Paradise News

Tag: Nigeria

  • Emir of Calabar: C’River Gov’t orders Hausa/Fulani Community to tender an apology

    By Frank Ulom

    The Government of Cross River State has mandated the leadership of the Hausa/Fulani community in the state to write an apology letter debunking the “Emir of Calabar” title allegedly bestowed on one of its leaders.

    This is coming from the Department of Special Services, Governor’s Office, in reaction to a trending post made by one Hajiya Amina Muhammed on July 12, 2022, after the coronation of Alhaji Garba Lawan as the leader of the Hausa/Fulani Muslim community in the state.

    “EID-EL-KABIR GREETINGS FROM HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS, THE EMIR OF CROSS RIVER STATE, HIS EXCELLENCY, ALHAJI GARBA.

    He Prays for the Peace and Unity In the State Cross River And NIGERIAN at Large.

    We, The Entire Hausa Women in Cross River State, We are Saying a Very Big THANK YOU,

    Your Royal Highness Sarkin Hausawa.

    Hajiya Amina Muhammed”, the post from Hajiya Amina Muhammed read.

    The post, THE PARADISE NEWS learned attracted a lot of comments including one from Mustapha Gembu, which stated thus:

    “Agbor Florence The latest state with an emirate is Cross River and the name of the emir is His Royal Highness Alhaja Garba the 1st class emir of Calabar, soon 2nd class emira as subordinate across the LGAs will emerge.

    The emir intends to ensure the leadership of ensuring peace, equity, fairness, and harmonious consistency prevail across Calabar and the Cross River at large.

    The emir is also saddled with the responsibility of Islamization of Cross Rivers and its environs.

    Nobody claim landlord, the real owners of the land called Nigeria from Sokoto down to the Atlantic Ocean is the Fulanis.

    For more clarity, kindly inbox me for private charts.

    Thanks”.

    Speaking while meeting with the leaders and stakeholders of the Hausa/Fulani community in Calabar on Tuesday, July 26, 2022, the Permanent Secretary of Special Services, Governor’s Office, Sir Alfred Mboto said on no account should any member of the public address any Hausa/Fulani leader as “Emir” in Cross River State as this is not acceptable in the state, noting that the state is known for peace and tranquillity.

    Mboto further stated that at the time of the meeting, the publisher of the Facebook write-up has not been identified while suing for peace amongst the people.

    In separate speeches, the leader of the Hausa/Fulani Muslim community in the state Alhaji Garba Lawan, the Chief Imam Imam Kabeer Olowdayemi and other leaders of the Hausa/Fulani community in the state appreciated Mboto for wading into the matter, saying apologies will be tendered immediately as they are not sure of the publisher.

    They pleaded that the scenario will not repeat itself as the community will remain law abiding to the state government.

    Highlighting the resolution by the State Government, the State Security Adviser Central, Mr Ransome Odey said amongst the resolutions are:

    •No leader of the Hausa/Fulani community should be addressed as Emir.

    • No leader of the Hausa/Fulani community should have or be seen with palace guards.

    •No leader of the Hausa/Fulani community should be seen with men with swords.

    • That the leadership of the Hausa/Fulani community must report to the State Government any illegal activities around its environs.

    Also speaking, the Special Adviser to Governor on Chieftaincy Mr Adoga Ifop stated that on account should the Hausa/Fulani community issue a chieftaincy title in the state as issuance of chieftaincy tittles is not part of their duties.

    Also present at the meeting were the State Security Adviser (North), Mr Murphy Ntol, the State Security Adviser (South), Mr Henry Okokon amongst other security experts.

    Recall that there is only one first-class monarch in Calabar in the person of Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V.

  • Reps Essien Ayi wins PDP ticket for 6th time

    A member representing the Akpabuyo/Bakassi/Calabar South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Apostle Essien Ayi, has won the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primary election in Cross River State.

    Ayi is bidding to return to the lower legislative chamber for the sixth time in the 2023 elections.

    The Independent National Electoral Commissioner (INEC) Returning Officer, Asuquo Ekpo, who announced the results of the election held on Monday, said 99 delegates voted in the election.

    Ayi polled 57 votes to defeat Imana Duke, who got 23 votes.

    The two other aspirants – Dominic Aqua and Steven Ekpe – scored 16 and 3 votes respectively.

    Ekpo said: “By this tabulation, we declare that Hon. Essien Ayi is the winner of the Akpabuyo/Bakassi/Calabar South Federal Constituency primary election. He scored 57 votes while Mrs. Imana scored 23 votes and Dominic Aqua, 16 votes, then Steven Ekpo scored three votes.”

    In his reaction, the lawmaker promised his constituency a good representation if elected in 2023.

    He said: “I witnessed a very transparent process. I have not seen anybody protesting, it was very transparent and there was no foul play at all. As expected, I knew I was going to win because I know that the people are with me. I won squarely and I am thankful to God.

    “Like I said, I have the capacity to win the election on my own as a candidate. I cut across all other parties because I always reach out to people irrespective of whether you are in my party as far as you are in my constituency. I even reach out to people outside my constituency. I take delight in helping people because I treasure God’s blessings.”

  • Over 100 ex-Convicts take a stand to curb crime in Cross River State

    By Frank Ulom

    When people hear the word “ex-convict”, their minds immediately go to harden criminals convicted of heinous crimes but that is not always the case. Yes, some persons may go to prison because of the crimes they committed, ranging from killings, armed robbery, terrorism but some are also convicted for not committing any crime at all (falsely accused) – and the society treats them the same when they come out of prison or correctional facilities.

