In a show of commitment to grassroots sports development, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Delta State on New Media, Comr. (Dr.) Palmer Ogheneyole Nathaniel, has donated several table tennis boards to communities across Isoko Nation.
Palmer, popularly known and referred to as the Black Prince of Isoko Nation, is the convener and chief organizer of the Isoko Nation Unity Table Tennis Tournament, a yearly sporting event organized to encourage young talent discovery in the game of table tennis in Isoko Nation, as well as fostering unity and creating recreational opportunities for the youths in Isoko.
The donation however comes ahead of the much-anticipated second edition of the tournament which is scheduled to hold on November 7, 2025 at the Isoko Youth House in Ozoro, Isoko North, Delta Stste.
Speaking during the presentation, Dr. Palmer, said the gesture was part of his vision to use sports as a vehicle for peace, unity, and progress in Isoko Nation. He stressed that providing such facilities would not only nurture budding talents but also keep young people meaningfully engaged, steering them away from social vices.
“I am giving these sets of Table Tennis Boards, balls and bats to you for your regularly training ahead of our tournament coming up in November, and also for your usual recreation exercise”, he said.
Adding, ” this initiative is beyond just a tournament, but also about giving our youths access to the tools they need to develop their skills and master the game of Table Tennis which i am very passionate about. It is also my determination that the bond of friendship and brotherliness created from the interactions during the pendency of this sporting event tranlastes to deep-seated bounding among youths of our various clans.
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The presentations which took place in centres in Emevor and Owhelogbo in Isoko North and Oleh in Isoko South, is expected to continue in other communities during the week.
In their appreciations, community leaders and youths who received the boards lauded Dr. Palmer for his foresight and selflessness, describing him as a true son of Isoko who is passionate about the growth and wellbeing of his people. They also appreciated the Governor, Rt. Hon Elder Sheriff F.O Oborevwori for giving appointments to some of Isoko’s most patriotic sons, which included Dr. Palmer.
The Isoko Nation Unity Table Tennis Tournament which is been organized in honour of the Executive Governor of Delta State, His Excellency Rt. Hon. Elder Sheriff F.O Oborevwori, had its maiden edition last year, with the overall winner going home with the sum of one million naira only, while the second and third got five hundred thousand naira and three hundred thousand naira respectively. The tournament has in a short while become a rallying point for sports enthusiasts, promoting camaraderie among the Isoko people and offering a platform for young talents to showcase their abilities.
