Paradise News

Tag: Orok Duke

  • Canaan Table Tennis Club Chairman, Rt. Hon. Orok Duke, Congratulates Hope Udoaka For Emerging New National Champion

    Canaan Table Tennis Club Chairman, Rt. Hon. Orok Duke, Congratulates Hope Udoaka For Emerging New National Champion

    The Chairman of Canaan Table Tennis Club of Calabar, Rt. Hon. Orok Duke PhD, has joyfully congratulated Hope Udoaka for emerging the new national female champion at the Fifth Michael and Felicia Alabi Memorial National Table Tennis Championships held in Otan Ayegbaju, Osun State.

    Udoaka, in a thrilling encounter at the weekend, defeated table tennis veteran, Halima Hussain of Oyo State 4-1 (11-5, 11-9, 9-11, 11-7, 11-7) to be crowned the new female champion.

    Recognizing Udoaka as one of the Club’s fast rising stars, Duke lauded her zeal for hard work and excellence in the sport, which he attributed to the successes recorded in several competitions.

    He thanked the Governor of Cross River, Senator Prince Bassey Otu for the passionate support of table tennis in the state. He said that Canaan Table Tennis Club is at the forefront of grooming a new generation of table tennis stars, whose skills and talents hold the future of the sport in the state.

    He expressed the hope that Table Tennis would make Cross River proud by winning gold medals in the upcoming National Sports Festival that would take place this year in Ogun state.

  • C’River Takes Delivery of Waste Bins Donated by NDDC, As Rt Hon Orok Duke Promises More Benefits From Commission

    C’River Takes Delivery of Waste Bins Donated by NDDC, As Rt Hon Orok Duke Promises More Benefits From Commission

    Cross River State has again, through the efforts of Rt. Hon. Orok Duke, the state’s Representative on the Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), received additional 79 Waste Bins from the commission, to ensure adequate waste disposal in the state. The Bins were received by the Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Moses Osogi in Calabar.

    So far, over 200 have been donated to the state. According to Orok Duke, the bins are donated to support the state’s sustained efforts for proper waste management, which is in consonance with the state’s avowed position as a clean and green hub for tourism and business.

    Orok Duke has further assured that the state will get all that is due it from the commission, without being shortchanged. He also appealed to citizens to utilize properly them for the purpose of which they are meant for, adding that the must be protected from wilful destruction or being converted to personal properties by some unscrupulous individuals.

  • Niger Delta Sports Festival: Table Tennis boosts C’River standing on Medals Table

    Niger Delta Sports Festival: Table Tennis boosts C’River standing on Medals Table

    …As Canaan Table Tennis Club Celebrates 35-Year Golden Legacy

    …NDDC Commissioner Orok Duke PhD, Hails State’s Dominant Table Tennis Program, Pledges Continued Support

    Cross River and Bayelsa states emerged as joint champions at the recent regional table tennis championship, with both powerhouses securing two gold medals each in a thrilling display of skills and competition.

    Cross River maintained its traditional dominance in women’s events, claiming: Women’s Doubles Gold (Silver: Bayelsa; Bronze: Delta); Women’s Singles Gold (Silver: Abia; Bronze: Ondo).

    Bayelsa countered with equal prowess in men’s categories, winning: Men’s Doubles Gold (Silver: Cross River; Bronze: Edo), Men’s Singles Gold (Silver: Ondo; Bronze: Akwa Ibom).

    The tournament coincided with a major milestone for Cross River’s table tennis program. Rt. Hon. Orok Otu Duke PhD,NDDC Commissioner representing Cross River, took the opportunity to celebrate the Canaan Table Tennis Team’s unprecedented achievement of winning gold medals for the state for 35 consecutive years – the only team to maintain such consistent excellence.

    Read Also: Nigerian woman reacts after her wedding was called off on eve of ceremony

    “This golden generation of Canaan players has written their names in history,” Duke stated. “For 35 years, through three generations of athletes, they’ve brought nothing but gold to Cross River. This is no accident – it’s the result of dedication, proper training, and Institutional support.”

