Pillar Today

  • President Federation Cup: Insurance Engage Rangers

    President Federation Cup: Insurance Engage Rangers

    By Dianabasi Effiong

    Former champions Bendel Insurance and Enugu Rangers will light up the Lagos Waterfront on Wednesday.

    The encounter is regarded by pundits as the star match of the Round of 16 of the men’s competition of this year’s President Federation Cup.

    The two teams met in two of the most memorable final matches of Nigeria’s Cup competition in its 80-year history, with honours shared in 1978 and 1981.

    The Benin Arsenal tore apart the form books to shock the nation’s football fraternity by spanking Rangers 3-0 in the final in Lagos in 1978.

    However, the Flying Antelopes somewhat repaid the compliment with a 2-0 win at the same venue in 1981.

    The setting for this Round of 16 clash is also in Lagos, though a different venue. But fireworks are expected by the waterfront from two teams aspiring for continental football.

    Two-time CAF Champions League winners Enyimba FC, who eliminated Cup holders El-Kanemi Warriors in the Round of 32, will take on Abakaliki FC at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba.

    Nasarawa United and Bayelsa United will square up to each other in the university town of Anyigba, while Warri Wolves and Wikki Tourists battle things out in the Federal Capital, Abuja.

    Two great entertainers, Ikorodu City and Beyond Limits will be at each other’s jugular at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, where Solution FC will tango with Kwara United in an earlier game. Plateau United will confront Osun United in Anyigba.

    Akwa United and Inter Lagos are at loggerheads in Abuja.

    Round of 16 fixtures (Men)

    Enyimba FC (Abia) Vs Abakaliki FC (Ebonyi) – Asaba – 16/04/25 – 4.00 p.m.

    Nasarawa United (Nasarawa) Vs Bayelsa United (Bayelsa) – Anyigba – 16/04/25 – 10.00 a.m.

    Warri Wolves (Delta) Vs Wikki Tourists (Bauchi) – Area 3 Abuja – 16/04/25 – 1.00 p.m.

    Ikorodu City (Lagos) Vs Beyond Limits (Ogun) – Benin City – 16/04/25 – 4.00 p.m.

    Akwa United (Akwa Ibom) Vs Inter Lagos (Lagos) – Area 3 Abuja – 16/04/25 – 4.00 p.m.

    Solution FC (Anambra) Vs Kwara United (Kwara) – Benin City – 16/04/25 – 10.00 a.m.

    Plateau United (Plateau) Vs Osun United (Osun) – Anyigba – 16/04/25 – 1.00 p.m.

    Bendel Insurance (Edo) Vs Rangers Int’l (Enugu) – MJA Lagos – 16/04/25 – 4.00 p.m.

  • Cross River, Akwa Ibom Axis 65-kilometre Stretch of Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Flags Off

    Cross River, Akwa Ibom Axis 65-kilometre Stretch of Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Flags Off

    Minister for Works, David Umahi (3rd from left), Governor Bassey Otu (2nd from left), Senator, representing Cross River South Senatorial District, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong (1st from left) and others during the flag off ceremony of the 65km section of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway in Cross River.

    By Anietie Akpan

    The 65-kilometre stretch of the Cross River, Akwa Ibom axis of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway has been flagged off

    Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi performed the official flag off on Monday, April 14 at Awi in Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River state.

    This segment of the section 3A/3B of the road, located within Cross River and Akwa Ibom States, is a critical part of the 750-kilometre coastal highway aimed at boosting regional connectivity and economic development across southern Nigeria.

    Governor Bassey Otu has described the commencement of construction on Section 3A/3B of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as a historic breakthrough for Cross River State and the South-South region.

    Speaking on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the flag-off ceremony in Awi, Akamkpa Local Government Area on Monday, the governor lauded the project as “a bold and visionary move that will transform the economic fortunes of our region”, as the road links other states in the South-south and South Eastern part of the country.

