Prizes worth over one million naira were presented to the winners of this year’s contest across all categories.
By Odey Ojeka
The 2nd Edition of the Ugep Open Table Tennis Tournament, proudly organized by Mr Okoi Arikpo Omini, the CEO of Blakkam Urban Livestock and Farms Limited and Hands Around the Neighborhood, in collaboration with the Cross River State Table Tennis Association, came to a thrilling conclusion yesterday, Sunday, August 23, 2026, at Ukpawen Square, Ijiman, Ugep.
Before the start of yesterday’s matches, the organizer of the Ugep Open Table Tennis Tournament, Mr Okoi Arikpo Omini, played a novelty match with Offiong Edem, and she won the organizer in the novelty match. Offiong Edem is a five-time Olympian in table tennis, a 6-time African Champion, and founder of the Offiong Edem Foundation.
After an exhilarating competition that began on August 19th, 2026, Ofem Kedayei was crowned the winner of the tournament.
In the men’s singles category, the semi-finals saw Ofem Kedayei triumph over Charles Ewa in a best-of-five format, securing his spot in the final. Meanwhile, Otu James AKA Best defeated ThankGod Uket in a best-of-five format also to join Ofem Kedayei in the final showdown. In the final match, Ofem Kedayei dominated Otu James AKA Best in a best-of-five format. This impressive victory earned him the title of champion and the grand cash prize. Otu James AKA Best took home the cash prize as the runner-up, while Charles Ewa and ThankGod Uket each received cash prizes for reaching the semi-finals and finishing in joint third place.
The junior categories also recorded thrilling performances. In the boys’ category, Omini Stephen emerged victorious after defeating Edet Samuel in a best-of-three format and went home with a cash prize. Edet Samuel, the second-place winner, also received a cash prize. In addition, Eyong Israel and Daniel David received cash prizes as joint third-place winners in the boys’ category.
In the girls’ category, Uket Vera Dominion defeated Keyu Ubi Iwara in a best-of-three format to emerge as the winner and went home with a cash prize. Keyu Ubi Iwara, the second-place winner, also received her cash prize. Cash prizes were also presented to two other female players who emerged as joint third-place winners in the girls’ category.
Speaking to newsmen, Ofem Kedayei expressed his gratitude to the organizers for the opportunity to compete and for putting up a standard tournament.
Prizes worth over one million naira were presented to the winners of this year’s contest across all categories. The umpire of the tournament was Coach Solomon.
The tournament was graced by many dignitaries. Hon. John Ifere was represented by Mr Lawrence Eteng. Chief Barrister Okoi Obono Obla was present. Barrister Efa Oka was present. All the Royal Fathers in Ijiman were present. The CEO of Cravin Hotel, Chief Arikpo Iwara Enang, was present. The Yabiyaben Age Grade were present. The current Mr. and Miss Leboku 2026 were present. The former Vice Chairman of Cross River State Table Tennis Association, Mr. Usen Umoh, was present, and host of other dignitaries.
DCC Okoi Arikpo Omini, PSC, CEO of Blakkam Urban Livestock and Farms Limited and Hands Around the Neighborhood, and organizer of the tournament, congratulated Ofem Kedayei on his win and thanked the Ijiman Okurubong Community for their support. He also announced that the tournament will continue next year, 2027.
