Paradise News

Tag: Cross River State

  • Ikom Cocoa Processing Factory Can Generate 400 To 600million Dollars Annually – Chairman

    Ikom Cocoa Processing Factory Can Generate 400 To 600million Dollars Annually – Chairman

    By Nsan Ndoma-Neji

    Management of AA Universal Bean and Co Ltd, (managers of Ikom Cocoa Processing Factory), says the cocoa plant has potentials to generate $400 to 600 million dollars into coffers of federal government on annual basis.

    Chairman of the company, Chief Chris Agara made the remarks during a telephone conversation at the weekend.

    He described AA Universal Bean and Co Ltd as a firm operating in joint venture  with AA Universal Industries Ltd, and a member of LR GROUP of Israel has potentials to break even in the shortest possible time if given assistance and enabling environment.

    While giving insight on the join venture, Agara stated that both companies formed an SPV (Special Purpose Vehicle) company known as AA Universal Bean & Co, which provides management of the cocoa value chain.

    Read Also: Burial Arrangements for High Chief Dr Emmanuel Nyong Nsan, OFR

    “This can be achieved if we take the factory to full potential, if we do value addition. What we are saying is that we don’t want to export cocoa beans any longer.

    “We want to be processing our cocoa beans into cocoa butter, cocoa liquor, cocoa powder, possibly chocolate because the potentials in Ikom cocoa area of Cross River State can generate that amount, if we go for the full potentials,” he maintained.

    “We have a grant agreement with the United States government through the United States Department of Trade and Development Agency (USTDA)

    “We are to carry out a feasibility study and bankable business plan for the development and production of cocoa and Casava farm produce and value addition processing from farm to table for local use and export purposes.

    “We are working with a team that has expertise, where nothing is wasted. We uptake cocoa pods away from the farmers because the plenty shells that  farmers throw away, we still process them to food paste,” he stated.

    Agara averred that his firm will assist  cocoa farmers with high quality  pesticides that will help farmers  overcome issues of black pods and several diseases that stand as obstacle to production of cocoa.

    “We process that sweetener the one we lick to juice, and we still used that same juice to process our sweetener for glutton free a chocolate.

    “We will pay beyond the premium price of the cocoa beans that farmers are presently offered because we will support them,” he maintained.

    Agara disclosed that plans are underway by the cocoa processing firm to establish farmers micro finance bank to aide farmers carry out farming activities with ease.

    “In addition to providing support of chemicals and pesticides, fertilizers etc to farmers, our updated and current farming methodology would enable farmers harvest up to 3.5tons of cocoa per hectare as against the 400kg per hectare being harvested now which is  8 times more.

    “This we would achieve by helping the farmers to regenerate their old farms in addition to the new greenfield farms by adopting our established and confirmed farming protocols currently in practice in our Ecuador South America farms.”

    On the issue of off- taking cocoa pots from the farmers, the chairman also stated that “it would go a long way to satisfy the traceability concerns of our cocoa farming and production processes.

    “In addition, off taking the cocoa pots directly from the farms to our processing site would eliminate the practice of using children and women to crack the pots, dry and ferment cocoa at the farms before sales to buyers.

    “This clears the international community concerns regarding the issue of child labour in our cocoa farming practices.”

  • Burial Arrangements for High Chief Dr Emmanuel Nyong Nsan, OFR

    Burial Arrangements for High Chief Dr Emmanuel Nyong Nsan, OFR

    Below is the burial itinerary of High Chief Dr Emmanuel Nyong Nsan, OFR, as released by his family:

  • Agric Mechanization: Ebokpo Inaugurates Committee for Equitable Distribution of Tractors to Farmers’ Cooperatives

    Agric Mechanization: Ebokpo Inaugurates Committee for Equitable Distribution of Tractors to Farmers’ Cooperatives

    By Blessing Enagu

    In a bid to address the challenges faced by smallholder farmers and encourage large-scale cultivation for improved food security, the Cross River State Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation Development secured Executive Council approval in 2024 for the procurement of 108 mini-medium tractors.

    These tractors, locally fabricated to suit the state’s unique agricultural landscape, will be distributed at a subsidized leasing rate as part of Governor Bassey Edet Otu’s broader commitment to mechanizing agriculture and empowering smallholder farmers across the state.

