The Calabar Crystal Lions Club of District 404A2, Nigeria, is pleased to announce the installation of Lion Emmanuel Duke as the new President of the club. The installation ceremony will take place on Friday, November 22, 2024, at The Tent, Municipal Garden, Marian, Calabar. This event marks a significant moment in the history of the club as Lion Emmanuel steps into his role as President for the year 2024/25.
Lion Emmanuel Duke was born on September 24, 1990, into the royal family of HH Late Chief Godwin E. O. Duke, Village Head of Urua Ikot King Duke in Calabar South, and Ifiang King Duke in Akpabuyo, Cross River State. He is the youngest child of his late mother, Mrs. Margaret Duke (née Bassey Edem), from the Eto Mkpe Archibong Edem family of the Ishie Clan in Calabar Municipality. Growing up in a family deeply committed to service, Emmanuel has carried forward this legacy with a passion for community work and leadership
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Emmanuel’s educational journey began at Madonna Montessori Nursery School in Calabar, where he earned his First School Leaving Certificate. He continued his studies at De-Wis College, Calabar, before moving to the prestigious St. Patrick’s College, Ikot Ansa, where he excelled in his SSCE. Emmanuel later pursued a Bachelor of Science Degree in Environmental Science at the University of Calabar.
Emmanuel’s commitment to service began at a young age, inspired by his parents’ teachings of generosity and community spirit. In 2009, he joined the Akpabuyo Island Leo Club, where he rose through the ranks, eventually serving as Vice President in 2013. He went on to become the Charter President of the Calabar Crystal Leo Club before transferring his membership to the Calabar Crystal Lions Club in 2018. Since then, Emmanuel has served in various leadership roles, including Leo Secretary (2011/12), Leo President (2013/14), Leo District Secretary (2014/15), Leo District Chief of Protocol (2015/16), Lions Club Secretary (2019-2022), Lions Region Secretary (2019/20), Deputy District Chief of Protocol (2021/22), RLLI Institute Administrator (2021/22), Vice President I (2022/23), and Vice President II (2023/24).
Lion Emmanuel Duke’s outstanding service has earned him numerous prestigious awards, including the Top 25 Leo District Award (2010), Leo of the Year Award (2010), Leo Award of Honor (2012), Best District Officer Award (2015), Best Leo District Committee Chairperson (2018), Lion President Appreciation Award (2020), Lions District Governor Appreciation Medal (2020), and District Governor Appreciation Awards in 2021 and 2022. In addition, he received the International President Appreciation Award in 2022 and the District Service Award in 2022. These accolades reflect Emmanuel’s dedication to advancing the Lions International mission and his consistent efforts to make a positive impact in his community.
The installation ceremony will mark a new chapter in the leadership of the Calabar Crystal Lions Club, and the club is excited to continue its work under Emmanuel’s leadership. The event will gather Lions members, community leaders, and supporters, all of whom will come together to celebrate Emmanuel’s accomplishments and the future of the club. The ceremony promises to be an inspiring occasion as Emmanuel embarks on his tenure as President.
Lions International is a global service organization dedicated to meeting the needs of local communities through volunteer service. Guided by the principle “We Serve,” Lions members worldwide address critical needs, including health, education, and environmental sustainability, making a profound impact in communities.