    On Tuesday, April 19, 2022, over 100 ex-Convicts took a stand, surrendering their lives in totality to fighting and curbing crimes in Cross River State. The group call itself “Cross River State Youths For Christ”, a vision conceived in 2008 by Evangelist Paul Effiong.

    Evangelist Paul Effiong, Founder of Cross River State Youths For Christ

    THE PARADISE NEWS learned that Effiong started the movement in 2008 and it was called Victorious Armies of Christ Evangelical Mission with only 14 members, where he gathered ex-convicts, give them the gospel and hope for a new life.

    “The purpose is to rehabilitate former prison inmates, former cultists and those tagged as bad boys/wayward women or societal menace, helping them to find a better purpose to live for and showing them just how God loves them. To visit prisons, hospitals, police stations, cocaine joints and criminal joints for evangelism and prayers, encouraging men and women who have decided to leave criminal lives by giving them means of survival through jobs such as taxi driving, police work, car repairs and empowering them through skills. However, by 2021 with a growing membership of over 100 youths, Youths For Christ has been risen like a Phoenix not as a new organisation but as a better refined and restructured organisation with the determination to achieve its core objective which is to curb crimes to its barest minimum.

    “Our future goals are to have Youths For Christ firmly established in all 36 states of Nigeria, to be a globally recognised NGO (Non-Governmental Organisation) which has its footing in over 70 countries of the world all-inclusive, to build rehabilitation centres and skills acquisition centres all over the world where these repented men and women who have been taken off the streets will be trained to acquire skills to make ends meet and survive as better people with skills such as trading, car repairs, designing, barbing, cooking, taxi driving and so much more and Youths For Christ would partner with the Government to ensure free and fair elections”, Effiong said.

    Mrs Theresa Ikwen, former Cross River State Head of Service and the Chairman of the occasion said she was glad when she heard about the Youth For Christ and its vision. She assured the organisation that she will take the message across, ensuring the Cross River State Government partners with the organisation in order to curb crime in the state.

    “I am glad about the vision of Youth For Christ. It will not only be an NGO  but a world-class organisation. It will grow across the 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Cross River State. I come from Obanliku which is the farthest LGA from here, I will take the message across. I will work with the founder, Evangelist Paul to ensure the vision grows – and the State Government will partner because the vision will help the Government to curb crime. I hope that other States emulate what is happening here in Cross River State”, Ikwen said.

    Evangelist Paul Effiong, Founder of Cross River State Youths For Christ (Blue)

    Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Field Marshall/President of Youths For Christ, Honourable Prince Paul Okon Effiong who now preferred to be called Evangelist Paul Effiong said he went to the prison not as a criminal but because of a family land problem.

    Effiong said the Youths For Christ is made up of a group of people earlier condemned by society but have now put on the new garment of Christ, the garment of righteousness to serve God and spread his words which salvaged them while in prison.

    He said all the politicians in Cross River State including the Governor and his Deputy were invited to the inauguration of the Youths For Christ but none of them showed up because of the fear of being exposed by the same people they used and dumped in the prison. He urged the congregation and the youths especially, to be wary of politicians this coming election as their only goal is to use and dump them just like they did to some of them years back.

    “I want to make this clear to everyone here that the real meaning of our clothes, white and blue – white means purity while blue means royalty – which signifies the second coming of Christ. The men you are seeing today have decided to remove the dark colour of sin and put on the colour of righteousness. These men here will bring positive change to Cross River State. If MC Neil could call the name of the Lord, you should repent too.

    “I want to say this so that tomorrow you can bear me witness. Have you seen any politicians here? (Congregation: No!). All of them have been invited to this programme but they didn’t come because they’ve heard of Youths For Christ. They are not here because these are the men they used to perpetrate crimes and do their dirty jobs.

    “I want anyone to come out and tell me if there is any group powerful than Youths For Christ. No politician gave anything for this programme, it is the sole contribution of Youths For Christ. We are here to tell you that in 2023, do not give in to any politician. The same politicians are talking and campaigning but ASUU are on strike while their children are studying abroad. We will visit all the politicians in their houses to show them that we are now a new people. We are not saying you shouldn’t vote – we all have our PVCs (Permanent Voter’s Cards) – all we are saying is that know the person you’re voting for”, Effiong said.

    The founder of Youths For Christ further admonished: “Do not look down on God or yourself because God has not condemned you – so, don’t condemn yourself. Jesus Christ did not come for the righteous people, he came for the sinners. He [Christ] said sinners will be the first to enter into the kingdom of God. Put away crime, drugs, violence and let God use you”.

    On his part, Evangelist Ndifon Okpa, Assistant Superintendent of Prison (ASP) said he had overseen the ex-convicts while in the Correctional Facility and Evangelist Effiong was exceptional.

    “I am an Assistant Superintendent of Prison and I know all these people while serving their jail terms. I am so happy to see Pastor Paul dancing today. I remember how he came to the prison and how he changed the atmosphere. He used to prophesy the release of some inmates (sometimes four) when taken to the court and it will be so. I am not better than them. No one should call them ex-convicts because they are just like everyone else. No one should condemn them, we should all emulate Christ and lead others to repentance”, Okpa said.

