The Offiong Edem Foundation has announced the sixth edition of its annual Table Tennis Tournament, set to take place in Calabar, Cross River State. The event marks a significant expansion, introducing a four-category structure and offering a total prize pool of N3 million. Offiong Edem, a five-time Olympian and current table tennis coach based in the United States, emphasized the tournament's mission to identify and support young talent lacking access to proper equipment and training facilities. During a press briefing in Calabar, she explained that the addition of a new category, Under 11, was prompted by the high number of young participants observed at the venue. Edem distributed over 50 sets of table tennis equipment to young athletes, adult players, and coaches, aiming to foster their ambitions and provide resources that many cannot afford. She highlighted the importance of government involvement in nurturing local sports talent, noting the marked improvement in player performance compared to previous years. Her personal journey as a former national champion, coupled with her experiences of financial hardship in acquiring equipment, drives her efforts to ensure future generations have better opportunities. The foundation has also pledged to personally sponsor three standout players to participate in national tournaments twice annually, providing them with greater visibility and growth prospects. For the current edition, the prize money has been increased by 15 percent, reflecting the foundation's ongoing investment in developing local talent. In a separate development, the Nigerian Navy executed a successful operation to rescue 22 individuals who had been kidnapped during a hijacking along the Calabar, Oron, Ibaka waterway. According to an official report from the Director of Naval Information, Abiodun Folorunsho, the incident occurred on August 11 when a wooden passenger boat traveling from Henshaw Town Beach in Calabar to Utan Uyata, Ibaka, was intercepted by armed robbers near the Enwang community. The attackers seized control of the vessel and abducted its passengers. Following intelligence reports, naval forces from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Ibaka, in coordination with Operation Delta Safe (OPDS) Sector 4 and the Marine Police, initiated a joint operation to locate and rescue the victims. The operation culminated in the recovery of the hijacked boat and the liberation of 11 passengers who had been abandoned by the perpetrators at Asak-Ikang Creek. Another 11 passengers, who had managed to escape during the initial attack, were later found and accounted for at the OPDS Sector 4 command post, bringing the total number of rescued individuals to 22. The rescued passengers received immediate medical attention at the FOB Ibaka Sickbay before being safely returned to Calabar along with the recovered boat. No ransom was paid during the operation, underscoring the Navy's resolve to protect civilians and deter maritime crime through proactive measures. The success of the operation reinforced the Navy's commitment to securing the country's waterways and safeguarding legitimate maritime activities. The Commanding Officer of FOB Ibaka, Navy Captain Adebowale Omotosho, detailed the tactical approach taken by naval personnel, including sustained patrols and the establishment of a strategic naval blockade along the creek networks. These actions compelled the suspects to relinquish their captives and flee toward Oron. The swift response by the Navy, supported by inter-agency cooperation, ensured the safe return of all rescued individuals. Flag Officer Commanding, Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Chiedozie Okehie, reiterated the Navy's dedication to maintaining robust maritime security and preventing criminal activities on the country's waterways. He emphasized the importance of continued collaboration with security agencies and the deployment of timely intelligence to disrupt criminal operations effectively. The recent events in Calabar highlight both the challenges faced by communities reliant on water transport and the critical role played by organizations such as the Offiong Edem Foundation and the Nigerian Navy in addressing these issues. While the foundation continues to invest in youth development through sports, the Navy remains vigilant against threats to public safety, demonstrating a multifaceted approach to regional stability and security.
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