The Nation Newspaper

Tag: CALABAR

  • Eaglets crush City FC of Calabar 9-1

    Eaglets crush City FC of Calabar 9-1

    The Golden Eaglets continued their impressive build-up towards the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in the UAE with a 9-1 spanking of City Football Club of Calabar – a Cross River State League team – at the main bowl of the U.J. Esuene Stadium Friday evening.

    Coach Manu Garba (MFR) fielded six of his regulars to the last CAN Championship including star striker Isaac Success. Of course, Success would score goals in the company of anybody and he was truly in his element as he netted twice with the game under 20 minutes.

    It should be said that City offered little resistance from the outset and were duly punished intermittently. Jacob Njoku, former Under-15 stalwart quickly added the third goal. There were two additional goals each for striker Taiwo Awoniyi and Musa Yahaya to end the first stanza with a healthy 7-0 score line for the Golden Eaglets.

    In the second half, Coach Garba brought in some of his new recruits but the game was barely two minutes old when City striker, Victor capitalised on a defensive mix-up to put the ball beyond goalkeeper Emeka Onyia who came in as a second half substitute for Sunday Alanpasu of College of Football, Abuja.

    The goal gingered City on as they momentarily stopped the ceaseless efforts of the Golden Eaglets. But Godwin Odibo of Nathaniel FC of Lagos, who had been a thorn in the flesh of the City defence, was soon badly brought down in the box. Defender Zaharadeen Bello converted the resultant penalty.

    Odibo capped his fine performance of the evening when he drilled an angular shot beyond the reach of City’s goalkeeper Ola, a few minutes to the end of the match that was watched by an enthusiastic crowd.

    “There is a good prospect with this team and the new boys are gradually settling down into the team,” Assistant Coach, Emmanuel Amuneke said afterwards.”We are on the right course and we will keep working on our objectives.”

  • Glorious day for Calabar Archbishop

    From his humble beginning on June 30, 1979 when he was ordained a Catholic priest at the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Calabar, the Cross River State capital, Archbishop Joseph Ekuwem has made a glorious return to the city as the Archbishop of Calabar.

    From that day when he was ordained along with four others on that faithful June day, Archbishop Ekuwem has steadily climbed the ladder in the vineyard of God and with his new position is charged with shepherding the flock in the Calabar Archdiocese.

    He took over the responsibility from Archbishop Joseph Ukpo who retired having attained the canonical age of 75.

    Members of his flock who spoke with Niger Delta Report said Ekuwem is particularly noted for “his humility, deep understanding nature tolerance and keen foresight rooted in his early Catholic upbringing.”

    It was therefore not surprising that thousands of Catholic faithful in the Calabar Archdiocese drove all the way to the Calabar-Itu bridge, the border between Cross River and Akwa Ibom States (about an hour away from the state capital) to usher him to the city recently.

    Ekuwem had been the first Bishop of Uyo Diocese since 1989, where his achievements included creating many parishes, quasi-parishes and autonomous communities bringing the total number of parishes to 66 from the 32 he inherited.

    On February 2, 2013, the Pope Benedict XVI appointed him to succeed Ukpo.

    Ekuwem’s canonical installation as Archbishop of Calabar took place in the same venue where he was ordained as priest 34 years ago – the Sacred Heart Cathedral, where the Archbishop Emeritus, Ukpo expressed satisfaction over the cooperation he received from priests, religious and laity during his time.

    Ukpo called for the same cooperation to be extended to the new Archbishop.

    Ekuwem was installed by the Papal Nuncio to Nigeria, Most Reverend Augustine Kasujja alongside, the president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), Most Rev Dr Ignatius Kaigama.

    In his first address, Ekuwem’s words called for unity among all to work and forge ahead together.

    His words, “I will watch over the unity of the universal church. That the truth should be held and put into practice and passed to all. I would show paternal affection to those who err in faith and I would make every effort to guide them to the fullness of the truth. Having before me the image of Christ, the Supreme and eternal priest, I would conduct myself conscientiously and reverently and thus fulfil the ministry entrusted to me so having become myself become an example to the flock I would be able to confirm the faith in Christian perfection.

