Baskadia

By ETTAH EMMANUEL O. On September 2, 2024, a significant milestone in Cross River State’s Ministry of sports development unfolded as His Excellency, Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu, the Executive Governor, was represented by Hon. Agnes Atsu, the Commissioner for Sports Development, for the inauguration of the newly constituted management team of Rovers FC of Calabar. The ceremony took place at the U.J. Esuene Stadium, Calabar.

The newly appointed Rovers FC Mgt Committee includes: 1. Mr. Etim Okon - Chairman 2. Mr. Etta Egbe- Vice Chairman 3. Mr. Edem ESO Oyo - Team Manager 4. Mr. Archibong Udoh - Welfare Officer I 5. Mr. Eke Ekanem - Welfare Officer II 6. Mr. Edem Ephraim - Scouting Mgr 7. Mr. Apah Mike - Member 8. Mr. Success Ani - Member 9. Mr. Etta Ekong Eta - Member 10. Mr. Bassey Effiom Ekpe - Member 11. Mr. Jimmy Bisong Okotu - Secretary 12. Barr. Emmanuel Cobham - Legal Adviser 13. Mr. Vincent Ugorjah - Member

The event was attended by key figures including Mr. Ekpenyong Ekanem, SSA Sports Development; Mr. Lawrence Eta, Senior Special Assistant on Sports Development; Mr. Samuel Egbara, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Sports Development; Mr. Moses Agbor, Director of Sports, Cross River State Sports Development; members of the Cross River State Football Association; and various staff members.

During the inauguration, The Representative of the governor Hon. Agnes Atsu urged the new management team to devise effective strategies to restore Rovers FC’s former glory and to aim for qualification into the Nigeria Premier League. Stakeholders emphasized the need for dedication and innovative approaches to rebrand the team and elevate its performance.

In his acceptance speech, Mr. Etim Okon, the Chairman of the newly inaugurated committee, expressed gratitude to the Governor for the opportunity to lead and pledged to work collaboratively to revitalize Rovers FC, aiming to restore its prestige and competitive edge. The appointment of this new management team marks a crucial step toward rejuvenating Rovers FC and reasserting the team’s prominence in Nigerian football.