    He said,, the highway will restore Calabar’s status as a maritime hub while enhancing connectivity by land, air, and sea. “This is not just a road project—it is a corridor of prosperity that will unlock vast economic opportunities, create jobs, promote cultural integration, and connect our Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone to national and global markets,” he stated.

    He reaffirmed the full support of the government and people of Cross River State for the project and for President Tinubu, whom he described as “a leader making the right decisions to build a better Nigeria”,  praising the President’s economic reforms in infrastructure, agriculture, and public policy, noting that they are “being implemented fairly and without ethnic or regional bias.”

    Gov. Bassey Otu mounting the caterpillar for the ground breaking.

    “For us, this highway is not just about transportation. It will boost agriculture, tourism, trade, and industrialization. With the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone now in place, this road will provide easy access for goods to reach markets across the country and beyond,” Otu said.

    He urged residents of Cross River to take full advantage of the business opportunities that will arise from the highway project and pledged that his administration will continue to support small and medium-sized enterprises through grants, loans, and capacity-building programs.

    Governor Otu also commended the Federal Ministry of Works and HiTech Construction for their prompt and transparent mobilization to site. “HiTech has proven itself not only capable but also committed to the national interest. This is the kind of partnership we need,” he said.

    However, he used the occasion to urge the Federal Government to accelerate work on other abandoned or delayed federal road projects in the state. “Many of our federal roads are in deplorable condition. Contracts were awarded years ago with little to no progress. Our people deserve better,” the governor stressed.

    On his part, Engr. Umahi, praised the vision of President Tinubu, describing the coastal highway as a legacy project that will significantly improve road infrastructure, ease transportation, and promote national unity.

    He commended Governor Otu for his consistent support and commitment to the development agenda of the Federal Government.

    “This project is innovative and historic. It is only a leader like President Tinubu who could envision this 27 years ago and now bring it to life. The highway is more than a road; it is a corridor for economic growth, national integration, and environmental renewal,” Umahi said.

    The Minister assured the host communities and stakeholders of the Federal Government’s commitment to delivering the project on time. He called for cooperation from local residents to ensure smooth execution, emphasizing the need to support contractors and avoid unnecessary delays.

    The bulldozed road signaling commencement of work on the Calabar-Lagos coastal highway.

    He reiterated that the Federal Government is fully committed to completing the entire 750km highway, noting that all sections are being pursued concurrently, with priority given to engineering quality and cost-effectiveness.

    He concluded by thanking all stakeholders and reaffirming that “this is not just a road, but a gateway to prosperity for Nigeria.”

    The Federal Controller of Works in Cross River State, Engr. Olayinka Onafuye, in an interview with Newsmen shortly after the flag off, reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that the project meets the standards and specifications set by the Ministry of Works.

    He emphasized the importance of collaboration with host communities in Akamkpa and Odukpani LGAs for a smooth project delivery.

    The Managing Director of HITECH Construction Company Ltd, Danny Abboud ,  disclosed that the road will pass through several Cross River communities including Awi, Njahasang, Oduyama, Ikot Okon Akiba, Obot Ekpo, Afan Okoyong, Ekemkpon, Mkpara Otop, Kaifa, Nduoduo, Oboroko, Esuk Ekom, Nkita, and Ekong Atan Oku, before connecting to Akwa Ibom via the Calabar River Bridge.

    He stated that the road, constructed with continuously reinforced concrete pavement, will serve as a key evacuation corridor, reduce congestion, and align with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The highway is expected to open up rural areas, attract investments, and support sustainable development.

  • Akwa Ibom Human Capital Devt. Plan Is a Template For Each State to Emulate, VP Shettima

    Akwa Ibom Human Capital Devt. Plan Is a Template For Each State to Emulate, VP Shettima

    Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima (4th from left), Gov. Umo Eno (5th from left) and others unveiling the HCD strategic plan in Uyo.