    “I would uphold the discipline and carefully uphold the observance of all ecclesiastical laws particularly those contained in the code of cannon law. I would prevent possible abuses especially with regards to the ministry of the word and the celebration of the sacraments

    “I would diligently work after the administration of the Church in terms of growth. In carrying our mandate given to show I would show particular account. I would take care to promote sacred vocations so that the spiritual needs of the whole church would be appropriately met. I would recognize and promote the dignity of lay people. I would be especially concerned to promote missionary work and evangelization of people.

    When the occasion demands I would give an account of my personal office in the apostolic field and to the best of my ability, I would respectfully accept the mandate and counsel.”

    Ekuwem was born on December 18, 1949 at Afi-Uda in Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

     

  • WCQ: CAF invites media to final round draws

    WCQ: CAF invites media to final round draws

    The Confederation of African Football has started the accreditation process for the media ahead of the draw of the African third-round qualifiers for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, futaa.com reports.

    Nigeria is one of the likely qualifiers for the third round face offs, as the Super Eagles need a single point in next month’s match against Malawi in Calabar.

    The African draw would be made on September 16 at CAF’s headquarters in Cairo, one week after the last matches of the second-round are played.

    CAF on Friday opened the accreditation process which would end on August 15.

    The group winners of the second round stage would discover their opponents for one of the continent’s five berths at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

     

  • BATTLE OF CALABAR Peter Wadabwa sure of form against Eagles

    BATTLE OF CALABAR Peter Wadabwa sure of form against Eagles

     •Says Flames would shock Eagles

    Ahead of Super Eagles world cup qualifier against Flames of Malawi in Calabar, Malawian international Peter Wadabwa says his current killer form may turn out to be a joker in the September 6 tie which the visitors declared a must win.

    Wadabwa who recently signed for Professional soccer league (PSL) side Golden Arrows, fired a warning shot Saturday scoring a season opener against Ajax Cape Town. His strike however failed to hand the tie completely to Golden Arrows as Ajax fought had to draw level.

    Wadabwa who has made over 13 appearances for Malawi with two goals in the kitty, reasoned that his move to a higher club will further fire him to greater heights and ginger up and coming players to fly for the Flames.

    “It is a must for me to do well for myself but I’ll always try to do what the coach expects from me and put the team first. It’s important for me to be a good example for the young players in Malawi and to show what we are capable of.

    I was called up to the national team even when I played in the National First Division and now that I’m playing for a bigger team I believe I’ll be able to make a bigger contribution for my country as well,” he enthused

    Determined to rattle the Stephen Keshi tutored side, Malawi recently engaged Tom Saintfeit who had offered to coach the team for free.

    Nigeria leads Group F with five points but with better goal advantage with Malawi following on the same point.

  • Maritime security: Africa, U.S, UK naval chiefs meet in Calabar

    Naval chiefs from Africa, the United States and the United Kingdom converged on Calabar on Monday to strategise on ways to ensure a safe and secure maritime environment in the Gulf of Guinea.

    The News agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting, expected to end on Wednesday, had no fewer than 14 African naval chiefs in attendance at the Tinapa Lakeside Hotel.

    In his opening remarks, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Dele Ezeoba, said the meeting was called because of challenges and threats to the economic interests of states in the Gulf of Guinea (GoG).

    He said GoG strategic location informed the decision to collaborate on the security of the region and the convocation of the first Regional Maritime Awareness Capability Conference (RMACC) in Calabar.

    Ezeoba said the GoG had become a source of concern to the region and the international community given its myriad of security challenges.

    He said the threats on regional security included piracy, sea robbery, drug and human trafficking, pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft.

    Ezeoba also listed illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing, proliferation of small arms and light weapons and environmental degradation as sources of threats in the GoG.

    “Regrettably, these threats constitute serious challenges and adversely impact on the collective maritime governance imperatives and economic wellbeing of nation states in the GoG.

    “It is, therefore, imperative to emphasise that no meaningful development can take place in an atmosphere of insecurity within the global commons.

