The founder of Royal House of Grace International Church and Grand Patron of the Bayelsa State Table Tennis Association, Apostle Zilly Aggrey, has applauded Mr. Ama-ebi Ebikpolade Stow for what he described as a remarkable transformation of table tennis in Bayelsa State.
Apostle Aggrey gave the commendation at the opening ceremony of the South-South Veterans Table Tennis Championship held at the Fortress in Yenagoa on Saturday. The event also signals the buildup to the 1st Governor Douye Diri Top-16 National Table Tennis Tournament.
He said he was excited to witness the convergence of top veteran players and officials from across the South-South and other parts of Nigeria in Yenagoa, describing the dual championships as “special and historic” for the state.
The former chairman of the Bayelsa State Table Tennis Association expressed amazement at the “gigantic and world-class edifice” constructed by Stow, stating that the facility has redefined the direction of table tennis development in the state.
According to him, the modern structure has boosted Bayelsa’s reputation as an emerging hub for the sport.
Apostle Aggrey encouraged Niger Delta stakeholders to invest in table tennis to groom fresh talents who will take over from ageing players. He said the recent match between rising star Samuel Boboye and his opponent was evidence that Nigeria is blessed with abundant young talents waiting to be harnessed.
He further noted that Stow’s passion for sports—especially table tennis—complements Governor Douye Diri’s enduring support for athletics, which has continued to project Bayelsa positively on the global stage.
Speaking in an interview, Chairman of the Bayelsa State Table Tennis Association and host of the event, Ama-ebi Ebikpolade Stow, said all states in the Niger Delta were fully represented. He explained that the aim of the championship is to identify the best team in the region while strengthening collaboration among states.
Stow, who also serves as Technical Adviser to the Governor on Sports (Table Tennis), said the tournament goes beyond prize money and trophies. According to him, the event provides a platform to showcase Bayelsa’s status as the country’s top table tennis state, reinforced by its dominance at the last National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
He added that the championship also offers an avenue to project the governor’s developmental strides as Bayelsa prepares to host the nation in 2028. Stow noted that the ongoing competitions have boosted economic activities in Yenagoa, especially for small businesses.
He expressed appreciation to Governor Diri, Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, and the Commissioner for Sports Development, Dr. Daniel Igali, for prioritizing sports growth in the state.
Also speaking, Mr. Morrison Asimole of Port Harcourt Club 1928 commended the organisers for the “laudable and timely” initiative, noting that the championship has helped to heighten excitement among table tennis enthusiasts.
The South-South Veterans Championship will end on December 30, while the 1st Governor Douye Diri Top-16 National Table Tennis Championship will hold from December 31 to January 1, 2025, at the Fortress in Yenagoa.
