By: Vitalis Ugoh, Calabar
Over three hundred students of Hope Waddell Training Institution Class of 1974 joined others to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of their late Principal Efiong Ukpong Aye by immortilising him at Assembly ground.
Late Principal Aye was a great disciplinarian. It was a celebration of 50 years of excellence enduring values and friendship.
The event which took place at the Hope Waddell Training Institution Calabar, Cross River State saw the unveiling of the National Secondary school cricket Championship Trophy on Saturday after unveiling of the statue of the former Principal on Friday and a Thanksgiving Service on Sunday at the PCN Hope Waddell Parish.
After unveiling of Iconic Project, Professor Emmanuel Attoe, Global Coordinator Hope Waddell Class of 1974, said as part of our mid – century gathering we decided to honour Elder Efiong Ukpong Aye, a most respected member of Hope Waddell establishment whose influence, achievement and contributions to the institution were imminent and well established.
Also speaking a member of the Class of 1974, Hilliard Eta ex-Acting National Chairman of APC said “today, we have gathered to remind ourselves of the journey we embarked upon for academic pursuit and quest for golden opportunities that seized our thoughts and desire to excel and become responsible adults”.
“We started that journey as young boys with stout self beliefs and raw ambitious to be part of a great experience in 1974”.
Earlier, Mr the National President Hope Waddell Old Students Association Barr. Efiota Ephraim said the Global Class of 1974 has emerged as a Class of the Mother of the branch but has noticed upcoming achievement within the four years formation. A key milestone is the renovation and refurbishment of the Hope Waddell Training Library the project which has successfully been completed.
Represented by Elder Bassey Etim President Hope Waddell Old Students Association Calabar branch said the Class also embarked on the repainting of the exterior of the Hope Waddell Library complex to enhance the overall esthetics and impact the building following the new look and feel of the renovated library.
Principal of the School Mr Okon Ita said “we are blessed to have teachers and administrators that demanded more than average performance. We endured a life regimentation that steadied our moral Compass as it exacted discipline and obedient to constituted authority.