    “As discomforting as these threats would appear, they are not insurmountable hence the clarion call for the enthronement of constructive, proactive, sustainable and holistic maritime security architecture.

    “Such structure would ensure a secure and safe maritime environment for optimal exploration and exploitation of the abundant maritime resources.

    “These resources are germane for socio-economic growth and national development of the sub-Saharan Africa while providing economic opportunities for the rest of the world,’’ Ezeoba said.

    Ezeoba said the security of the GoG should be anchored on the Yaounde declaration “within the context of extant code of conduct, protocols and memoranda of understanding of the GoG commission, ECOWAS and ECCAS’’.

    “It is only logical that we also place maritime security on the top rungs of our national security priorities.

    “An effective maritime security regime in the GoG must be pitched on core attributes such as the elimination of sea blindness within the African continent, sincerity of purpose, strength of character and above all, the political will of all member-states and stakeholders.”

     

  • WCQ: FIFA picks Madagascan officials for Nigeria-Malawi tie

    World football-governing body, FIFA, has appointed officials from Madagascar to take charge of September 7 World Cup qualifying match between Nigeria’s Super Eagles and the Flames of Malawi, futaa.com reports.

    The match slated for the UJ Esuene Stadium, Calabar, is the last group F match in the ongoing 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

    Nigeria leads the group with nine points, while Malawi followed with seven points. Namibia and Kenya have five and three points respectively.

    Hamada el Moussa Nampiandraza, 29, and who became an international referee three years ago, would be at the centre, while his compatriots, Velomanana Ferdinand Jinoro and Jean Thierry Djaonirina would be the assistant referees.

    Seth Jaovanona, who became an international referee, last year, is the fourth official.

     

  • Ebony Life: Entertainment from the heart of Calabar

    Ebony Life TV, the brainchild of dynamic Nigerian talk show star debuted on DStv on July 1.

    Fusing exclusive African original programming, featuring some of the continent’s biggest names, with relevant international urban movie and series programming, Ebony Life TV will be available on DStv channel 165 to DStv Premium, Compact Plus (where available) and Compact viewers.

    With the tagline “Live the Ebony Life”, the channel is both inspirational and aspirational, celebrating style and success while simultaneously motivating audiences to dream and dream big. Glossy, polished and sophisticated, the EL experience puts African superstars such as Kate Henshaw-Nuttal, Uche Jombo Rita Dominic, Funke Akindele, Tiwa Savage and Banky W. on a line-up that also features Latoya Jackson, Taye Diggs, Damon Wayons and Sherri Shepherd.

    Homegrown programming on the channel includes the glamourous flagship talk-show Moments with Mo. This time round, the always engaging Mo is joined by two brand new co-hosts, whose selection during an intense search is also chronicled on the dramatic, must-watch reality show Mo’s Search.

    Viewers can also look out for the glitzy EL Now, the daily entertainment news show featuring the hottest global black news, the latest celebrity buzz, African success stories and all things ‘Africana cool’ across music, movies, TV, fashion, beauty, design and the arts.

    Other programmes created specifically for Ebony Life audiences include Screen Divas, where Nollywood Queens Kate, Uche, Funke and Rita combine their star power to produce the short film ‘New Horizon’ tackling the issue of domestic abuse. Then make a date to watch the fascinating Fattening Room in which six beautiful, feisty modern women from Ghana, Nigeria, Botswana and Kenya embark on a journey of self-discovery by revisiting the legacies of Efik tradition.

    The cultures and traditions of Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa and America intersect in the appealing Culture Connects, where each episode takes audiences on a cultural journey to explore the values that both continents hold dear.

    And that’s not all…look out for the seasonal, fashion forward EL Runway, the hilarious sitcom Ojo’s in D’ House, the youthful ensemble talk show The Spot, the romance and relationship themed Love Lounge, the fun and ‘captured on camera’ lives of the Sistaz and the talent-focused In My Shoes, which tracks a day in the life of Africa’s top personalities, providing an intimate look at the life of the real people behind the celebrity names.