    By Anietie Akpan

    Vice President of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima has applauded the audacious investments in human capital development by Governor Umo Eno in Akwa Ibom State, saying he is worthy of emulation by other states.

    In his speech at the launch of the ARISE Human Capital Development (HCD) Strategic Plan held at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Uyo, at weekend, Vice President Shettima noted that investment in human capital development surpases every form of investment.

    “That is why I commend Akwa Ibom, not only for your outstanding performance, but for daring to dream bigger.

    “With an under-five mortality rate of 80, compared to the national average of 110, and with only 3.5 percent of primary school-age children out of school—far below the national average of 25.6 percent—your state is not merely compliant with our national vision. You are ahead of the curve. And I assure you, the federal government stands ready to partner hand-in-hand with you.

    “This is the Governor in whom the President has a lot of confidence in. Let me therefore commend the Governor and his team, for not only adopting the HCD framework but localizing its operation and placing people in the centre of public policies. This is leadership, this is what it means to govern with vision, foresight and commitment.”

    A cross section of guests at the ceremony.

    The Vice President said the National Human Capital Development Programme, which has entered its second phase, is a solution  re-engineered to meet the moment.

    “At its core, HCD 2.0 is about integration and impact. It is built on the foundation of HCD 1.0, but goes further to incorporate cross-cutting themes. What has brought us together in Uyo—the launch of the ARISE Human Capital Development Strategy by His Excellency, Governor Umo Eno—is a template for each state of the federation. It’s a strategy that acknowledges that we can’t build an enduring castle without a solid foundation.

    “What Akwa Ibom State has shown us here isn’t just progress, it is leadership. It has become the first state in the nation to localise the HCD vision in its truest form. While other states have a strategy tailored towards the state, Akwa Ibom has taken a step forward by adopting the strategies in all local government areas.

    “We cannot solve what we do not measure. This is why we have launched the HCD Dashboard to monitor these indicators at both state and local levels with precision. We are deploying data not for reports, but for results.

    “I urge every governor to learn from the example set by His Excellency, Governor Umo Eno. There’s no legacy that surpasses that of building our people. There’s no monument that would outlive the legacies of health, education, and opportunity,” he said.

    Earlier in his remark, Governor Eno saluted the Vice President, for the great work done in putting together the building blocks of the ARISE Human Capital Development and Local Government HCD Implementation Roadmap and Strategic Plan, and also leading frontally towards its implementation and delivery.

    The women were not left out.

    He also appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for making Human Capital Development a major focal area of his Renewed Hope Agenda, of which, according to him, Akwa Ibom State is a beneficiary.

    The Governor said the Human Capital Development Plan, is also designed to expansively provide key human-centric projects such as healthcare services which the State is currently executing through investments in the construction and equipping of primary healthcare centers, provision of quality education at both the primary and secondary levels, empowerment of  people, and equipping them with requisite skills, knowledge and equipment they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world.

    He enumerated different efforts of his administration at human capital development to include; establishment of Ibom Leadership and Entrepreneurial Development Centre (IBOM-LED) which has trained over 4000 people with start-up grants ranging from N5,000, 00-N750 ,000 , the Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre, DASAC, where over 400 trainees recently graduated in various areas of skills-set.

    Also in the list included; 16 youths in Toulouse, France for training as pilots with Airbus, 21 engineers who recently came back from training with Ethiopian Airlines and would soon be absorbed by Ibom Air, empowerment of businesses, traders, and farmers with grants worth over N4 billion through Town Square Empowerment Meetings and support for Small and Medium Scale (SMEs), and many others.

    He noted that his people’s first policy which is encapsulated in the government’s ARISE Agenda aligns with that of the federal government and he would do all possible to ensure the HCD programme meets its set target.

  • Trigger Happy Police Inspector in Calabar, Dismissed From Service

    Trigger Happy Police Inspector in Calabar, Dismissed From Service

    By Anietie Akpan

    The trigger happy Police officer who shot and killed one person and injured two others in Calabar, Cross River state, has been dismissed from service.

