Nigeria’s oldest social club, the Calabar Sports Club 1898 has admitted 20 new members into its fold.
Speaking at the inauguration on Friday night, the Club’s President Eja Dons Esege said the induction marks the fourth batch of inductees since he became president.
Eja Dons urged the new members to be responsible and valuable members of the club and contribute to building the society. “We need members who can sell the club to the world. That is why we have carefully selected the members whom we inducted today.”
Highlighting the contributions of the club, the President called for greater attention and collaboration from the State government.
“During the Calabar Festival, we host different clubs from Nigeria. We train athletes, one of whom ranks among the top 200 in the world. She is barely seventeen years old. We have been building athletes who compete on behalf of the state and Nigeria, even though some of them do not hail from the state.”
Speaking on behalf of the inductees, Chief Green, Surveyor Engineer Kalita Aruku, pledged to build on the club’s legacy.
He announced plans by the new members to renovate the club’s restaurant, including the provision of dining sets, solar fans, and repainting.
“We have decided to donate dinning sets, solar fans, as well as paint and refurbish the restaurant so it can provide ambience to members and the outside community who would want to patronise it.”
Speaking on why he joined the club, Engr Aruku said
“The inspiration is borne out of the long rich history and prestige of the club, and seeing other members who are like fathers to me and what they have built for themselves.”
He further described the club as a place for social networking and praised it for its role in supporting sports activities and building sports stars in tennis and other sports.
The Green members pledged to contribute to the growth of the club and Cross River State.
The ceremony hosted by the Social Secretary, Radio Personality Duke Emmanuel featured the formal presentation of inductees by General Secretary Daniel Egbe ESQ, administration of the oath of allegiance, and presentation of the club’s constitution.
The event concluded with music, refreshments, and networking
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The newly inducted members include:
- Surv Engr Kalita Igbe Aruku
- Joseph Bisong Eta
- Engr Achu Amba Ojong
- Prof Jonathan O. Chimakonam
- Capt Eno Inah, Rtd.
- Surv. Efiom Ekpeyong
- Dr Kerry Etim Edem (Esq)
- Bekomson, Michael Bisong
- Celestine C. Igwebe
- Victoria Amaghereonu
- Michael Edet Udosen
- Bassey Igri Okon Jr.
- Oholeyi Ogbeche
- Charles Efedodama
- Engr Johnson Babatunde Aina (MNSE, MNIMechE)
- Olushola Solomon Oke
- Pastor Sunday Fidelis
- Dr Anthony Ikechukwu Enebeli
- Engr. J.J. Madudu
- Suage A. Badey