    To ensure a transparent and equitable distribution process, the Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, Hon. Johnson Ebokpo, inaugurated a Tractor Distribution Committee in his office, charging members to carry out their responsibilities with integrity, fairness, and strict adherence to the state’s agricultural goals. He emphasized that the distribution exercise must remain politically neutral to ensure that the tractors reach genuine farmers’ cooperatives for effective utilization.

    Speaking at the event, Ebokpo noted that the procurement of the tractors followed a thorough evaluation of the state’s agricultural challenges, considering the economic realities, terrain, and the best approach to mechanization for smallholder farmers. He stated that the initiative is designed to assist smallholder farmers in boosting production, ultimately contributing to the state’s food security agenda.

    Read Also: Canaan Queens Record Remarkable Win at Ongoing African Table Tennis Championship

    “The tractors are highly fuel-efficient, requiring a maximum of 11 liters of diesel to complete the preparation of one hectare of farmland and each 30-horse power tractor comes equipped with a ridger, seed planter, plough, harrow and a 1- ton trailer bucket making them a cost- effective solution for farmers.

    Additionally, the tractors have the capacity to generate electricity to power grinding machines, irrigation pumps and dryers, further enhancing their utility beyond land preparation” Ebokpo explained.

    The Commissioner also presented a comprehensive distribution framework to the committee, which was approved by Governor Bassey Edet Otu in February 2025. He stated that the framework was designed to ensure fairness, transparency and efficiency in the distribution process, with the first phase involving the allocation of 72 tractors; expected to arrive next week and the second phase to commence within the 2025 fiscal year.

    A key aspect of the framework outlines the eligibility criteria for farmers’ cooperatives, which must be registered with the Department of Cooperatives, have a minimum of 10 members, and be domiciled in the area where farm operations will take place. To ensure accountability, the framework incorporates monitoring mechanisms, including digital trackers, reporting templates, and training sessions conducted by manufacturers on tractor operations, maintenance, and repairs. A structured repayment plan has also been put in place to prevent defaults, with penalties for non-compliance.

    Beyond operational training, the initiative is expected to create business opportunities for youths in the state by equipping them with skills in tractor repairs and maintenance.

    The committee, chaired by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation Development, Ntufam Ekpe Bassey, with the State Project Director of Project Grow, Mr. Denis Ikpali, as co-chairman, comprises members drawn from relevant departments, including Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) Extension Services, Procurement, Finance and Supply, Public-Private and Development Partnership, Agricultural Mechanization, and the Department of Cooperatives in the Ministry of Social Welfare.

    In response, Co-Chairman Mr. Denis Ikpali assured that the committee would execute its mandate diligently and in line with the approved framework. He expressed confidence that the initiative would enhance mechanized farming and increase food production in the state.

    Farmers’ cooperatives have welcomed the initiative with optimism. Mr. Paul Ihwo, President of Cross River State Cooperative stakeholders commended the government’s efforts, stating that access to these tractors would reduce manual labor, boost productivity, and improve the livelihoods of farmers across Cross River State.

    With the committee now in place, distribution is set to commence soon, marking another step in the government’s commitment to transforming agriculture and ensuring food security in Cross River State.

  • Osogi Commends Abi, Yakurr for High Compliance in Sanitation Exercise

    Osogi Commends Abi, Yakurr for High Compliance in Sanitation Exercise

    By Sylvia Okoi

    Abi and Yakurr Local Government Areas have shown exceptional compliance with Cross River State’s monthly sanitation exercise.

    Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Moses Osogi, who gave the pass mark Saturday, during the February edition of the State Wide Environmental sanitation exercise, praised the areas’ effort which has led to a high level of compliance for this month.

    According to him, “in my assessment today, I can boldly say that this is a significant improvement from previous assessments.

    “Recalled that I was here In September 2024, and I did  express my disappointment at the low compliance level in Abi and Yakurr, even describing the attitude of motorists as unacceptable but today I must give them a pass mark.”

    Read Also: Table Tennis: Canaan Queens arrive Tunisia for 2025 African clubs championship

    The commissioner noted that the positive feedback this time around suggests that the local Government Areas have stepped up their sanitation efforts, averring that it was promising development for the State’s environmental health and cleanliness.

