The Calabar Golf Club will on Friday, 22 November, host a one-day tournament in celebration of the 70th birthday of the Obong of Calabar, Treaty King and Grand Patriarch of the Efik Kingdom, His Eminence, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi V.
The Head of the Organising Team and former Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Chief Efiok Cobham, made this known to newsmen, today, at the Golf Club, Calabar.
"Today marks the Obong's 70th year on earth and there have been a lot of activities going on in celebration of the Royal Father's birthday. We his subjects, particularly, those of Efik decent, thought of how to celebrate our king now that he has become a septuagenarian, hence, the idea of celebrating him through sport – with the one-day golf tourney," Mr. Cobham revealed.
The former Deputy Governor expressed elation at the spontaneous reception that greeted the idea and members' determination to sustain the tournament and making it an annual event.
"This one-day tournament would serve a lot of purposes. It will bring publicity to us as a club and our Monarch; and also introduce the Royal Father to a high net worth sport, as well as trigger the public's consciousness to embrace the sport otherwise known as the gentleman's game," Mr. Cobham further stated.
Also speaking, the Captain of the Calabar Golf Club, AVM Eko Osim, said as the traditional head of the people, the Obong deserves to be honoured with a game of golf for achieving three scores and ten, an uncommon milestone in the human life.
AVM Osim thanked the Almighty God for keeping Edidem Abasi V in good health for the continued service to people.
"We are using this as part of our effort to honour the Royal Father, entertain his subjects, and, of course, socialize with his friends," the Captain added.
He intimated that by virtue of the Obong's status, he will soon be inducted as patron of the Calabar Golf Club, a game which would further improve his his health, while urging members of the public to turnout en masse for a glimpse of the tournament.
Another member of the organising committee, Mr. Orok Eyo Enobong, revealed that the Royal Father will tee-off the tournament that is expected to have about 50 golfers across the State.
Mr. Enobong added that they will be prize presentation in seven categories amidst the razzmatazz in honour of the Royal Father.
