bayelsa State Government was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Sports Development, Pereyi Efeke, who attended on behalf of the Commissioner for Sports Development, Daniel Igali.

Mr Efeke commended BYSTTA for its work in developing young athletes and described The Fortress as an impressive facility.

He also announced plans for greater collaboration with Niger Delta University, particularly on sports scholarship opportunities.

He highlighted preparations for the 2028 National Sports Festival, which Bayelsa is scheduled to host, including proposed sporting infrastructure such as a 30,000-capacity stadium at Igbogene, a 5,000-capacity facility at Sampou and the rehabilitation of the swimming pool at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Simon-Peter Okene, represented Commissioner Gentle Emelah and stressed the importance of education in the development of young athletes.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Jones Stow, also congratulated the champions and commended BYSTTA for using sport to promote discipline, healthy living and productive engagement among young people.

The Director of Sports, Bibowei Harrison Lambert, urged the athletes to aim beyond state-level success and aspire to represent Nigeria and compete internationally.

‘Not for sale’

Mr Stow also explained the significance of The Fortress, which was established as a dedicated training and development centre for young table tennis players.

He said the facility was a long-term investment in the athletes and future generations.

“I am not a millionaire, but because of these children, if you offer N1.5 billion or N2 billion for this property, we will tell you it is not for sale.”

He thanked Governor Douye Diri for supporting Bayelsa athletes, particularly by providing assistance that enabled them to travel to competitions.

He also acknowledged the contributions of Mr Igali, Mr Emelah and Mr Lambert, as well as coaches, parents and other key figures.

The reception brought together government officials, BYSTTA board members, athletes, coaches, parents, families and sports stakeholders.