Hope Waddell, Ex-Gov Ayade Settle Land Dispute, Launch 1bn Endowment Fund

By Detailing News

The longstanding land dispute between the Presbyterian Church’s Hope Waddell Training Institution and the immediate past Governor of Cross River State, Prof. Ben Ayade, has been amicably resolved, paving the way for renewed development at the historic institution.

The Prelate of the Presbyterian Church, Dr. Ekpenyong Akpanika, represented by Most Rev. Daniel Etim, disclosed this at a press conference in Calabar on Monday. The briefing marked the commencement of activities for the 130th anniversary celebration of Hope Waddell Training Institution, which was established in 1895.

According to him, the dispute was not solely between the Church and the former governor but also involved the institution’s Old Students Association. He explained that the contested land had historical significance as the former residence of the Inspector-General of Police.

“The land issue was not just between Governor Ayade and the Church; it also involved the Old Students Association. Calabar, beyond hosting our school, was once the first capital of Nigeria,” he stated.

“The former students and the Church opposed the acquisition. However, the matter has been resolved satisfactorily, leading to the formal issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy by the State Government. There is no longer any conflict between the Church, the Old Boys Association, and the former governor,” he added.

In a bid to reposition Hope Waddell Training Institution for greater impact, the National President of the Hope Waddell Old Boys Association (HWOSA), Barr. Efio-Ita Ephraim, announced plans to launch a ₦1 billion endowment fund as part of the anniversary celebration. The institution will also unveil a Hall of Fame and a 500-capacity arena at the site where football was first played in Nigeria—a historic milestone in the nation’s sporting history.

Speaking on the lineup of activities for the anniversary, Chairman of the Planning Committee, Sir Toni Ikpeme, revealed that a state-of-the-art ICT centre would be commissioned to serve as a Computer-Based Testing (CBT) facility for JAMB and WAEC examinations. Other highlights include a golf tournament at the Calabar Golf Course to raise funds for the Endowment Trust Fund, the Hope Waddell Bikers Carnival featuring a brass band, Boys Brigade parade, and DJ Skylion leading a ride along designated routes, as well as a novelty football match among selected teams.

The event will also witness the inauguration of the Hope Waddell Memorabilia Museum, which will showcase trophies and historical artifacts won over the years, alongside charity visits to orphanage homes. With the theme “A Glorious Heritage, Inspiring the Future,” the 130th-anniversary celebration of Hope Waddell Training Institution is set to reinforce the school's legacy while charting a new course for its future development.

Comments

BREAKING NEWS: Youths of Ikot Ansa Nab Vandals Destroying Public Utilities, Hand Over to Authorities for Prosecution

In a combined effort to curb the rampant vandalism of public utilities in Cross River State, the youth leader of Ikot Ansa, Prince, Victor Otu Iso JR, alongside his community, successfully apprehended criminals involved in the destruction of vital public infrastructure. The vandals were caught red-handed this morning, 13th day of September 2024, as they attempted to steal Amor cables belonging to state transformers at Ekpo Iso. Acting swiftly, the youth leader invited the Special Adviser on Public Utilities, Engr. Dr. Jerome Egbe KSM, and his counterpart on General Duties, Barr. Ekpenyong Akiba, to the scene. The Special Advisers arrived promptly, accompanied by operatives of the Nigerian Police Force from the Federal Division, and took custody of the criminals. The suspects have since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for further interrogation and prosecution. While addressing the youths of Ikot Ansa, Engr. Dr. Egbe and Barr. Akiba commended t...

Chevron Opens Employment Portal for New Applicants

Chevron, a leading multinational energy corporation, has officially launched its employment portal, inviting qualified applicants from across the country to apply for various job openings. This move is part of the company’s ongoing commitment to create job opportunities and invest in local talent. According to Converseer , the open portal provides opportunities in various fields, including engineering, project management, finance, human resources, and operations. Candidates are encouraged to apply online by visiting the official Chevron employment portal, where they can submit their applications, upload relevant documents, and monitor the status of their submissions. Chevron’s initiative comes at a time when job creation is a top priority for both private and public sectors, aiming to reduce unemployment rates in the country. The company is looking for candidates who are innovative, team-oriented, and committed to achieving excellence in their respective fields. Interested applic...

Mass Communication Alumni: Class of 2006-2010, Donate Public Address System, Lecterns to Unicross Mass Communication Department

The Cross River University of Technology (CRUTECH) Mass Communication Alumni, Class of 2006-2010, have donated a Public Address System and two lecterns to the Department of Mass Communication. This philanthropic act underscores the alumni’s dedication to enhancing educational resources and supporting the development of the institution that played a pivotal role in their formative years. The donation ceremony took place on Monday, July 29, 2024, at the office of the Head of the Department of Mass Communication. During the event, Mr. Usani Ebri Omini, President of the 2006-2010 Alumni Association, expressed the collective sentiment of his peers. "Our time in the department was transformative, and although we lost some colleagues along the way, those experiences shaped who we are today," he said. "We are a young association, but today marks the beginning of our journey to give back. We are committed to supporting the Mass Communication Department continuously." Mr. O...

Detailing News

Search This Blog