    Osogi posited that he was pleased with the progress of the monthly sanitation exercise across the State, noting that sensitization efforts are yielding positive results.

    He assured that the Government will continue to emphasize the importance of sanitation and encouraged citizens to reciprocate by actively participating in the monthly ritual.

    He appreciated Governor Bassey Edet Otu’s vision for a sustainable environment and urged citizens to always stay at home during the period of the monthly exercise and clean their surroundings.

    While addressing  staff of the Ugep Urban Development Authority, the Honourable Commissioner assured them that the Governor prioritizes their welfare and will clear outstanding salaries from the previous administration.

    Osogi encouraged them to continue their good work, urging them to come out early and clean their areas, adding that the efforts have  paid off tremendously in Ugep with overwhelming status cleanliness.

    The sanitation exercise also saw high compliance rates in Calabar and other urban centers, demonstrating the State’s progress in promoting sanitation over the past months.

  • Table Tennis: Canaan Queens arrive Tunisia for 2025 African clubs championship

    Table Tennis: Canaan Queens arrive Tunisia for 2025 African clubs championship

    Canaan Queens, players of the Canaan Table Tennis Club of Calabar, have arrived Tunisia through Casablanca, Morocco, for the 2025 finals of the African Clubs Championship taking place in Tunis, the capital of Tunisia.

    Canaan Table Tennis Club of Calabar was selected by the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) to represent Nigeria in the 2025 African Clubs Championship holding in Tunis from 22 to 24, February 2025.

    The players who arrived Tunis on Friday 21 February, will be having their first match today 22nd in group 2. Canaan Table Tennis Club vs Grappes d’Or de Grombelia of Tunisia will begin by 4:30pm Nigerian time.

    Read Also: Court Grants Bail To Crypto Currency Entrepreneur

    Meanwhile, Chairman of Canaan Table Tennis Club, Rt. Hon. Orok Duke, has expressed profound gratitude to Cross River State Governor, Prince Bassey Edet Otu for the immense support given to the team to facilitate their travel and other logistics. He assured the governor that Canaan Queens will put in their best to make Cross River and Nigeria proud.

    He also thanked the Managing Director of NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku for facilitating the procurement of Visas for the CRS/Niger-Delta/Nigerian Table Tennis Team.

    Recall that the team represented Nigeria at the 2024 African Clubs Table Tennis Championship in Libya and finished as first runners-up.

    Below is the fixture for the championship:

  • Court Grants Bail To Crypto Currency Entrepreneur

    Court Grants Bail To Crypto Currency Entrepreneur

    …As Police Defies Court Order Keeps Applicant at ex-SARS Facility

    By Nsan Ndoma-Neji

    A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, has granted bail to an embattled crypto currency entrepreneur, Obol Jesam Michael, after spending three weeks in police net.

    The presiding judge, Hon. Justice M.A Madugu, before granting the crypto entrepreneur bail, stated that when the case for the enforcement of the defendant’s fundamental rights came up in court, the Police failed to produce or show cause why he should not be granted bail.

    Accordingly, the Court ordered that the crypto entrepreneur be released  forthwith without any form of re-arrest by the police.

    In suit No: FCT/HC/CV/14/2025 and motion No: FCT/HC/BW/M/139/2025 between Obol Jasam Michael  (applicant) and Nigeria police Force, Inspector General of Police, DCP Okezie Chikezie (Anti-Fraud section FCID) Ezekiel Okporante Stella Chinenye Onigbe, IGP monitoring unit and five others as (respondents).

    Read Also: We did not call for delisting of Bakassi – Group clarifies

    The order dated February 19, 2025 reads, “Upon reading the motion on notice along with accompanying affidavit of Florence Michael Ubo including written address and exhibit filed along with the application.

    “And upon hearing E. A. Esin (Esq), with him Sam John Usani counsel to the claimant the court hereby restrained  the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 8th, and 9th respondents from re-arresting and detaining Obol Jesam Michael without recourse to the Court.

    “The court also ordered the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 8th, and 9th respondents from re-arresting and detaining Obol Jesam Michael without recourse to the Court.”

    But in a swift reaction to the issue,  Counsel to respondent, Obono Obla commenting on the issue, alleged that the order to release the applicant had accordingly been served on the Inspector General of Police and all Police officers involved in the matter, but they refused to obey it.

