Olympian Offiong Edem laments lack of recognition by Cross River Govt

Five time Olympian, Offiong Edem has lamented that her home government, Cross River, has never recognized her Olympic successes.

She also lamented that successive administrations in the state have not supported her efforts to boost table tennis in the state, despite her investments.

She spoke with journalists on the sidelines of the 4th edition of a two-day mini-table tennis tournament for children from South South and South East regions of Nigeria organised by Offiong Edem Foundation.

According to her, although she paid a visit to the state Deputy Governor, Peter Odey, to brief him about the mini tournament, the government has not recognized her accomplishments in the game of table tennis.

Offiong said, “The commissioner for sports came yesterday during the opening ceremony to welcome the kids for the 4th edition but I am not happy that my state government has not noticed my efforts let alone support my training sessions for different tennis championships or showed appreciation to me for qualifying for the 5th time for the Olympic Games.”

Chairman of Canaan Club of Calabar and Cross River representative on the board of NDDC, Otuekong Orok Duke commended Offiong, saying she had brought honour to the state.

Duke said, “We’re very proud of the many international laurels won by Offiong such that she has again qualified for the Olympics for the 5th time.

“Last week she captained the Canaan Club to represent Nigeria at the African Club Championship in Benghazi, Libya, where we returned with Silver trophy.”

Chairman of Table Tennis Association in the South South, Ama-Ebi Ebikpolade, said the feat attained by Offiong has made her a role model in the zone.