    The Commissioner pledged his continued backing for the program: “I charge our champions to keep making us proud. The NDDC and Cross River state will continue to invest in these athletes who have become our golden ambassadors.”

    Recall that at a recent ceremony held at the Glass House, Cross River’s Acting Governor Dr. Peter Odey received the NDDC Unity Torch from the Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon. Agnes Atsu, symbolizing Cross River’s participation in the festival, which marks NDDC’s 25th anniversary.

    The Niger-Delta games had prescribed a cut-off age of 25 years,but with the upcoming National Sports Festival slated to hold in Ogun State in May, 2025, we urge the Cross River Table Tennis Team to fight harder and bring back more Medals to Cross River State.

    The commissioner called on all well meaning individuals and Business people to emulate the practice of adopting a Sport, out of the 38 Sports that are available and currently on offer.

    Final Medal Standings:
    1. Cross River – 2 Gold, 1 Silver (3 Total)
    1. Bayelsa – 2 Gold, 1 Silver (3 Total)
    3. Ondo – 1 Silver, 1 Bronze (2)
    4. Abia – 1 Silver (1)
    5. Akwa Ibom, Delta, Edo – 1 Bronze each (1)

  • Niger Delta Sports Festival: Acting Governor commends NDDC, pledges support for Team Cross River

    Niger Delta Sports Festival: Acting Governor commends NDDC, pledges support for Team Cross River

    By Kelvin Obambon

    The Acting Governor of Cross River, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, has commended the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for coming up with the Niger Delta Sports Festival to engage the youths and groom talents in the region.

    Odey made the commendation when the local organizing committee chaired by Hon Agnes Atsu presented the Sports Festival torch to him in his temporary office in Calabar on Monday. The presentation of the torch signals the departure of Team Cross River to Uyo, Akwa Ibom state, where they will participate in the sporting events billed for April.

    Speaking while receiving the torch, the Acting Governor pledged the state government’s support to Cross River’s delegation. He urged them to see the Niger Delta Sports Festival as an opportunity to showcase their talents to the world.

    Read Also: Otti Abolishes State Of Origin In Abia, Preaches Unity At Eid-El Fitr

    The brief ceremony was witnessed by the Commissioner representing Cross River in the Niger Delta Development Commission, Rt. Hon. Orok Duke.

    Meanwhile, speaking briefly in an interview shortly after the torch presentation ceremony, the NDDC state representative applauded the Managing Director of the Commission, Dr Samuel Ogbuku for being passionate about youths in the Niger Delta.

    He listed the Sports Festival, Youth Internship Scheme and several other initiatives the MD and the current management of NDDC have come up with to effectively engage and empower young people in the region.

    He also thanked the state government for always keying into and supporting laudable initiatives of NDDC for the overall benefits of Cross River youths.

  • Rt. Hon. Orok Duke Bags PhD in Media Arts, Hon. Etim Ukpong Hails His Achievements

    Rt. Hon. Orok Duke Bags PhD in Media Arts, Hon. Etim Ukpong Hails His Achievements

    The Executive Chairman of Odukpani Local Government Area, Hon. Etim Asido Ukpong, has extended congratulations to Rt. Hon. Orok Duke on the successful completion of his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Media Arts.

    Hon. Ukpong described this academic milestone as a well-earned recognition of Rt. Hon. Duke’s exceptional contributions to the field of Media Arts, as well as his unwavering commitment to promoting Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage.

    “As a distinguished leader and statesman, your dedication to excellence and passion for the arts have inspired countless individuals. This degree is a well-deserved acknowledgment of your remarkable achievements,” Hon. Ukpong stated.

    He further expressed confidence that this latest academic feat would propel Rt. Hon. Duke to greater heights, encouraging him to continue pushing the boundaries of innovation and creativity in the media arts industry.

