By Kelvin Obambon
Founded in 1895, the Hope Waddel Training Institution, Calabar, is unarguably one of the foremost and oldest secondary schools in Nigeria that has trained and nurtured very eminent and distinguished personalities who at different times contributed immensely to national development.
Hope Waddel Training Institution Calabar, according to Sir Toni Ikpeme, Chairman of the 130th Anniversary planning committee, has played a significant role in sports development. He noted that football in Nigeria was first played in Hope Waddel, the same way as golf.
Sir Ikpeme who spoke during a press conference in Calabar on Monday, also mentioned that the Institution played a part in the Civil War as it was the staging ground for the Nigerian Navy.
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Additionally, Most Rev. Daniel Etim said that Hope Waddel Press was the first printing press in Nigeria. He said the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria is fully involved in the anniversary celebration as the school is deeply rooted in Christian moral values.
Etim who stood in for the Moderator of the General Assembly of the PCN, Most Rev. (Dr.) Ekpenyong Akpanika, averred that Hope Waddel Training Institution is a product of the gospel. He described the school as an agent of spiritual, intellectual and entrepreneurial development of individuals which symbolizes its name.
The 130th Anniversary Celebration is themed, “A Glorious Heritage Inspiring the Future.”