    Testimonies were given by ex-convicts on their past and new lives.

    The Cross River State Youths For Christ was formally inaugurated by AIG Usman Gomna, AIG Zone 6, who was represented by Rev. Emmanuel Tom. Meanwhile, the vision statement was read by Mrs Amarachi Effiong, wife of Evangelist Paul Effiong, founder of Cross River State Youths For Christ.

    The names of the excos are as follows:

    1. Evangelist Paul Effiong – President
    2. Prophet Linus Okeke – Vice President
    3. Evangelist Michael Eze – Secretary
    4. Evangelist Ekpenyong Efa – Assistant Secretary
    5. Evangelist Samuel Ekpenyong – Senior Pastor
    6. Evangelist Ndifon Okpa – Treasurer
    7. Okon Effiwat – Chief Security
    8. Cyril Ene-Ita – Public Relations Officer (PRO)
    9. Joseph Inyang – Assistant PRO

    The group is also made up of members who are not ex-convicts, including Evangelist Ndifon Okpa and Joseph Inyang.

    The event was attended by Nsikak Effiong, State Commander, Man O’ War; Prince Nsa Ekpenyong, President, Media Practitioner of Nigeria; Pastor Douglas Vincent, Head Pastor, Rehoboth Ministry and several others.

  • Who Is Kolade Oladigbolu? Nigerian Businessman With 8 Companies

    Who Is Kolade Oladigbolu? Nigerian Businessman With 8 Companies

    By Frank Ulom

    When a businessman or businesswoman is mentioned, only one or fewer businesses are attributed to his/her name but Kolade Oladigbolu has changed that narrative as he currently owns/runs eight (8) businesses/companies.

    Oladigbolu currently sits as the Chairman, Board of Directors of the following companies:

    1. Royal Colony Ltd (a real estate firm)
    2. Ocean Track Holdings Ltd
    3. Alkhafiz Energy Ltd
    4. Atlantic FM
    5. Atlantic TV
    6. Atlantic Times
    7. Afcom Nigeria Ltd
    8. Captain Black Heavy-duty & Auto Ltd.

    Born Kolade Afeez Siyanbola Oladigbolu, on August 10, 1985, in Oyo State, South-Western Nigeria, to Prince Azeez Siyanbola Kolade Oladigbolu (son of Alaafin Abubakar Oladigbolu 1st) and Alhaja Sidiqot Ejide, Oladigbolu is a businessman, Nigerian Real Estate magnate and a political observer. He is the biological grandson of the 2nd longest-serving Alaafin of Oyo, Alaafin Abubakar Siyanbola Oladigbolu 1st.

    Prince Kolade Oladigbolu attended St. Mary RCM Primary School, Asogo, Oyo and Anglican Methodist High School, Oyo, where he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate.

    He later attended the Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology, Victoria Island, Lagos, before heading to the Regional Maritime University in Accra, Ghana. He obtained his Senior School Certificate and Degree from both institutions, respectively.

    Prince Oladigbolu has many businesses but gained wide recognition in the real estate industry where he currently sits as the Chairman and Board of Directors of 8 companies. One of his Real Estate companies, Royal Colony Estate has been named one of the fastest-growing enterprises in Nigeria with its Southern Point Luxury Homes, the most sought out for.

    He is happily married to Bukola Lawal (Mrs). They both have two children; Islamiyah Siyanbola Oladigbolu and Lateef Ademola Adetokunbo Oladigbolu.

  • Royal Colony commences new project Southern Point Luxury

    Royal Colony commences new project Southern Point Luxury

    By Frank Ulom

    The Southern Point luxury estate is a development of Royal Colony Homes Limited which consists of 4bedrooms terrace houses and a BQ on two floors with a high level of quality from the foundation to the structural, mechanical and electrical to the last detail.

    The CEO of the company, Mr Kolade Afeez Siyanbola Oladigbolu made it known to the public during the official launching of the estate. According to Kolade, the Southern Point Estate is a 21st-century standard architectural structure sited in a proper gated estate in the heart of Sangotedo Ajah, beside a prestigious Farapark Estate.

    Southern Point Luxury project by Royal Colony Homes

    “The functionalities of the estate includes topnotch security, 24 hours power supply, catchy ambience, smart entry, reverse osmosis water supply, biodigester soak-away, personal intercom, prepaid meter and many more.

    “Our aim is to move people out of noisy parts of Lagos to where you can actually call home.

    “With 30% initial deposit, you have already secured your home in Southern Point while the balance spreads over a period of 12 months”, Kolade said.

    The CEO further added that the South Point Luxury would take 12 months to hand over the houses to the subscribers.

    “Any subscriber is free any day anytime to walk into the site to see how reasonable Royal Colony is in terms of making homeownership easier beyond the imagination of prospective investors.

    “The fully finished houses come with furnished kitchen and window blinds.

    “Our word is our bond when it comes to off-plan projects and that is why we are always sold out 5 months after the launching of every product we have so far delivered.

    Southern Point Luxury project by Royal Colony Homes

    “There’s nothing to hide when it comes to buying a home. This is not a pre-adamic era when people do things blindfoldedly due to the little awareness they had. Unlike the current intercontinental standards, we are now where no one toys with his/her hard-earned money when it comes to investment. There are so many technological discoveries that open people’s eyes to so many things day by day.

