- As Gov’s wife hosts Queen’s Cup finals for female players
- Plans empowerment for young girls
BY UBON EKANEM, CALABAR – The Cross River State Government (CRSG) has approved the renovation of the U J Esuene Stadium in Calabar with special emphasis on giving the State box podium a facelift
The 16,000 capacity multi-purpose stadium, which was opened in 1977, has over the years enjoyed further upgrade to include an ultra-modern electronic video-matrix scoreboard, with impressive floodlights to host sporting events in the night
Chairman of the State sports Commission, Mr Lawrence Ettah, who announced this cheering news while chatting with Sports Writers in Calabar, said the refurbishing project is meant to modernize facilities at the state box to cater for VIPs and corporate hosting, as well as premium fans’ experiences during sporting competitions, especially football matches.
Ettah further disclosed that the government has increased the monthly subvention for Pelican Stars Football Club of Calabar from N5 million Naira to N15 million Naira as part of its reviewed welfare package to encourage the smooth management of the State’s female team.
The Sports Commission Chairman also said that added to the State government’s kind gesture towards the Pelican Stars, the Cross River First Lady, Her Excellency, Bishop Dr Eyoanwan Otu is planning to mark her birthday by hosting the Queen’s Cup competition for female athletes drawn from local government areas across the State.
According to him, the Governor’s wife is particular about girl-child development, adding that the Queen’s Cup tournament is part of her philanthropic initiative to foster the empowerment and advancement of young girls in Cross River.