    “The police in a fragrant demonstration of lawlessness rather took him to the headquarters of the EFCC and sought to hand him over to the EFCC in a desperate bid to frustrate the execution of the order to release him forthwith.

    “But, the EFCC authorities refused to take over the matter and made it clear to the police that it should obey the court order to release him.

    “The police then removed Jesam Michael from their detention facility in Maitama, where he had been kept for the past three weeks to their facility in the former SARS where he is still being kept despite the order by the court that he should be released,” Obla alleged.

    Obla alleged that sureties produced by the applicant to facilitate his client bail were chased away by the police even though the sureties met the bail conditions.

    Reacting to the issue in a telephone conversation with our correspondent, the police investigating officer one CSP  Mohammed stated that he is not on the right position to speak on the issue as there are other superior authorities that ought to respond to the matter.

  • We did not call for delisting of Bakassi – Group clarifies

    We did not call for delisting of Bakassi – Group clarifies

    By Kelvin Obambon

    The Indigenous Displaced People of Bakassi Communities has come out to clarify the misconception and misrepresentation of their petition to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu regarding the plight of Bakassi.

    Contrary to claims that the group had called for the delisting of Bakassi Local Government as one of the 774 councils in Nigeria, The Indigenous Displaced People of Bakassi Communities led by Chief Iyadim Amboni Iyadim, said that the local government area is a creation of the constitution and as such the group could not and would not even contemplate such move.

    Iyadim, who spoke during a meeting in Calabar Friday, said “Naturally, it is in my best interest and that of the group I represent to debunk and then challenge anybody living or dead to produce such document written by me or the group I represent and signed by us to the press as proof calling on the Federal Government to delist Bakassi from the 774 Councils in Nigeria.”

    He affirmed that Bakassi has come to stay and that no individual or group can remove it from books without going through a rigorous constitutional process.

    Read Also: Bassey Etim Applauds Sen Asuquo Ekpenyong’s Transformational Strides, Urges Massive Support in 2027

    “I know my left from right having gone through a lot of processes, I can make bold to say that I am a thorough bred. I know we are in the end times and people can rise and raise an accusation on somebody without fear of God or consequences. A group of charlatans and political greenhorns who do not have any sense of history about Bakassi nor have in their lifetime been part of Bakassi struggle from the Creation, to Ceding, to the Resettlement after 17 years of ICJ Judgement.

    “However, I am happy for few of their positions and that our group which are not different especially as it concerns the Coastal reclamation of Dayspring 1,2 and Qua Island which remains the unceded part of the old peninsula in order to restore our dignity and give us that political and traditional identity.

    “Let us put here and now that we are not in anyway antagonizing the administration of Hon. Effiong Okon as Chairman of Bakassi Local Government as widely speculated nor that of His Excellency the Governor of Cross River State Apostle Prince Bassey Edet Otu by our detractors but merely deploying constitutionally recognized approach to drive home the point of Proper Resettlement of Displaced People of Bakassi as promised by the Federal government 17 years ago, hence a Save Our Soul letter to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

    “A burden to resettle the displaced people of Bakassi is too much for the State to shoulder at this time. It is also proofable that we are all registered members of the ruling APC and had worked tirelessly to elect His Excellency as well other standard bearers of the Party in the last general election; as men and women of conscience, we cannot for whatever reason or gain destroy that which we invested time, energy and resources to build.

    “I have with me a copy of the letter we sent to Mr President on the 6th of February, 2025 through the office of our counsel Obol Okoi Obono Obla. It was endorsed by my humble self and twenty-eight others to you to vet and show where “delisting” was written either as heading or in the body of the letter. If this is not found or any other proof beyond reasonable doubt, the gentleman of the esteemed profession should henceforth scrutinize any information brought to it by any sinister group(s) who do not have any idea of their own but doing the bidding of their slave masters for little political games before making any publication.”

    To further buttress his position, Iyadim who is a former chairman of Bakassi local government area, read out the 7 prayers captured in the letter sent to the president.

    “Mr. President Sir, for justices sake we plead that you use your good self and office to treat expeditiously our underlisted prayers.

    PRAYERS
    1. That the Federal Government through the National Assembly should pass a resolution to resettle the displaced people of Bakassi in the unceded parts of the pennisula DAYSPRING 1, 2, and KWA ISLAND. AS SHOWN IN CROSS RIVER STATE MAP ATTACHED.