    Accordingly, the said officer, Inspector, Effiong Bassey, has been charged to court, and remanded at Afokang Correctional Centre.

    Briefing some newsmen at the Cross River State Police Command at weekend, the State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Irene Ugbo, said that, “the police officer has been duly dismissed, charged to court, and remanded at Afokang Correctional Centre.”

    Reacting to some reports in the media that the Police had abandoned the victims of the shooting by the irate police inspector, Ugbo, frowned at such reports that are carried without verifying, and urged media professionals to always verify their reports before going public, saying, “at no time did we abandon any of the victims include the family of the deceased”.

    She further stressing that the Command was surprised to read the unverified reports about victims not being cared for adding, “we visited the deceased family on the same day, and also went to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital to see the injured victims, who underwent a successful surgery.

    “As we speak, the victim is recuperating, and we are making efforts to ensure that all affected parties are well taken care of”.

    Ugbo further explained that, “as a matter of fact we gave financial support from day one when the incident happened, and nobody including the deceased family, victims and their family who were not carried along.

    “I can assure that the surgery on the victim who was shot in the neck was successful and he is recovering fast, and we shall give further update on his health”.

    Recall that in the early hours of Sunday, March 23, 2025, at the Divisional Police Headquarters in Atakpa, by Watt market in Calabar, a mentally unstable Police officer had gone berserk and opened fire recklessly at members of the public, killing one and injured two.

  • Rescind State of Emergency in Rivers State – Ebri

    Rescind State of Emergency in Rivers State – Ebri

    Comrade James Ebri.

    By Anietie Akpan

    Former National Vice Chairman South-South, Democratic Front for a People’s Federation (DFPF), Comrade James  Ebri, has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately rescind the decision imposing a State of emergency in Rivers State and the accompanying suspension of the Governor, his Deputy and the Members of the Rivers House of Assembly.

    According to him, the call to rescind “the state of emergency is necessitated by the fact that the basic requirements for the declaration of a state of emergency were not met when it was declared”.

    Ebri who was also the former Governorship candidate of the DFPF in Cross River state, in a statement on Monday, April 14, noted that, “first among the requirements for the declaration of the emergency is the consent of both the House of Assembly and the Governor of the State which in this instant case was not sought.

    “It is this consent or lack of it that needs to be submitted to the National Assembly as the basis of the request by the President to declare the State of Emergency which the National Assembly needs to consider before approving or rejecting the approval of the state of emergency. Section 305(4) of the Constitution states as follows:”

    “The Governor of a state may with the sanction of a resolution supported by two thirds majority of the House of Assembly request the President to issue a proclamation of a state of emergency in the state when there is in existence within the state of the situation specified in Section (3), (c), (d) and (e) of this section and such situation does not extend beyond the boundaries of the state “.

    It goes further in subsection (5) to say, “the President shall not issue a proclamation of a state of emergency in any case when the provisions of subsection (4) of this apply unless the Governor of the State fails within a reasonable time to make a request to the President to issue such a proclamation”.

    He further said that, “this shows clearly that for any proclamation to be made, the State Assembly and the Governor must initiate the state of emergency. It would therefore be unconstitutional for the President to unilaterally impose a State of Emergency and remove an elected Governor and Legislators”.

    Section 11 of the Constitution also dwells on the issue of the House of Assembly not being able to carry out its duties, Ebri said noting that, Section 11 sub-section (4) says that, “Nothing in this subsection shall be construed as conferring on the National Assembly power to remove the Governor or the Deputy Governor of the State from office”.

    Ebri said,  “these provisions in the constitution were made so that the President or the National Assembly assembly will not have the powers to remove duly elected officials like themselves, or declare State of Emergency in states which are not so friendly with the center government”.