    Read Also: Family, friends, associates, Tinkoriko celebrate Rt Hon Orok Duke on PhD conferment

    “May this degree serve as a source of inspiration for you to continue breaking new grounds, and may your legacy continue to inspire future generations,” he added.

    Hon. Ukpong lauded Rt. Hon. Orok Duke for his tireless efforts in mentoring young talents, shaping public discourse, and using the media to advance cultural development in Nigeria.

    He concluded by celebrating the achievement as a momentous occasion, urging the recipient to continue leveraging his expertise for national growth and development.

    “Congratulations on this well-deserved achievement,” Hon. Ukpong stated.

  • Family, friends, associates, Tinkoriko celebrate Rt Hon Orok Duke on PhD conferment

    Family, friends, associates, Tinkoriko celebrate Rt Hon Orok Duke on PhD conferment

    By Kelvin Obambon

    Despite the caliber of individuals that graced the 37th convocation ceremony of the University of Calabar (UNICAL) on Saturday 22 March, 2025, Rt Hon Orok Duke, the Commissioner representing Cross River State in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) stole the show with panache that cladded it in beauty, elegance and class.

    Duke, who was one of those conferred with a doctorate degree, was ubiquitous at the University of Calabar International Conference Center, venue of the event. He was literally the cynosure of eyes because he arguably had the largest number of guests in attendance.

    Among those who came to celebrate with him were family members, friends, associates, media practitioners and members of Tinkoriko, a sociocultural group he founded and nurtured for more than three decades ago. The group was led by its president, Prof. Emmanuel Eyo.

    While others convoked and left the venue unnoticed at the end of the ceremony, Dr Orok Duke’s departure took the 37th convocation to its crescendo. The Tinkoriko group massing in their hundreds, rolled out the drums to celebrate their own to the admiration of everyone around. They had a procession, walking with their patron from the Conference Center to the Main Gate of the University of Calabar, and then assembled at the Amayo Duke School, Efut, where they were treated to a grand reception.

    This elaborate show of solidarity and camaraderie underscores Dr Orok Duke’s immense social capital and his capacity to bring people together for social good. His name resonates very well among youths, especially in Calabar, where Tinkoriko is leveraged to build harmony and ensure peaceful coexistence among youths from various social, cultural and political backgrounds.

    His academic achievement is a testament to his insatiable thirst for knowledge, and one cannot help but congratulate him on this milestone.

  • C’River First Lady Lauds Orok Duke for bagging Doctorate Degree, Advocates Lifelong Learning

    C’River First Lady Lauds Orok Duke for bagging Doctorate Degree, Advocates Lifelong Learning

    The First Lady of Cross River State, Rev. (Mrs.) Eyoanwan Otu, has extended her heartfelt congratulations to Rt. Hon. Chief Orok Otu Duke, JP, PhD, on earning his doctorate, describing his accomplishment as a victory for dedication and intellectual growth.

    Speaking on the significance of education, Rev. (Mrs.) Otu emphasized that academic excellence remains a powerful tool for personal and societal development.

    “Education is a lifelong journey, and Dr. Duke has once again shown that passion and perseverance lead to great achievements. His success is a reminder that continuous learning strengthens leadership and empowers communities,” she said.

    Read Also: EXCLUSIVE: NASS May Limit Tinubu’s Emergency Rule In Rivers

    The First Lady further encouraged young people, especially in Cross River State, to embrace learning in all its forms, noting that knowledge remains the foundation of progress. She applauded Dr. Duke for setting an example that blends governance, sports, and academia.

  • Governor Otu Congratulates Rt Hon Orok Duke on Conferment of Doctorate Degree

    Governor Otu Congratulates Rt Hon Orok Duke on Conferment of Doctorate Degree

    The Governor of Cross River State, Sen. (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu, has extended his heartfelt congratulations to Rt. Hon. (Chief) Orok Otu Duke, JP, PhD, on the successful completion of his doctorate.