    From beyond Africa, Ebony Life TV has sourced some of the boldest content available including the sensational The Love Triangle, laugh out loud quiz show The Newlywed Game, hot and hip Ocean’s Models, the wedding fashion search Keasha’s Perfect Dress, Damon Wayans’ hit sitcom My Wife and Kids and the humorous British sketch comedy show Little Miss Jocelyn.

    Dramas on the channel include the Taye Diggs led ‘legal eagle meets new dad’ story of Kevin Hill and the emotional, evocative police drama Lincoln Heights.

    Special highlights to look forward to are the sitcoms Mr. Box Office where a Hollywood A-lister heads to South Central LA to serve out his community service as a high school English teacher; The First Family that follows the story of William Johnson, the 45th President of the United States and the second African-American elected to the office and Life with LaToya where fans can enter the outrageous world of LaToya Jackson; the unpredictable wildcard from one of showbiz’s most famous families.

    Commenting on the channel’s launch, Ebony Life founder and CEO Mo Abudu says, “”On behalf of the entire Ebony Life TV team, I want to express the greatest delight that this dream has finally become an amazing reality. We have spent years and months putting some of the brightest minds together on an exciting mission to build Africa’s first Global Black Entertainment Network focused on the continent’s most important demographic, the youth, aged 18 to 34.

    “We are even more excited that we have created a channel that stands on the same pedestal as any international brand. We urge African audiences to tune in and live the Ebony Life.”

    • Culled fromenewsghana

  • Absence of counsel stalls Useni’s trial

    Absence of counsel stalls Useni’s trial

    The absence of Mr. Victor Ochemu, counsel to retired Lt.-Gen. Jeremiah Useni, on Tuesday stalled hearing in a case filed by the former minister at the Code of Conduct Tribunal.

    At the resumed hearing, Ochemu sent a letter urging the tribunal to grant him an adjournment to enable him travel to Calabar.

    Useni was also absent in court.

    He said the adjournment was to enable him take his sick brother to the hospital.

    Ochemu, who apologised for his absence before the tribunal, said that he was the only counsel handling the matter for his client.

    Mr. Abbas Ibrahim, Assistant Chief State Counsel in the Ministry of Justice, who is holding the brief for Mr. Simon Egede, the Director, Public Prosecutions of the Federation, confirmed that he had received a letter from Ochemu, stating reasons for his absence.

    Ibrahim, who did not oppose the application for adjournment, prayed the tribunal to fix a date in November for hearing.

    The Tribunal Chairman, Justice Danlami Umar, therefore, adjourned further hearing in the case to November 13.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that at the last sitting, Umar had ordered Useni to appear before the tribunal.

    Umar gave the order while hearing the motion on notice filed by Useni`s counsel challenging the confiscation of his property by the Federal Government.

    Useni is seeking an order of the tribunal to compel the government to release the title documents of his property that were confiscated in 1999.

     

  • ‘Calabar Port dredging priority of new NPA board’

    ‘Calabar Port dredging priority of new NPA board’

    The dredging of the Calabar Port is the priority of the new board of directors of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), its chairman Chief Tony Anenih, has said.

    He said this yesterday when he visited the Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, after a facility tour of NPA facilities and meeting with stakeholders in Calabar.

    Anenih said the board was worried by the low level of maritime activities at the port owing to the shallow nature of the water channel, which prevent bigger vessels from berthing there.

    The NPA boss, who was represented by a member of the board, Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, who led the team said: “The issue of workability of the Calabar port is on the front burner. This board and the management of NPA have discovered that if the port is not dredged, nothing will work there. President Goodluck Jonathan is worried about this port and we are hopeful that soon the port will start booming again’’, she said.

    The Obong of Calabar said in the past the issue of the Calabar Port had been politicized but expressed confidence that the new board will not renege in its promise of ensuring the dredging happens and economic activities kick off again.

     He also called on the Federal Government to look into other complementary facilities such as good road networks as the dredging would not have the desired effect without these.

    His words, “‘’Let us not politicise issues. Let’s look at the welfare of the people and how to provide them with means of livelihood,” he said.

  • Ground breaking ceremony of the General Electric manufacturing facility in Calabar

    Ground breaking ceremony of the General Electric manufacturing facility in Calabar