    Therefore, he said, “the declaration of State of Emergency is a very serious issue which requires the highest level of transparency. It is therefore very important for the citizens to know how they voted as it is done the world over, but not by voice vote. It is not contestable that the Attorney General of the Federation gave wrong advice to the President.

    Based on the above reasons I wish to advice the President to return the Governor to office as soon as possible and not allow the case to be adjudicated in court so that it does not convey the inappropriate message or impression that the Federal government is lawless and does not obey the Constitution which is the grand norm of the country”.

  • Gov Otu, Wife, APC Chairman Welcome Former PDP Dep. Governorship Candidate Into APC

    Gov Otu, Wife, APC Chairman Welcome Former PDP Dep. Governorship Candidate Into APC

    L-R. Gov. Bassey Otu, his wife, Bishop Eyoanwan and Dr Emana Duke Ambroose-Amawhe at the ceremony.

    By Anietie Akpan

    Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, on Sunday formally received the  2023 Deputy Governorship Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) in the state, Dr Emana Duke Ambroose-Amawhe into the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The former  PDP Deputy Governorship Candidate  had via her X ( formerly Twitter) announced her defection to her new party before  meeting with the Governor, his wife, the State  Chairman of the APC and the Chief of Staff to the Governor on Sunday.

    Following the announcement of her defection, Emana was  led to Governor Bassey Otu and his wife by the Chairman of the APC in Cross River State, Barr. Alphonsus Ogar Eba.

    Speaking with our Correspondent on phone, Emana said,  “I only went to greet His Excellency, the Governor and His Wife, Her Excellency Bishop Eyoanwan Bassey Otu as a mark of respect and to formally inform them of my movement.

    L-R. Chief of Staff to Governor, Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar, APC Chairman, Barr. 
    Alphonsus  Eba, Gov. Otu, his wife Bishop Eyoanwan and former Labour Party Senatorial candidate, Rt. Hon. Daniel Asuquo at the ceremony.

    “The day of my formal and ceremonial movement to my new party, the APC along with thousand of my supporters and other big names will be made known soon”, she said.

    Emana, had recently  resigned her membership from the PDP with resignation  letter dated  March 28, 2025, and addressed to the Chairman of Edem Odo Ward, in Akpabuyo Local Government Area of Cross River State, was with immediate effect.

    She said  her decision to leave  the PDP  was not made lightly, but she remains committed to serving her  community and contributing to the progress of Cross River state and the country  in other capacities.

    Emana was an aspirant for the House of Representatives ticket in  Bakassi/Akpabuyo/Calabar South Federal Constituency also  on the platform of the PDP before she was nominated as the Deputy Governorship Candidate to Senator Sandy Onor during the 2023 elections in Cross River State.

  • Misleading ‘10-Year Rule’ Report Sparks Controversy Over Unical VC Selection

    Misleading ‘10-Year Rule’ Report Sparks Controversy Over Unical VC Selection

    By Anietie Akpan

    Smarting from its recent 50 year anniversary celebration, the University of Calabar (Unical) neck deep in fresh crisis over the selection process of a new Vice Chancellor.

    This is so as some stakeholders have raised alarm over attempts by some professors and the University’s Governing Council to introduce a mandatory 10-year post-professorial experience criteria for candidates vying to become Vice Chancellor.

    This action according to findings is seen by many “as unprecedented, unfair, and legally questionable”.

    The controversy erupted after a media report with the bold headline “FG: 10 years’ experience as professor key criteria for VC selection” made rounds, implying a binding federal directive.

    However, sources said a closer look at the body of the same article reveals that the so-called “requirement” is merely a guideline—not a law—and one not enforceable on the Governing Councils of autonomous Federal Universities.

    Multiple sources within the Federal Ministry of Education, Abuja have since confirmed that no directive was issued mandating 10 years’ professorial experience as a minimum qualification.

    “The 10-year recommendation was a guideline for consideration,” one senior official said under anonymity.

