Table Tennis

Table Tennis section

The Table Tennis Section is one of the nine (9) registered sections in Benin Club and it is an attractive destination to associate with as a new member. In fact, such is it’s growing appeal that it is now a destination of choice in the scheme of things. The game of table tennis was introduced into the sporting calendar of Nigeria from the south-west geopolitical zone. This was as far back as the early sixties but it was only established in Benin Club in 1990 by Mr. Bimbo Shoyoye, who was the sitting President at the time. To facilitate the gestation of this nascent group, he approved the immediate construction of a building (a bungalow) to house the new section. At inception, the section comprised a mere handful of followers namely Mr. Bimbo Shoyoye (the President ), Mr. Edgar Oshodin, Late Emma Okoro – Obaraiye, Mr. Patrick Ojugbeli , Engr. Gabriel Osemeikhian, Prof. Stephanie Eghedosa, Dr. Flora Ukoli and one or two others.

A major attraction and advantage of the game of Table Tennis is the fact that it is an indoor game and this makes it very convenient for its several adherents to participate at their convenience. Over the years, the membership strength of the Section grew concurrently with the Club’s growing population and this prompted the need to develop a more spacious and befitting structure to house the Section. Consequently, the existing bungalow was rebuilt into the present day edifice which consists of an air-conditioned playing Pavilion, Lounge and Mini-Bar.

This Section has had a glorious past. Going down memory lane, one can comfortably claim that this Section has built-up a rich history of its own. At the height of its glory some twenty (20) or so years ago, the four walls of its hallowed pavilion harboured what was arguably the hub of social camaderie and razzmatazz in this Club. Back then, the facilities in the Main Club were a far cry from the 5- star status they now parade and this prompted some members to go in search of a conducive venue to relax and unwind and somehow the Table Tennis Lounge met their expectations. Notable amongst this group of adventurers and early members of the Table Tennis section were the Late Prince Cliff Ogiugo (of singer sewing machines) and Mr. Erhahon of Erhahon Block Industry. The group also paraded Late Emma Okoro Obaraiye, Mr. Kingsley Agbonnaye who was then the P.R.O. to the Rubber Board, Mr. Dele Ogbeide of the famed Ogbeide Boutique, Mr. Ehisuta of Ehisuta stores ( a big Textiles conglomerate in New Benin Market), Mr. Reti Uzzi, Chief Kenester Oteyekpen, Chris Avboraiye, Barr. Chris Agbonwanegbe, Mr. Efe Guobadia of blessed memory and a host of others. This group made a tremendous impact in the scheme of things in this Club at the time. However, this era gradually faded into history as a new crop of members took over in the section. Today, if you walk into the Table Tennis Section on a good day, you will find a sizeable number of members present and exercising themselves playing game after game of Table Tennis. Dr. Henry Obasuyi, a Medical Doctor, is the current Captain of the Section and more often than not, you’ll find some of the following members amongst the happy group playing – Barr. Solo Eimuhi, Peter Osemwekha Esq., Mr. Fred Rekuoya, Alh. Hassan Aliyu, Peter Jaboro, Mr. Lucky Osarenkhoe, Mr. Joshua Toba and some others.

Much later in the evening, members get down to the lighter side of Clubbing, which is to chill down with cold beer, suya, pepper soup and what have you. And this is usually the point when the Sections “Pillar” and Leader Hon. Charles Idahosa, OFR, JP holds court, regaling those present with juicy political talk. This is the Table Tennis Section for you on a typical day.

The incumbent captain is Dr. Henry Obasuyi, a medical doctor. However , this Section is fortunate to have had the following as its captain over the years Louis Ojomoh Esq; Dele Ogbeide, Efe Guobadia, Reti Uzzi, Chris Agbonwanegbe Esq, Engr. T Ehiorobo, Dr. Matthew Oriakhi, Barr. Solomon Eimuhi, G. C. Igbokwe (San), Pharm. Fred Iboi, Edwin Ero, Louis Odumegwu, Lucky Osarenkhoe And Egerton Oriakhi .

The Table Tennis section also boasts of an array of eminent personalities, as its patrons namely, Prince Oguigo, E. Okoro Obaraiye, Francis Ola Akinnifesi (Supreme), Dr. O Ukponmwen, P. Osemwekha, Lawson Ugiagbe, J. Ehiorobo, Dr. Matthew Oriakhi, Pharm. Fred Iboi, Henry Omoregie, Esq, Barr. G.C. Igbokwe (San), Barr. Solo Eimuhi, Engr. Osato Edo- Osagie, Hon. Rasaq Bello- Osagie, Barr Chris Agbonwanegbe and Mr. Nicholas Jonah .

Hon. Charles Idahosa OFR, JP remains a Leader and the “Pillar” of the section.