By Kingsley Agim
The crème de la crème, yesterday, gathered in the magnificent Adiabo Town Hall to honour the Treaty King, Patriarch and Ruler of the Efik Kingdom, the Obong of Calabar, His Eminence, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi V, on the event of his 71st birthday.
The event, a cocktail party, heralding a beehive of activities to celebrate the Ruler of the historic and ancient Efik Kingdom, was to enable the Royal Father interface especially with Golfers, flown into the city to participate in the Obong of Calabar Golf Tournament, which has become an annual festival and main event in celebrating the king’s birthday.
Speaking at the event, the High Commissioner of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago to Nigeria, Wendell Vincent Carlton De Landro, who will also be participating in the Golf Tourney, wished the Obong an eventful celebration and more years of service on the throne.
Highlighting Calabar’s rich cultural heritage, the High Commissioner said his country is also deep-rooted inn culture and tourism, with its renowned steel band, a major participant at the Carnival Calabar International Festival. The Trinidadian, who regretted the absence of the Carnival Calabar International Festival, due to corona virus, further stated that his presence in the ancient city of Calabar will afford him the opportunity to reinvigorate the relationship between the Calabar Festival and his country’s steel band to boost tourism potentials of both parties.
The Diplomat advocated for the introduction of steel band practice in Nigerian schools, an idea he maintained, will aid cross-fertilization of cultures between Nigeria and Trinidad & Tobago and in turn enhance tourism for both countries.
In his goodwill message, Nigeria’s Ambassador to Uganda, Amb. (Dr.) Inyang Asuquo, stated that the massive turnout of friends, well wishers, kith and kin of the Efik Kingdom at the event is an indication that the King is loved by his subjects. Ambassador Asuquo wished the King longer years of good health on the throne.
In a toast, Former Deputy Governor, Mr. Effiok Cobham, described Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi V as “a King whose life and entire ambience is a reflection of royalty.” Reflecting on the rich history of the kingdom and her successive leaders, Mr. Cobham, pointed out that “today, we have a king that has added panache to traditional leadership.”
After toasting to good leadership, courage and style, the erstwhile Deputy Governor also noted with pride that, today, the Efik Kingdom boasts of a King who plays one of the elitist sport in human history (golf).
Speaking on the Obong of Calabar Golf Tournament 2020, which accentuates the birthday festivity, its coordinator, Mr. Orok-Oyo Enebong, informed that on Saturday, 21 November, the Royal Father, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi V, will tee-off the event at 9am, where 18 holes of golf will be played by participants from Lagos, Abuja, Kaduna and Calabar.
Mr. Enebong remarked that the 2-day game will see the best of the lots, ranging from the ladies’ category, veteran, super veteran categories, etc, win handsome prizes.
Presentation of royal gift by the Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi V to the High Commissioner of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago to Nigeria, Wendell Vincent Carlton De Landro, presentation of birthday gift to the King by the Chairman, Etuboms Traditional Council, Palace of the Obong of Calabar, His Royal Highness, Etubom Bassey O. Bassey-Duke, as well as saxophonic rendition of birthday songs by Master Nya Asuquo Jr. & co capped the glamorous event.
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