Calabar,Nigeria

[estyc]

Calabar has been known to European sailors as far back as the 15th century and was recognised as an international sea port since the 16th century. Calabar was a major slave trade port from the late 17th to 19th centuries. Though lacking the impressive forts found in Ghana and Senegal, Calabar sits in the Bight of Biafra, a region from where approximately 25-30% of Africans transported to the new world as slaves left Africa. This percentage represents the largest single point of exit.

The city once served as the seat of Government of the Niger Coast Protectorate, Southern Protectorate and Oil River Protectorate (effectively the headquarters of modern day Nigeria). Due to her early role in international trade and colonial administration, Calabar hosts the earliest Military barracks, the first presbyterian church (Church of Scotland Mission) in 1846, the first monorail and the first modern road network in Nigeria. The city also boasts of the first public (General) Hospital in Nigeria – St. Margaret Hospital, the oldest post office and one of the first two botanical gardens in the country.

Prominent figures in the history of Calabar include King Archibong III - the first king in southern Nigeria to be crowned with regalia sent by Queen Victoria of England in 1878. Others include Eyo Ita, the first Nigerian Professor; Louis Edet, First Nigerian Inspector General of Police; Margaret Ekpo, first woman special member in Nigeria's Eastern House of Chiefs and later Eastern House of Assembly; Hogan Kid Bassey, first Nigeria's World Boxing Champion; and Etubom Oyo Orok Oyo, premier football administrator, first and only Nigerian so far to be elected into Executive Committee of FIFA (1980 – 1988) and the first African to be made an Honorary Vice President of Confederation of African Football (CAF) (from 1988 for life).

[estyc]

As a social centre the city boasts of the first social club in Nigeria – The Africa Club – and also hosted the first competitive football, cricket and field hockey games in Nigeria. Among the city's firsts include the first Roman Catholic Mass (held at 19 Boco Street, Calabar - 1903) and the oldest secondary school (Hope Waddell Training Institute - 1895) in eastern Nigeria. The School later produced the first President of Nigeria, Nnamdi Azikiwe.

The city boasts of an International Museum, a Botanical Garden, a Free Trade Zone/Port, an International Airport and Seaport, an integrated sports stadium complex, a cultural centre, one of the most prominent universities in the country[citation needed] the University of Calabar, a slave history park and several historical and cultural landmarks. It also boasts of several standard hotels, resorts and amusement parks. The former Liberian warlord Charles Taylor lived in the old colonial palace in the city under an agreement which led to the end of his country's civil war before fleeing extradition to Liberia in March 2006.It also plays host to TINAPA, one of the most recognised tourist centers.

The Cross River State Annual Christmas Festival held every year attracts thousands within and beyond Nigeria. The Festival which include music performance from both local and international artists, the annual Calabar carnival, Boat regatta, Fashion shows, Christmas Village, traditional dances and the annual Ekpe Festival is a yearly events that bring in thousands of tourists at the time of the year. The official website of the Cross River Fesival www.crossriverfestival.com has more information on the upcoming 2007 Christmas Festival in Cross river State.