C’River Targets Lagos-Based Athlete As Duke Donates ₦1m For Sports Revival

CALABAR – Cross River State’s renewed efforts to reposition its sports sector received a major boost as Hon. (Chief) Orok Otu Duke (J.P.), former Commissioner and Chairman of the Cross River State Sports Commission, as well as Commissioner representing Cross River State on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), disclosed plans to secure the services of a promising athlete currently excelling in Lagos.

Duke made the disclosure during the inauguration of the 27 sports associations by the Chairman of the Cross River State Sports Commission in Calabar, where he also announced a ₦1 million donation to support the Commission’s activities.

Addressing stakeholders at the event, Duke recounted how the Chairman swiftly responded after receiving information about the athlete’s outstanding performance in Lagos athletics.

“Yesterday, I was with the Chairman and we got a message from Lagos that there is a particular athlete who has been shining in athletics,” he revealed.

According to him, the athlete had recently resumed at Group Tech, prompting immediate action from the Commission’s leadership.

“The first thing the Chairman told me was, ‘Get his number, today we will contact the athlete,’ because no matter what, Cross River should use the boy,” Duke stated.

He noted that the state was prepared to sponsor the athlete’s education if he commits to competing for Cross River, describing the move as part of broader efforts to attract and retain exceptional talents.

“If those running athletics can get the boy, we will sponsor his education as far as he competes for Cross River.”

The former Sports Commission Chairman stressed the need for a broader talent development strategy, cautioning sports administrators against focusing solely on one discipline.

Duke observed that many athletes naturally gravitate towards sports with greater financial rewards as they mature, making it necessary for associations to identify and nurture talents across multiple sporting areas.

He also highlighted infrastructural deficiencies affecting sports development in the state, particularly the shortage of training facilities.

“We need some of the facilities. Wrestling and judo are sharing one space, and we don’t have an effective gym. We will help sort that out.”

Calling for collaboration among the newly inaugurated sports associations, Duke urged members to come up with practical and urgent plans to revive grassroots sports development.

Drawing from his experience in table tennis, he noted that scholarship schemes had been sustained in the sport for over three decades, contributing significantly to athlete development.

He further acknowledged the financial realities confronting the Commission, emphasizing that administrators must explore alternative funding channels to sustain progress.

“Let us note that the Commission may not have money to favour anybody. We are going to go out into the field and look for money to help our associations and help the Commission.”

In a strong show of personal commitment, Duke announced a donation of ₦1 million to support the Commission’s establishment and operational drive.

“Today, I will also support the Commission by giving a token of one million naira for the establishment,” he announced to applause from attendees.

Expressing optimism about the future of sports in Cross River, Duke maintained that with deliberate planning, sacrifice and investment, the state could reclaim its competitive edge within the next three years.

He also charged sports administrators to approach their responsibilities with service and dedication, stressing that leadership in sports should focus on giving back rather than personal gain.