By: Florence Kanu, Calabar
The first ever institution to be established in the Eastern Nigeria in 1895 in Calabar, the Hope Waddell Training Institution has kick started her one week event
to celebrate the 130 Anniversary.
The opening event was held in the Hope Waddell Assembly Hall in Calabar.
Speaking at a world press conference to commence the opening ceremony, the National President of Hope Waddell Old Boys’ Association, Mr. Efio Ita Ephraim, pointed out that the celebration was first of all to thank God for taking them this far and to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the institution to the public.
Ephraim who revealed
the theme for the celebration as “Hope Waddell Training Institution, as a “Glorious Heritage Inspiring the Future” also said the institution was the fifth to be established in Nigeria.
The President while giving a run-down of the activities further explained that the Association had also established a Legacy Trust Fund which goes for One
Billion Naira (1,000,000,000.00) only.
According to him, the fund will be used to sponsor indigent and brilliant students for WAEC and JAMB examinations so that they can further their studies into higher institution.
The President also disclosed that the fund will also assist the Old Boys’ Association in handling other projects and infrastructural facilities in the institution.
Speaking also at the ceremony, the Prelate of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria Dr. Ekpenyong Akpanika informed media men that the disputed land between Hope Waddell and former state governor, Prof. Ben Ayade
had been settled.
The Prelate represented by Most Rev. Daniel Etim, who stated this also at the briefing said the land had historical significance as the former residence of the Inspector General of Police, adding that the land was not only between governor Ayade and the Church, but it also involved the Old Students’ Association.
According to him, the old student and the Church opposed the acquisition, pointing out that the matter had since been resolved and Certificate of
Occupancy issued.
High point was the unveiling of the Mascots with an inscription “Hope forever”.