    “Any prospect buyer knows the offices of several authorities in terms of confirmation of the quality of the property they want to buy, which by doing so, they can’t get it wrong.

    “We have provided homes for over 1000 people and a thousand of people can not be wrong”, he maintained.

    Watch Video Below

  • Palace of the Obong of Calabar: All You Have To Know

    By Frank Ulom

    The current Obong of Calabar (Efik monarch) is Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V. He was born in the morning of the 20th day of November, 1949 and is reputed to be initiated into the Ekpe Efik Iboku confraternity on the day of his birth. His parents were Etubom Okon Abasi Otu Ukpong Mbo Otu and Madam Ikwo Okokon Ansa of Adiabo Ikot Mbo Otu.

    Address of the Palace of the Obong of Calabar

    The palace of the Obong of Calabar is located at No.7 Efanga Ansa Street, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. A major access road to the palace is Egerton Street coming from Prince Bassey-Duke Ephraim’s Effigy round-about where the Kingdom’s historical market, Watt market, is located. This major street also harbours the Sacred Heart Cathedral of the Roman Catholic Church and throws Efanga Ansa Street and hence the Palace to the right immediately after the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, Henshaw Town Parish.

    Feature descriptions of the Palace

    Significant features of the Palace include an office for the Obong of Calabar, where he receives visitors without ceremonies and to which he retires after a long council meeting. There are offices for the Chairman of Etuboms’ Council and other administrative staff of the palace. The Palace also has a large conference hall where Etuboms’ council and OCEF (Obong of Calabar Executive Forum) meetings hold and where large visiting groups and organisations are often received. Other features of the Palace include a large comfortable state-of-the art reception hall, a secretariat, library, cafeteria and a large play ground where anniversaries and other celebrations are held.

    Organisation of the Palace

    Etubom’s Traditional Council (ETC)

    Composition of ETC

    The Etuboms’ Traditional Council is composed of the Obong of Calabar, Efik traditional rulers who have been made paramount rulers of Local Government Areas in Nigeria, Etubom and two advisers from each accredited house, Etubom and one adviser from each accredited sub-house and Obong’s special advisers not more than five.

    Organisation of  ETC

    The Etuboms’ Traditional Council is headed by a chairman; an Etubom selected from amongst accredited members of the council who hails from a geographical bloc of the Efik kingdom different from that of the Obong. The council additionally has a secretary, treasurer and financial secretary as principal officers who could be Etubom, Etinyin or adviser.

    Functions of ETC

    The Etuboms’ Traditional council legislates on traditional matters like the conduct of traditional obsequies of a deceased Obong. They are also saddled with the task of selecting a successor Obong in the Etuboms’ conclave as well as screening candidates for induction as Etubom or advisers into the royal court of the Obong of Calabar. They generally oversee the affairs of all Efik houses, families and communities and remain the ultimate custodian and interpreters of Efik traditions, norms and values.

    Obong of Calabar Executive Forum (OCEF)

    Composition of OCEF

    The Forum, as it is called, is composed of Efik sons and daughters appointed by the Obong based on merit and drawn from an even spread of Efik families, houses and communities. Its membership is open to all Efik including Etubom, Etinyin, Advisers, Chiefs and others who possess the requisite qualification, knowledge or skills relevant for the functions of the Forum.

    Organisation of OCEF

    The Forum’s president is the Obong of Calabar who appoints a competent chairman and secretary to provide him with the necessary assistance in the supervision and coordination of the Executive forum. Based on the functions of the Forum, the chairman breaks the forum into committees and appoints a chairman and members for each. A chairman of a Forum committee then appoints a competent secretary from the pool of its members. At the moment there are about sixteen of such committees.

    Functions of OCEF

    The Obong of Calabar Executive Forum (OCEF) is responsible for quite a number of functions including information and public relations, development of capital projects and infrastructures, Efik language development, Museum, archives and documentation, planning and research, finance, legal affairs and arbitration, investment and economic affairs, diplomatic and liaison affairs, peace, security and general administration of the palace.

    CENTRAL WORKING COMMITTEE (CWC)

    Chairman: High Chief Dr. Asuquo Ekpenyong, OON

    Secretary: High Chief Dr. Emmanuel Nsan, OFR

    Chairmen and Secretaries of Sub-Committees

    Information and Public Relations

    Chief Victor Effiom (Chairman)

    Princess Afi-B Ekpenyong (Secretary)

    Capital Projects and Infrastructure

    Chief Gershom Henshaw (Chairman)

    High Chief Edem Effanga Henshaw (Secretary)

    Efik Language Development and Social Affairs

    Dr. Offiong Ani Offiong (Chairman)

    Dr. Maurice Ekpenyong (Secretary)

    Museum, Archives and Documentation

    Etinyin Orok Orok Efiom Duke (Chairman)

    Lady Dr. (Mrs.) Roibito Ekpiken Ekanem (Secretary)

    Planning and Research

    High Chief Prof. Eyo Etim Nyong (Chairman)

    Prof. Ndem Ayara (Secretary)

    Women Affairs

    Rev. Chief (Mrs.) Grace Ekanem (Chairman)

    Pastor Barr. (Mrs.) Rosemary Archibong (Secretary)

    Youth Affairs

    Hon. Chief Maurice Orok Edem (Chairman)

    Mr. Charles Obo (Secretary)

    Finance

    Senator Princess Florence Ita-Giwa, OON (Chairman)

    Chief Charles Okon (Secretary)

    Investment and Economic Affairs

    Senator Bassey Ewa Henshaw (Chairman)

    Mr. Gershom Davis (Secretary)

    Diplomatic and Liaison Affairs

    Hon. Amb. (Mrs.) Nkoyo Toyo (Chairman)

    High Chief Archibong A. Omon (Secretary)

    Special Projects

    Mrs. Edak Iwuchukwu (Chairman) – Late

    Ntufam Engr. Edet Edem (Secretary).