    “It is not a directive, Governing Councils are free to set 5, 7, 8, or 9 years based on their institutional context and tradition. The Ministry only guides—it does not impose.”

    This clarification has only deepened concerns that the attempt to enforce the 10-year rule in Unical may be a political ploy to exclude certain strong candidates.

    In particular, critics point to the fact that the last three Vice-Chancellors of the institution were appointed with 5, 7, and 9 years of post-professorial experience, respectively—without any controversy or disapproval from the Ministry of Education or the Presidency.

    Education law experts emphasize that the University Miscellaneous Provisions Act (as amended) entrusts the governing council with exclusive powers to set criteria and recommend suitable candidates for the VC position.

    While the Ministry may issue advisory policies, it does not have the power to dictate terms or overrule the council’s decisions within the law.

    The new policy recently announced by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, which bars acting Vice-Chancellors from contesting for the substantive post unless they step down, has also been widely misrepresented.

    Though necessary to ensure fairness, this policy has been wrongly conflated with unrelated eligibility conditions like the 10-year rule.

    “The real issue is not policy—it is manipulation,” said a prominent Unical stakeholder. “This process should be guided by equity, merit, and transparency, not backdoor politics or propaganda. This is not politics with zoning and tribal agendas. It is all about competence”

    The University community, alumni, and concerned observers across the country are calling on the governing council to adhere to both the law and the spirit of fairness, resisting attempts to bend the rules midstream.

    In a time when Nigerian Universities need strong, visionary leadership more than ever, insiders warn that excluding qualified candidates through artificial barriers could damage both the credibility of the process and the future of the institution.

    Again this is viewed in some quarters as an attempt by some professors trying to hijack the system and hold on to the running of the University to the detriment of others, using high connections in Abuja.

    Unical, a proud second-generation university celebrating 50 years of academic service, now finds itself at crossroads.

  • Gov Umo Eno Mourns Former Eagles’ Stars

    Gov Umo Eno Mourns Former Eagles’ Stars

    Charles Bassey (left) and Christian Chukwu.

    By Anietie Akpan

    Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno,PhD, has received with regrets the news of the demise of Akwa Ibom born former national football team legends, Charles Bassey, and Skipper Christian Chukwu

    Both men passed on Saturday, April 12, 2025 in their respective cities, Eket in Akwa Ibom state and Enugu in Enugu state.

    In a message through his Chief Press Secretary, Ekerete Udoh, Governor Eno, described the passing of Charles Bassey, MON as a monumental loss to the State and Nation and also sent his deepest condolences to Bassey’s former National soccer teammate and former Coach of the Super Eagles, Christian Chukwu, who also died yesterday in Enugu.

    Governor Eno who eulogized the pioneering role of Coach Bassey and Coach Chukwu in the development of football in the country, added that their sad passing on the same day, has created a huge vacuum in the Nigerian football space.

    “Coach Bassey was  phenomenal in handling several top football clubs in the country, and played a pivotal role in talents discovery in our State, when he coached Mobil Pegasus FC and subsequently, Akwa United FC.

    “At a time when we are establishing a modern sports academy in the State, Coach Bassey’s wealth of experience would have been invaluable to our young ones.

    “I urge Coach Bassey’s family to be consoled by the indelible impact he created, and the affectionate love that bonded them while he lived.

    “I also sympathize with the family of Late Christian  “Chairman“ Chukwu,MFR, our former national team coach and former national team captain, whose leadership role in football development both on the pitch and the sideline brought so much fame to our country”, the statement added.

