The Bayelsa State Table Tennis Association has finalized preparations for the grand inauguration of the Coastal Fortress, an ultra-modern, multi-billion naira table tennis facility located at Oxbow-Lake Road, near the Federal Mortgage Bank in Yenagoa. The historic event, scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, will also mark the unveiling of Italian coach Luciano Esposito as the association’s new head coach.
According to a statement by the association’s chairman, Mr. Ama-ebi Ebikpolade Stow, the ceremony will be graced by prominent dignitaries, with Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, as the Special Guest of Honour, and Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, as the Guest of Honour. Bankole Anderson, a key figure in para-table tennis and a permanent member of the ITTF Para-Table Tennis Committee, will chair the occasion, while Engr. Tikon Ishaku, President of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF), will serve as Chief Host.
Other notable attendees include Mr. Bukola Olapade, Director General of the National Sports Commission, as Special Guest; Apostle Dr. David Zilly Aggrey, former chairman and patron of the association, as Father of the Day; and Dr. Daniel Igali, Commissioner for Sports Development, as the event host.
The guest list also features Mr. Wahid Enitan Oshodi, President of the African Table Tennis Federation and Executive Vice President of the International Table Tennis Federation, alongside Alabo Boma Iyaye, Hon. Tare Porri, Sir Braveman Wodi, Sir Itiako Ikpokpo, Chief Solomon Ogba, Pastor Charles Osazuwa, Mr. Joe Akedesuo, and Dr. Peter Singabele.
Mr. Stow described the Coastal Fortress as the first facility of its kind in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa, predicting that Bayelsa will soon become a hub for table tennis in the region. The inauguration is expected to elevate the sport’s profile and foster its growth both locally and internationally.