    Peace and Security

    Chief Barr. Callistus Effiom Bassey, DCP (rtd.) (Chairman)

    Chief Col. Effiong G. Edet (rtd.) (Secretary)

    General Administration, Palace Business and Protocol

    Alhaji Prince Edem B. E. Adam III (Chairman)

    HH Etinyin Bassey E. Bassey-Duke (Secretary)

    Legal and Arbitration

    Barr. (Mrs.) Nella Ewa Rabana, SAN (Chairman)

    Barr. Chief Ekpenyong Ndiyo (Secretary)

    Education

    Prof. Offiong E. Offiong (Chairman)

    Chief Dr. James Mkpang Boco (Secretary)

    Entrepreneurial Development

    Mr. Essien Ukorebi (Chairman)

    Mr. John Etim (Secretary)

    Welfare

    Elder High Chief (Mrs.) Minika Etim James (Chairman)

    Mrs. Ekanem Esuabanga (Secretary)

    Cultural and Creative Arts

    Senator Patrick Ani (Chairman)

    Mr. Essien Ekpenyong Nkanga (Secretary)

    Political and Community Affairs

    Arch Bishop Archibong Archibong (Chairman)

    Dr. (Mrs.) Anthonia Monkom (Secretary)

    Special Members:

    HE Mr. Donald Duke, CON

    High Chief Edem Duke

    Etinyin Dr. Joe Duke II

    Etinyin Arc. Bassey Eyo Ndem

    Senator Bassey E. Otu

    Ntufam Eyo Nsa Whiley

    Ms. Anne Ene-Ita

    Ntufam Engr. Idim Ikpeme

    Barr. Asuquo Cowan

    Sir William Archibong

    Chief (Mrs.) Akpabio Mkpang

    Chief Gershom Bassey

    Elder Chief (Mrs.) Christie Ise

  • Biography of Obong of Calabar Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V

    By Frank Ulom

    The current Efik monarch, Obong of Calabar is Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V.

    Birth and parentage

    He was born on the morning of the 20th day of November 1949 and is reputed to be initiated into the Ekpe Efik Iboku confraternity on the day of his birth. His parents were Etubom Okon Abasi Otu Ukpong Mbo Otu and Madam Ikwo Okokon Ansa of Adiabo Ikot Mbo Otu. The current Efik Monarch, therefore, descends from the Adiabo clan of the Eburutu tribe and is traceable to the founding ancestor of the Efik kingdom with the genealogical name Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu Ukpong Mbo Otu Meseme Ukpong Ukpong Atai Ema Atai Iboku.

    Education and training

    The young Prince Ekpo Okon attended St. Patrick’s Convent and St. Mary’s Schools for his primary education and received his first school leaving certificate from the later in 1963. In 1968, he obtained his West African School Certificate from the famous West African Peoples Institute (WAPI) established by the first Nigerian professor, the late Professor Eyo Ita. At the age of 24 years, he obtained a diploma certificate in Telecommunications Engineering where he bagged the International Telecommunication Union best student award. The award conferment was made by the late Nigerian Military Head of State; General Murtala Muhammed who was then Minister of Communications.

    Married life and nuclear family

    The present Obong of Calabar (Efik Monarch) is married to Princess Ansa Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu nee Edet Ukpong Okon Otu Ekpenyong Efa of Adiabo. The marriage is blessed with seven children namely Arit, Abia, Ukpa, Ekpo, Otu, Asa and Ukpong.

    Work experience

    The current Monarch first worked as an assistant technical officer-in training at the then Post and Telecommunications (P&T) department of the Federal Ministry of Communications and became an outstanding trainee officer who rose to the position of Operations and Maintenance Manager in the Domestic Satellite Division of P&T. Following the deregulation of the telecommunications sector by the Federal Government, the young Prince got employed at the Telnet Nigeria Limited whose major client was Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria. Here he rose to the position of Divisional Manager on merit from where he was called to serve on the throne of his ancestors.

    Journey to the throne

    Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu’s journey to the throne started when he was made a chief by his family and community in 1976. He became head of the Ukpong Mbo Otu family and consequently the village head of Adiabọ Ikọt Mbọ Otu in 1999. In 2003 he became the clan head-elect of Adiabọ Ikọt Mbọ Otu and was capped Etubom obio by His Eminence the late Edidem Nta Elijah Henshaw VI, the immediate past Obong of Calabar, in 2004. He was made the Iyamba Ekpe Efik Iboku (President of the Ekpe conclave) of Otu Meseme Lodge at Adiabọ.

    The installation, recognition and coronation

    Following the demise of the immediate past Obong, His Eminence, the late Edidem (Prof.) Nta Elijah Henshaw VI on the 16th day of February 2008, a suitable successor was found in Etubom Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu from the Western Calabar geographical bloc of the Kingdom, who was traditionally crowned at Efe Asabọ (shrine of the cobra) on the 3rd day of May 2008. He thenceforth became His Eminence, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, Obong of Calabar, Natural ruler, Treaty King and Grand Patriarch of the Efik Kingdom.

