As part of the events marking the global celebration of World Table Tennis Day (WTTD) on 23rd April 2025, the town of Ogoja, ensured that Nigeria joined the ITTF table family in celebrating this grassroots awareness event.
Thanks to the generosity and hospitality of the people of Ogoja, Nigeria, was represented by members of the Cameroonian refugee community and members of the Adagom 3 community of Ogoja. As one of their own, Solange Ngonda Tibesa, a Cameroonian was one of the 30 WTTD 2025 global promoters.
For Solange, who was heavily supported by the ITTF, UNHCR, the Refugee Organisations Network (RON), SEMA of Cross Rivers State, and CSED (Community Sports and Educational Development) Initiative, it was a dream come through for her to see that all the efforts she put in to ensure a successful event has eventually come to a successful reality.
The event which was held at the Adagom 3 playground was attended by several distinguished guests including, a representative of UNHCR (Mrs. Annick Nahimana), royal fathers and tribal leaders of Ogoja, the Divisional Police Officer (D.P.O.) of Ogoja, a representative of Nigeria Immigration Service, a representative of NCFRMI, persons with disabilities, women’s groups, and the representatives of the sports committees of the three refugee camps in Ogoja.
There were pre-event advocacy rally/health talks, traditional dancers representing the host Ogoja community and the Cameroonian refugee community. As well as, the usual display of table tennis skills by both male and female players. Buba and wrapper tennis playing women amazed the large crowd.
In her address to the over one thousand attendees of the event, the head of the UNHCR Office in Ogoja, Mrs. Annick Nahimana commended the event organisers for their efforts in using table tennis to bring people together.
She urged the community to support Solange and she promised that those with creative minds like her would always have the backing of the UNHCR. Especially in supporting educational and pro-social activities/projects, that promote peaceful co-existence between Cameroonian refugees and the indigenes of Ogoja.
Moving forward, Solange, who is also a netball coach, promised to work with the relevant community groups and NGO in sustaining the growth of table tennis and other sports among Cameroonian refugees and members of the host community.