    2. The legal transfer and relocation of the administrative headquarters in Bakassi Local Government Area from Ikot Effiom to ABANA in Dayspring Island.

    3. Immediate land reclamation and shoreline protection and other infrastructural development of Dayspring 1, 2 and Kwa Island to give the displaced people of Bakassi Local Government Area their identity and sense of belonging.

    4. Provision of adequate security in DAYSPRING 1, 2 and Kwa Islands to protect the lives and properties of the displaced people of Bakassi.

    5. As ruled by the Supreme Court of Nigeria on the application of Local Government Area autonomy fund. Bakassi Local Government Area allocation should be used to further develop constituted Bakassi State Constituency in DAYSPRING 1, 2 and KWA ISLAND.

    6. That, since INEC won in the Supreme court on suit file by the people of Ikang dated 23rd February 2018 setting aside the “Cross River State House of Assembly LAW No. 7 of 2007” the law should be Repealed by Cross River State House of Assembly for want of contempt.

    7. The president should please direct RMAFC and Ministry of Finance to withhold and keep Federal Allocation meant for Bakassi Local Government in an ESCROW account to stop further fraud and misappropriation of funds.”

  • Bassey Etim Applauds Sen Asuquo Ekpenyong’s Transformational Strides, Urges Massive Support in 2027

    Bassey Etim Applauds Sen Asuquo Ekpenyong’s Transformational Strides, Urges Massive Support in 2027

    The Vice Chairmanship Candidate of the Labour Party for Calabar Municipal Council in the recently concluded Local Government Election in Cross River State, 2024, Mr. Bassey Etim, has extolled the sterling performance of Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong Jr. in the Red Chamber, describing his tenure as a testament to visionary leadership and an unwavering commitment to the progress of Cross River South Senatorial District.

    Speaking in an interactive session with journalists, Etim lauded Ekpenyong’s ability to navigate the complexities of the National Assembly despite being a first-time senator, crediting his dynamism and legislative acumen for securing strategic appointments for Cross Riverians in the office of the Senate President. According to him, these appointments have positioned indigenes of the state at the heart of national decision-making processes.

    Beyond political placements, Etim highlighted the senator’s immense contributions to human capital development, particularly in the area of education. “Sen. Asuquo Ekpenyong has facilitated scholarships for young Cross Riverians to study abroad and within Nigeria, ensuring that our youths are equipped with the requisite knowledge to compete favourably on a global scale,” he stated.

    The Labour Party chieftain also praised Ekpenyong’s intervention in economic empowerment, citing his support for small and medium-scale enterprises across the district. He underscored the senator’s dedication to infrastructural advancement, referencing his role in attracting critical road projects and the facilitation of solar-powered streetlights in various communities. “These projects are not just developmental milestones; they are lifelines that improve the quality of life and enhance economic activities in our region,” Etim remarked.

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    In a further demonstration of empathy towards the plight of his constituents, Ekpenyong has sustained the free bus ride initiative within Calabar metropolis, a scheme designed to cushion the economic hardship confronting residents. “At a time when inflation and economic difficulties have become overwhelming, the senator has exhibited rare sensitivity by ensuring that transportation costs are alleviated for our people,” Etim noted.

    Commending Ekpenyong’s temperament in the face of criticism, Etim described him as a leader of uncommon maturity whose focus remains unwavering despite distractions. He asserted that the senator’s audacious engagement in legislative affairs, even as a first-term lawmaker, underscores his preparedness for higher responsibilities. “It takes an astute politician with an in-depth understanding of governance to make the kind of bold moves he has made in the hallowed chambers,” he said.

    Etim called on the people of Cross River South to acknowledge and consolidate these gains by rallying behind Ekpenyong for another term in 2027, stressing that his continuity in the Senate would guarantee sustained development. “We must not allow sentiment to derail progress. Leadership should be about impact, and Sen. Asuquo Ekpenyong has proven that he has both the vision and capacity to deliver on the aspirations of our people,” he affirmed.

    With growing consensus on his performance, Ekpenyong’s tenure continues to redefine representation, positioning Cross River South on the path of sustained growth. As the political climate builds towards 2027, stakeholders are keenly watching the unfolding trajectory of a man whose leadership has become synonymous with purposeful governance.