    On the 11th of July, 2008, the new king was officially recognized by the Government of Cross River State of Nigeria and was presented with a staff of office as Obong of Calabar, in a public ceremony at the State Cultural Centre Complex, by the then State Governor, Senator Liyel Imoke. Finally, the current Monarch was presented before God in keeping with the tradition of Church Coronation suggested by the late Queen Victoria of Great Britain in 1878, at the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, Duke Town Parish in December 2008. He was crowned by the late legendary Pastor Eyo Edet Okon of The Apostolic Church of Nigeria and admitted into the comity of world Christian Kings as the 78th recognized Monarch of the Efik Eburutu people.

    Life as an Obong and achievements so far

    The year 2008 in Calabar was filled with royal events primarily the traditional installation of the Obong, his presentation to the state government for recognition and finally the church coronation in December. The Efik Monarch; a member of the comity of world Christian kings and Knight of Saint Molumba of the Catholic faith, began his life as an Obong with a thanksgiving service at the Sacred Heart Cathedral of the Roman Catholic Mission on the 25th of January, 2009.

    His ascension to the throne, it will be recalled, was plagued with court cases where a number of people came up with claims of better qualification to the revered Efik throne. The Obong identified the absence of a written constitution as a guide to the selection of Obong of Calabar as a major reason for the spurious claims by some segments in the kingdom. He, therefore, set up a select constitution drafting committee to come up with a working document for the Efik Kingdom. The constitution was proclaimed in 2010 but was followed with heavy criticisms from sectors that felt left out in the general scheme of things. At the moment, the constitution is undergoing review and will be ready soon.

    Following the emergence of Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V as Obong of Calabar and Grand Patriarch of the Efik people, a number of dissenting groups took the Palace of the Obong of Calabar to court challenging the fairness of the selection process. One of such claimants was Chief Anthony Ani, a former Minister of the Federal Republic. On Monday, January 30, 2012, the Federal High Court ruled the case in his favour, claiming that he was the rightful candidate for the Efik throne. But the Obong’s Palace headed for a higher court (the Court of Appeal) to seek redress and on July 4, 2013, the Appeal Court ruled that Chief Anthony Ani was not qualified to vote and be voted for as an Obong of Calabar. At the same time, the court ordered that the selection process be repeated with the Obong of Calabar as contestant if he so desired as he was fully qualified to do so. The Etuboms’ Conclave, as a law-abiding group, obliged the court and His Eminence Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V was returned as the Obong of Calabar, Natural Ruler, Treaty King and Grand Patriarch of the Efik people.

    The Obong noted that the dwindling fortunes of the Efik kingdom in recent times are traceable to the tribal fragmentations and unfair discriminations, borne out of a poor understanding of who the Efik people are. He, therefore, initiated steps to bring together all the descendants of Iboku who founded the twelve ancestral clans of the Iboku people to establish a cohesive and more robust kingdom that will shoulder all challenges responsibly. This, he says, will be done by reviewing the family trees of all Efik Houses and families which will surely help the people to make a more purposeful thrust into the future.

    A very significant achievement of the current Monarch is his vision to set up an advisory and executive body in his royal court. The body is called Obong of Calabar Executive Forum (OCEF) and is made of Efik gentlemen and ladies who have excelled in their different fields of training/or endeavours; in Academia, Medicine, Law, Engineering, Security, Commerce, Industry and Politics pooled from all twelve ancestral clans. A brief on the organization and functions of this forum follows under discussions on the Palace of the Obong of Calabar.

    On Tuesday 7 November 2023, Governor Bassey Otu recognised Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi V as the authentic Obong of Calabar.

  • Challex D Boss Biography, Family, Net Worth And Age

    By Prince Ansa

    Ofem Okpososo Eno popularly known as Challex D Boss was born on the 8th of May 1992 in Ugep, Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State. His father Mr Okpososo Eno was a policeman and his mother Mrs Okama Ofem is a Civil Servant. According to Challex, his Mother is his ROLE MODEL. She has been a great inspiration for his musical career and his success story. Challex D Boss is the last born of 3 children.

    He attended Police Primary School, Akim Police Barracks, Calabar. He later gained admission into West Africa People’s Institute (WAPI), Calabar. He is a graduate of English/Literature, College of Education Akamkpa, Cross River State.

    Challex D Boss is multiple awards winning musician from the southern part of Nigeria. Cross River State Precisely.

    MUSIC CAREER

    Challex D Boss Started his musical journey about 7 years ago in Calabar, and since then he has been a role model to many upcoming artists and also an Icon in the Entertainment sector in Cross River State and South-South Nigeria as a whole.

    He attained the spotlight after he dropped his hit single “WE SEE NO CHANGES” – which has a lot to say about the maltreatment of Nigerian citizens by their own Government and mismanagement of Public funds – leaving the country stagnant. WE SEE NO CHANGES got its acceptance and a Remix featured by Eedris Adbukareem took it to another level. A video was made for it featuring Gaius Chibueze (Bitcoin Chief), who was his manager and friend.

