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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.

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