  • Minister seeks resuscitation of C’River moribund cocoa processing factory

    Minister seeks resuscitation of C’River moribund cocoa processing factory

    By Christian Njoku

    Sen. John Owan-Enoh, Minister of state for Industry, Trade and Investment on Tuesday visited the ailing Cross River Cocoa Processing Industry in Ikom to push for its resuscitation.

    The minister who was there with a team from his ministry was given a tour round the gigantic facility that was recently concessioned to a company, A A Universal Bean and Co LTD.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Cross River Cocoa Processing Factory in Ikom was initiated in 2017 under former Gov. Ben Ayade, who projected it would be operational by early 2018.

    Despite delays, it reached 95 per cent completion by December 2019, with test runs set for early 2020, it was however concessioned to AA Universal in 2022 but the factory had remained moribund since then.

    Read Also: Retired Table Tennis legend, Offiong Edem, Takes on Coaching Position at US Academy

    Speaking during the tour of the facility, Uwan-Enoh said he wanted to see for himself what was available on ground in the facility to see how the government could partner with AA Universal Bean and Co LTD.

    According to him, cocoa production is part of the culture of the people of Ikom, Etung and Boki in Cross River, in fact all the four cocoa estates established by Dr Michael Okpara in the early 1950s are in Etung.

    He said unfortunately, for far too many years, that area of the country did not even have a functional industry or processing facility which was a big challenge because they only exported raw cocoa beans.

    “I am not deceived by the sharp rise in cocoa prices last season due to the value of dollar, when the dollar crashes, our farmers will suffer losses unless we start processing.

    “We must stop exporting raw cocoa and invest in functional processing factories. With support from the Bank of Industry, we can transform cocoa into more valuable products,” he said.

    Encouraging officials of AA Universal Ltd the minister expressed plans to convene a cocoa processing stakeholders’ session noting that he was willing to return to see the factory  operational.

    On his part, Mr  Chris Agara, Chairman of AA universal LTD said the factory which hoped to create about 5,000 jobs when fully functional would add about $6.8 million dollars annually into the nation’s economy.

    Agara added that with there improved handling of the produce and technological innovation, they hoped to enhance traceability of Cross River cocoa, curb child labour and make the business more profitable for the farmers.

    Similarly, a cocoa farmer, Mr Oputa Ayuk, said he had absolute faith in the capacity of  AA Universal LTD, adding that, the chairman of the company was very dependable.

    He however added that the challenge he forsees in the  future was the availability of cocoa for processing in the plant because if the company’s offtake price is not competitive, the farmers would rather sell their produce to exporters who offer them a better deal.

    (NAN)

  • Retired Table Tennis legend, Offiong Edem, Takes on Coaching Position at US Academy

    Retired Table Tennis legend, Offiong Edem, Takes on Coaching Position at US Academy

    Retired Nigerian table tennis legend Edem Offiong has joined the Texas-based Lonestar Table Tennis Academy in the United States as a coach.

    The five-time Olympian, who announced her retirement after the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, has been described as a valuable addition to the academy located in Austin, Texas.

    In a statement, the academy expressed their excitement: “We are thrilled to announce that five-time Olympian Edem Offiong is joining Lonestar Table Tennis Academy as a full-time practice partner.”

    They welcomed the Nigerian star, noting that her two decades of experience will be invaluable to the academy.

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    Edem shared her thoughts on social media, revealing her decision to move to the US after retirement to begin a new chapter as a coach.

    “Austin, Texas is where I find my peace. I decided to move to the USA after my retirement to coach young enthusiasts. Coaching has been so rewarding, I must say, and soon we will be known and heard for our good deeds.

    “Thank you to Lonestar Table Tennis Academy for believing in me and giving me this opportunity to grow these young stars. It’s all about passion, and I’m grateful,” she said.

    The former African champion represented Nigeria in five Olympic Games, several African Games and Championships, World Championships, and Commonwealth Championships before retiring in 2024.

    It is important to note that Offiong Edem is one of Canaan Table Tennis Club of Calabar’s greatest exports. The club was founded by one of Nigeria’s seasoned sports administrators and table tennis icons, Rt. Hon. Orok Duke. He chairs and funds the club until date.