By Sylvia Akpan, Government House Correspondent
The Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu, has committed to supporting the 130th anniversary of the Hope Waddell Training Institution in Calabar, Nigeria’s oldest educational institution, established in 1895.
Governor Otu announced this through his Chief Press Secretary, NSA Gill, during a meeting with the executives of the Hope Waddell Institution’s Old Students’ Association, led by Efio-Ita Ephraim Esquire.
He praised the association’s numerous projects and initiatives and promised that his administration would send a delegation to evaluate these projects to determine the best areas for state government intervention.
Governor Otu acknowledged the significant role the institution plays in Nigeria’s educational history and emphasized his administration’s commitment to enhancing education, empowerment, and healthcare in the state.
He also commended the Association for launching a one billion Naira endowment fund aimed at improving the school’s management and development.
Additionally, Governor Otu agreed to include the Hope Waddell Old Students’ 5km Mini-Marathon event in the annual Calabar Carnival and Festival calendar, highlighting its potential to boost tourism in the state.
Otu also supported the Association’s efforts to have a field at Hope Waddell Institution, the site of Nigeria’s first football game, recognized as a national monument by the federal government.
Efio-Ita Ephraim, Esq., the National President of the Hope Waddell Old Students Association, praised Governor Otu for his successful first year in office.
He noted that the governor’s leadership and vision are already producing positive changes in the state and expressed confidence in further achievements under his stewardship.
Ephraim emphasized the historic significance and academic excellence of Hope Waddell Training Institution, founded by the Scottish mission (now the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria).
He acknowledged the current challenges faced by the church management in funding the school’s infrastructural and academic needs and thanked the governor for his support and audience.
The President invited Governor Otu to participate in the 130th-anniversary celebration in March 2025 and highlighted the association’s success in restoring the Premier Building, one of Nigeria’s oldest prefabricated storey buildings.