By Archibong Jeremiah
The Cross River State Governor, Senator Ben Ayade has described the State Branch Chairman of Nigeria Institution of Surveyors, NIS Dr. Njar Gertrude Nnanjar as a hard working woman that can compete with men fervently.
The Governor made the assertion about the senior lecturer in University of Calabar geography department while speaking at the 2015 induction ceremony of the Calabar Sport Club 1898 over the weekend at the Club secretariat, Calabar where 41 new members were inducted.
Ayade represented by his deputy, Prof. Ivara Ejemot Esu said: “I congratulate Dr. Gertrude Nnanjar, the only woman being inducted today. She’s a strong woman that can compete with men; she’s a hard working woman. I congratulate her specially”.
He went on saying that the present administration led by his boss, Senator Ben Ayade is in love with sport but could not make sure the National Sports Festival holds as scheduled because as at the time they came on board “we had challenges of workers salary and we couldn’t let go of that for the festival, that is not to say we don’t support sport,” he said.
Ayade ended by saying he is impressed with the level of discipline exhibited in the club and encouraged members to be steadfast in maintaining the club rules and regulations. Assuring that, “We are solidly behind the club”.
On his part, earlier the President of the club, Dr. Romanus Eriom in his speech revealed that, “The induction of new members has become necessary as age, retirement, transfer/relocation, changing economy, ill health and death have taken a toll on the membership, financial and developmental strength of the club.
“In line with the changing world and change in Nigeria, the club is also changing in all aspects, gone are the days when majority of the club members were civil servants, today membership is open to all responsible Nigerians, foreigners and co-operate bodies in different fields of life, with strong affinity to sports, socials, business, club, human and community development,” Eriom said.
In conclusion, Dr. Romanus charged the club members saying, “Maintain the club constitution, we expect from you all a very high level of discipline, self respect and respect for others. Be reminded that this club is non-ethnic, non-religious and non-political.”
Those inducted include: Prince Goddy Jeddy Agba (honorary member, represented by the State PDP Secretary Godwin Etta), Effa John Esua, Eme Anselem Onyebuchi, Musa Ayuba Ambije, Uche Osondo Anyanwhu, Olaoye Tunde, Ogungbe Tunji Oludele, Charles Nwokoye Ekweobi, Ntufam Hayford Solomon Edet, Prof. Gabriel Ujong Ikpi, Assistant Comptroller of Custom B. B. Uket, Uguma Michael Monjok and Kelly Ayamba.
Others are: Eyo Oboko Oku (Surveyor General of the State), Justin James Nyah, Manyo Ogar Enagu, Deputy Commissioner of Police Akpenyi Bernard, Sunday John Ekoh, Etubom Archibong Irombar, Emmanuel Alfred Inam, Etim Okon Cocoa-Bassey, Kiri-Kalio Owupele Biodum, Uzor Chris, Ike Kelechi, Njoku CHukwuemeka and Chief Peter Igbodor.
More inductees: Surveyor Njar Gertrude Nnanjar (the only female inducted), Tunde Ogunsakin, David Ndubisi Okpalugo, Otu Ubi, Esq. Nnana Etowa, Ekpang Thomas Bisong, Chief Orok Etim, Odze Okang, Edet Ubana Effah, Oluyoko Tosin Zaccheus, Oyi Bundu Milton Joe, Patrick Eta (Junior), Tony Umana and Norbert Ngwu and Ikana Kanu Agabi (son of Kanu Agabi SAN).