    In a statement, Governor Otu lauded Dr. Duke’s unwavering dedication to scholarship and leadership, describing his latest academic milestone as a testament to his intellectual depth and commitment to service.

    “Dr. Duke’s achievement is an inspiration to many, reflecting his relentless pursuit of knowledge and excellence. We celebrate this well-deserved honor and look forward to the continued impact of his expertise on our state and beyond,” the Governor stated.

    Read Also: State of Emergency: ‘Nigeria drifting towards anarchy’ —Obi

    Dr. Duke, a respected political figure, the Honourable Chairman of the Canaan Table Tennis Club, and the Cross River State Representative on the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), has been widely recognized for his contributions to governance, youth development, and sports in Cross River State. His latest academic feat adds to an already illustrious career.

  • NDDC to donate refuse bins to UNICAL, UNICROSS

    NDDC to donate refuse bins to UNICAL, UNICROSS

     

    The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) is due to donate 70 refuse bins to the University of Calabar (UNICAL) and the University of Cross River (UNICROSS) in an ongoing effort to complement the state’s drive towards effective waste management.

    The refuse bins arrived the state on Sunday March 9, 2025.
    The interventionist agency had pledged 300 refuse bins to Cross River as part of a broader commitment to foster environmental sustainability and public health initiatives in the Niger Delta region through effective waste disposal.

    In February 2024 the first batch consisting of 13 waste bins were delivered to the state. In June a second batch of 10 waste bins were delivered, 30 dumpsters came in December of the same year, and 15 were brought in January 2025, and this latest arrival of 70, bringing the total waste bins delivered so far to 138.

    Read Also: C’River: FRSC seeks renewed synergy with NUJ

    The Commissioner representing the state in NDDC, Rt. Hon. Orok Duke, affirmed that the Commission “will donate 300 bins in total to cover the whole of Cross River State.”

  • NDDC Representative, Orok Duke, Equips Canaan Table Tennis Club for Niger Delta Games

    NDDC Representative, Orok Duke, Equips Canaan Table Tennis Club for Niger Delta Games

    The Chairman of Canaan Table Tennis and Cross River State Representative to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Rt. Hon. Orok Otu Duke, has bolstered the preparedness of the state’s table tennis contingent with the acquisition of top-tier equipment, kits, and accessories worth 2.5 million naira ahead of the highly anticipated Niger Delta Games in Uyo.

    In a statement made available to newsmen, Duke underscored his unwavering commitment to the advancement of table tennis, recalling the modest beginnings of Canaan Table Tennis and its meteoric rise to prominence. “When we embarked on this journey years ago, many dismissed our vision as inconsequential, but today, the narrative has been rewritten. Canaan Table Tennis has not only brought laurels to Cross River State but has also stamped its authority on the global stage,” he declared.

    He thanked governor Bassey Otu once again for the unwavering support for sports and table tennis specifically.

    Read Also: Gov Otu commissions 440kwp mini solar grid in Etung

    Reflecting on the club’s recent exploits, Duke emphasized the importance of strategic preparation in sustaining their winning streak. “Our last outing at the International table tennis federation (ITTF) African Club championship in Tunisia was a testament to our dedication and prowess. Such achievements do not materialize by happenstance; they are products of meticulous planning and rigorous training. As we approach the Niger Delta Games, we must reinforce our identity as champions and exhibit the hallmark of excellence that defines us,” he asserted.

    The Cross River contingent, known for its dominance in the sport, is not merely attending the games for participation but to reaffirm its supremacy. “We are not just heading to Uyo as spectators; we are going there to make a resounding statement. Victory is our tradition, and we shall once again etch our names in gold,” Duke affirmed.

    With the latest procurement of high-performance gear and accessories, Canaan Table Tennis is primed for yet another remarkable outing. Expectations are high as the team gears up to showcase its dexterity, resilience, and championship pedigree on the grand stage of the Niger Delta Games.