    Challex D Boss has put out a lot of singles and Projects after that and notably, his 2019 heavyweight project “THE PREACHER MAN ALBUM” which was decorated with an Event “CHALLEX D BOSS UNLEASH CONCERT” featuring Nigerian superstars including Youngbone, Kaypluz, Samuelito and a guest heavyweight artist Fireboy DML from YBNL and Empire music. The concert was a huge success as he (Challex) was decorated as the International Artists of the Year by “THE CROSS RIVER STATE WATCH AWARDS,” Artist of the Year by “THE PARADISE MUSIC AWARDS” and a host of other awards since then.

    Challex D Boss also made the popular single titled “Aproko” featuring Erigga and “Confidence” featuring Iyanya and International Boy Silva.

    Challex D Boss currently is decorated as the face of Cross River State Music to the World and it’s very deserving. Amidst the turbid of 2020, Challex D Boss has and is still on the right path as the Afro Cautious musician is an ambassador to many brands and companies including The Emmpozi Water Company, Posh Empire fashion clothing and Green Valley Hotel and Bar.

    FAMILY

    On the 24th of May 2019, Challex D Boss took his heartthrob down the aisle. He is married to Lorraine Nyack, who hails from Brooklyn, New York City, United States of America (USA).

    CHALLEX D BOSS NET WORTH

    Challex D Boss owns an Exotic car and a house in Calabar. His estimated net worth is around 10 million naira. (N10,000,000)

    SOCIAL MEDIA

    Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/challexdeboss
    Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/Challexdeboss
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/challex.ofem

  • NAPTAN appeals for Ayade’s approval to set-up 267 Computer Labs for Schools in Cross River

    By Frank Ulom

    The National Parent Teacher Association of Nigeria, NAPTAN has called on Governor Ben Ayade to grant the association the go-ahead to establish Computer Labs in all the 267 public secondary schools in Cross River State.

    This was disclosed by Prof. Boniface Odey, State Chairman of NAPTAN on Tuesday, July 13, 2021, during a courtesy visit by Mr Castro Ezama, Special Adviser to Governor on Education in his office in Calabar.

    Prof Odey said that if Governor Ayade gives the approval, which documents have already been sent to the Governor’s office, NAPTAN will build at least a 50-set Computer Lab in each of the 267 secondary schools across the 18 Local Government Areas of the state.

    “We have all agreed that in each school in the 18 local government areas, parents will build one computer lab with at least 50 computers with generator, solar panel (to provide electricity), security and teachers. We are not using government teachers, we are going to use our own teachers that are computer literates – and in my record, we have 267 public secondary schools in Cross River State.

    “We are not proposing for government to buy, we proposed that the government should approve it for us to establish one computer laboratory in each school. We have seen the challenges government is facing, from JSS 2 – SS 3, no computer in any school. With the Government carrying so much burden on its shoulders, it is not easy to provide it, so we now made a proposal to His Excellency to allow us to do it because it’s not our schools.

    “Everybody is government, that is why we took up the project of fencing-round all schools in Cross River State – if you go to some schools now, the perimeter fencing is done by the PTA. Some schools you have been visiting, you have seen the many things we have done in the schools – and we are building additional classroom blocks in some schools too.

    “The only problem we are having now is these computer training centres in our schools. We don’t have computers in any school and at the end of the day, SS 3 students will be coming out to write JAMB with computers – any moment from now, WAEC and NECO will start; and other examination bodies will start too but how do they write these exams? You can see what happened in this year’s JAMB. The low marks are because these children don’t have knowledge of how to operate a computer. How can they pass when they have not seen something they are being presented with in the examination hall before. This is why we came up with one proposal which we believe any moment from now the governor will approve. I believe His Excellency who knows the value of what we are saying will approve it so that we can go ahead with the project”, Odey said.

    Earlier speaking, SA Ezama said the Cross River State Government is committed to delivering quality education to its citizens. He assured the NAPTAN Chairman that he will take the message to the Governor and promised that the approval for the Association to build Computer Labs across schools in the state will be granted in a short time.

    “I want to thank you for the intervention in complementing the role of government, especially in the area of infrastructure in our respective schools – you have shown great leadership. In Cross River State, it is quality education and nothing less than that. His Excellency the digital Governor of Cross River State, Prof. Ben Ayade is committed to quality education and will leave no stone unturned until that is achieved. Incidentally, this is the only state in the country where we have a Professor as a governor, a Professor as a deputy governor”, Ezama stated.

    He said that “recently, the world was agog with the beautiful edifice, the Teachers’ Continuous Training College located in Biase Local Government Area. That College when commissioned will take care of training and retraining our teachers to meet with the 21st century teaching where a lot of things will be x-rayed and our teachers will be better equipped to deliver”.

    Ezama said his office will work with NAPTAN to organise a capacity workshop across the three senatorial districts of the state to address several issues including moral decadence among school children.

    “We will work with you to ensure that we organise a capacity workshop with the theme, ‘The Role of Parents in Education of their Children.’ We will do this across the three senatorial districts, where parents will all be invited and we will drum it and come up with a bigger resolution to see how we can help our children”.

    In his other response, the NAPTAN State Chairman, Prof. Odey commended Governor Ayade for addressing security issues, carrying out various projects and turning the state into an industrial hub. He said: “On our scoreboard, we have been interacting with other states. Cross River is not lagging behind. On our scoreboard, we can give Cross River State 75-80 per cent in the education sector. That’s a good mark for His Excellency and we pray that he will continue with that and improve on that till when he lives office and we all know what he has to leave behind as a Professor”, he said.