  • Marian Market to Have Ultramodern Structures Like New Wuse Market – Mayor

    Marian Market to Have Ultramodern Structures Like New Wuse Market – Mayor

    By Magnus Effiong

    The Mayor of Calabar, Apostle James Anam, has said he was poised to replicate the Abuja’s new Wuse market at the Marian (aka Ika Ika Oqua) and Ikot Ishie markets with ultramodern structures and transform the two markets to conform with the tourism inclination of the Cross River state government

    Apostle Anam, who spoke at the Ika Ika Oqua market in Calabar municipality shortly after the ground-breaking ceremony for the project, weekend, lamented that the shanty-like shops at the Marian market could be a harbinger for a huge inferno.

    He said, “If fire disaster should break out in one shop as it is, the entire shops in the market could end up in flame. What we intend to do is to have an ultramodern storey-building structures here and fortify it in case of any unforeseen fire outbreak and ensure the buildings are perfectly secured.

    “We will make the entire structures uniform to show beauty. My model is the new Wuse market ll. Since markets are under the purview of the local government, we intend to make the best out of this opportunity,” he stated.

    On ability to raise enough resources for the project, the Council Boss said “We know the project is capital-intensive but we should also remember the adage that says where there is a will, there is always a way. As we speak, people are coming on their own to support the project.

    “The bankers are ready, in fact, it is a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) thing. The partners will handle it to completion, run it within a period and get back their resources. We have an agreement that has not tight the Council to anything.

    “We have given our approval and the job will commence soon. Our interest is for us to have a model market to showcase Cross River state especially here in Calabar, the State capital.

    “We will replicate the same thing in Ikot Ishie market which has been in existence for 28 years, untouched. This government will touch it positively and transform it to God’s glory.”

    The Mayor of Calabar described the contractor handling the project, Okwutex MultiBiz Nigeria Ltd, as very capable, and submitted that the company would deliver within the agreed timeframe.

    In a chat, the Managing Director of the company, Mr Onwukwe Icho, said he would use the best of materials for the project which, he said, would be delivered within three months.

    “Calabar is my home because I have spent 40years already here. I will make sure the Governor and the Mayor are happy with what they will see when I deliver the project.

    “We will not disappoint the people who have this confidence in my company and let me promise here that after completion, the market will become an international market,” he stated

    PillarToday Correspondent, who monitored the event, reports that the Mayor of Calabar also used the opportunity to rename the former Old Trade Fair Road to ‘Bishop Eyoanwan Otu Road’ which he declared one-way road to traffic.

  • NFF Deeply Saddened’ by Demise of 1980 AFCON Winner, Charles Bassey

    NFF Deeply Saddened’ by Demise of 1980 AFCON Winner, Charles Bassey

    Late Charles Bassey.

    The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) says it is ‘deeply saddened’ by the death on Saturday of another member of the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations-winning Green Eagles squad, Charles Bassey. He was 71.

    A statement by the NFF Communications Department, said, Bassey died after protracted illness in his native town of Eket, Akwa Ibom State, hours after it was confirmed that the captain of that team, ‘Chairman’ Christian Chukwuemeka Chukwu, had passed on in Enugu.

    “This has been a day of double tragedy, and the NFF and the entire Nigeria football fraternity are deeply saddened by the turn of events. We lost ‘Chairman’ Chukwu earlier in the day; now, we have to mourn Charles Bassey. May God Almighty grant their souls eternal rest,” NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, said.

    Forward Charles Bassey was in the 22-man squad that became Nigeria’s first Africa Cup of Nations champions, after a 3-0 defeat of Algeria’s Fennecs at the National Stadium, Surulere on Saturday, 22nd March 1980.

    Afterwards, he coached various clubs within the country, including Calabar Rovers, home-town club Mobil Pegasus, BCC Lions of Gboko, Flash Flamingoes of Benin, Akwa United and Wikki Tourists of Bauchi.

    His death brings to nine the number of persons in that squad that have departed, following the passing on of goalkeepers Best Ogedegbe and Moses Effiong, defenders Christian Chukwu, Okechukwu Isima and Tunde Bamidele, midfielders Aloysius Atugbu and Mudashiru Lawal and forward Martins Eyo.