By Kelvin Obambon
The Calabar Sports Club founded in 1898 has inaugurated its new Board of Trustees, thus complying with the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA). The BoT which is composed of very eminent and distinguished personalities was inaugurated Thursday in Calabar the Cross River state capital.
Speaking during the event, president of the Calabar Sports Club, Eja-Dons Esege, said that the inauguration was a significant milestone in the club’s resetting agenda and desire to abide strictly by the new CAMA laws.
He said the new BoT members had shown dedication and commitment to the Club over the years, adding that as president of the Club he was ready to work with them to continue to uphold the values and mission of the Calabar Sports Club.
Esege noted that the election of members of the Board of Trustees was a testimony to their unique perspectives and expertise, expressing optimism their wealth of experience would foster growth in the Club.
“We are confident that you would use your connections and social capital to bring infrastructural development to the Club. It is unfortunate that a Club of this magnitude with rich history cannot boast of a club bus, a swimming pool etc.
“As you are aware a lot of initiatives have been put in place since we mounted the saddle; I encourage you to familiarize yourself with them. Your input and ideas will be invaluable as we work together to enhance the experiences of our members and promote a sense of community and camaraderie within our Club.
“As you transition into your new roles, we are at your service in the quest to birth a new and vibrant Calabar Sports Club (1898). Calabar Sports Club (1898) is ours, we must promote it to the envy of other clubs especially being the first Club in Nigeria. I implore. Once again, you are welcome to the Board of Trustees. We look forward to the great things we will accomplish together,” he said.
Responding on behalf of the newly inaugurated Board of Trustees, Ntufam Asikpo Bassey, thanked members of the Club for the confidence reposed in them and assured that the Club and their assets would be well protected. He said having served the Club in various capacities, members of the BoT understood quite well the needs and aspirations of the Calabar Sports Club and would work towards achieving them.
“We will use whatever connection the Almighty God give to us to attract those things we don’t have currently in the Club. Calabar Sports Club is our inheritance. We have to do everything collectively to protect that which we have inherited. I want to implore each and everyone of you to please give your management the needed support so that together we will move this Club forward,” he said.
Meanwhile, the chairman of the immediate past BoT, Sir William Archibong, in a brief remark, thanked the Club for the support given to the former BoT, and appealed for same or even more to be given to the new BoT to enable it tackle the enormous responsibilities. He charged the current Board to elect a chairman from among themselves without delay in order to give it a sense of direction and purpose.
“Your responsibility is big. You must address your responsibilities with seriousness, the right attitude and be ready to cooperate and work with the executive. With the caliber of members of the Board of Trustees I have absolutely no doubt in my mind that they will deliver on their mandate. I congratulate you and wish you the best,” he said.
In his goodwill message, Cross River State Commissioner for Health, Dr Henry Ayuk, expressed his admiration and desire to join the Calabar Sports Club. He disclosed that plans were underway to establish a diagnostic center at the Club to attend to the health needs of senior citizens.
Persons inaugurated into the new Board of Trustees of the Calabar Sports Club were Prof. Anthony Emeribe, Ntufam Asikpo Bassey, Ada Engr. Francis Ntaji, Obong Dr Sidney Udofot, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, Iso Otu Iso and Chief Ola Isa Yusuf.
The event was attended by the Vice President of the Calabar Sports Club, Obol Nnana Arikpo; General Secretary, Barr. Daniel Enagu Mgbe, and other members of the executive.