    Odey further appealed that: “We need a CCTV camera – at least two in each school so that as you are coming in, you are seen immediately. We pray that the government would help us in this regard”.

  • Ekumeku War: How Igbos resisted Britain

    By Maazi Ogbonnaya

    Aside the indirect rule system of the British the Igbo resisted and gave them headache, Ekumeku resistance is a war over land resources the Igbo fought the British for over 31 years.

    The resolutions of the Berlin conference of 1884-1885, gave European nations the rights to lay claim to lands and resources in Africa.

    Britain, who had engaged in the trade with coastal cities before and during the 19th century, made bold their intentions to covet resources and rule over indigenous nations all over Africa. The Igbo were the first to resist the British invaders, and this led to protracted war. They put up fight against the superior fire power of the suppressive British.

    The Ekuemeku Movement was the name of Igbo army, that held the British at bay and fought them for 31 years.

    The Ekumeku Movement consisted of a great number of attacks and uprising by the Anioma people of Igbo land, against the British, from 1893-1914.

    The Ekumeku warriors were bound by a secret oath, and meticulously utilized guerrilla tactics to attack the British Royal company, who were determined to penetrate Igbo land. The Ekumeku warriors were drawn from thousands of Anioma youths from all parts of Anioma land.

    As the war rages on, the Ekumeku warriors defended their rights to live peacefully without foreign interjection, while the British used heavy armaments. They destroyed homes, farms, and roads, by bombardment.

    The British invaded Ndoni in 1870 and bombarded Onicha-Ado (Onicha) on November 2nd, 1897, from River Niger. This set the tempo for the rest of the war. The Royal Niger Company was commanded by Major Festing. They engaged the Anioma people of Igbouzo in 1898.

    The battle was so severe in Owa/Okwunzu, in 1904, that the commander W.E.B Crawford requested for more arms from the British headquarters to crush the Western Anioma communities.

    The people of Owa again in 1906 engaged the British in a gruesome battle that consumed the life of the British commander S. O. Crewe.

    Ogwashi-Ukwu faced the British on the 2nd of November 1909, and dealt a heavy blow to the British, who sustained many casualties, with the death of H. C. Chapman.

    The Ekumeku became a formidable force in Igbo land and was a great source of nationalism for the Anioma people. It also served as a uniting cord that held together various towns who were independent of each other in the past.

    The Igbos were a republican people and each town had a leadership that was drawn from its oldest of men and families.

    The war would have lasted longer, and possibly ended in a British defeat, if the Anioma people had equivalent fire power, and had more allies from other great Igbo kingdoms and towns. But even at that point, other tribes were facing the British on their own.

    After almost 20 years of battle, British decided to strike with great force. In December 1902, they sent a powerful expedition to Anioma.

    A great number of towns were destroyed. Civilians and soldiers alike were killed; their leaders were arrested and imprisoned.

    After this, the British were sure that they had suppressed the Ekumeku military cult, and that victory was theirs.

    The British officers boasted: “the Ekumeku and other secret societies have been completely broken.”

    To their greatest surprise, two years later, in 1904, the fearless Ekumeku rose again. The Igbo are a proud and egalitarian people. They don’t go down that easily.

    When the Ekumeku started their renewed campaign, they changed tactics, and abandoned the guerrilla warfare style of 1989, for individual defense of each town.

    The last battle began in 1909. There was a succession dispute in Ogwashi-ukwu, the British tried to remove the rightful king& enthrone someone else. Nzekwe, the son of the last Obi, sensed the plot of the British and went to war with them to fight for his inheritance.

    On November 2nd 1909, the British sent an expedition to Ogwashi-ukwu to capture him, but they failed. No amount of fire power at that point could defeat or quench the sympathy and dedication of the people towards the Ekumeku.

    In Asaba, the sympathy for the Ekumeku was so high that the people had a disposition to throw off the already British government in certain parts.

    At the time, the acting Lieutenant-governor of the Southern provinces sent an agitated telegram to Lagos. It read: “Whole country is above are… is the state of rebellion.”

    After this, reinforcements were sent from Lokoja, for another confrontation at Akegbe.

    The war raged on, till 1914, when the Ekumeku movement was defeated. That was the same year, the Northern and Southern protectorates of Nigeria were joined as one country in 1914. The day Nigeria was formed.

    Some of the heroes of that 31-year war included Dunwku Isus of Onicha-Olona, Nwabuzo Iyogolo of Ogwashi-Ukwu, Awuno Ugbo, Obi of Akumazi, Aggambu Oshue of Igbouzo, the Idabọ of Isele-Uku, Ochei Aghaeze of Onicha-olona, Abuzu of Idumuje-Uno, Idegwu Otokpoike of Ubulu-Ukwu.

    These men are remembered in Anioma land till date.

    The Ekumeku war remains one of most bravely fought wars and campaign against British rule and plundering. It later inspired other rebellions around Africa, such as the Mau Mau of Kenya.

    The Ekumeku have long been defeated, but no matter how far we travel in time, history always remembers that a brave tribe defended their ancestry, heritage and legacy against the tyranny of Wilberforce.

    Till date, in Nigeria, the Igbo remains one of the few tribes that still resist British rule over them and their resources. Have you seen why the British supported Nigeria to wipe away Igbo during 1967—1970 genocide? Have you seen why they supplied arms to Nigeria?