Hope Waddell inducts alumnus into Hall of Fame

From Aniekan Aniekan, Calabar

The Hope Waddell Old Students Association has inaugurated its Hall of Fame and Museum in Calabar, Cross River State, with the induction of 60 distinguished alumni.

The ceremony took place in the premier building, a national monument originally shipped from Europe in 1894 and the deserving old students were drawn from a pool of over 160 nominees across the world.

Speaking at the ceremony, the National President of the association, Ekpo Ekpenyong Akiba, described the occasion as a defining moment in the history of the institution.

He noted that the initiative was designed to honour outstanding alumni and safeguard the legacy of the school.

“This occasion marks a significant milestone in the life of our great association. It is a moment to honour excellence, celebrate distinction, and ensure the enduring legacy of those who have brought honour to our alma mater.

“The Hall of Fame and Museum is not merely symbolic; it is strategic. It is a deliberate effort to preserve our heritage, document our achievements, and inspire future generations to uphold the values that define us”, he said.

Akiba charged the inductees to see the honour as a call to greater service, mentorship, and continued excellence, stressing that younger generations were looking up to them for guidance and inspiration.

Chairman of the Hall of Fame and Museum Committee, Ekpe Essien, said the project was conceived as a repository of the institution’s rich history and a platform to immortalise individuals who have made significant contributions to society.

Essien added that the induction signified a strong commitment by the association to recognising merit and sustaining its culture of excellence.

The Hall of Fame and Museum he said would be housed in the oldest building in the institution erected in 1894 and is now a national monument.

Chairman of the Cross River State Internal Revenue Service, Edwin Okon, lauded the initiative, describing it as a step in the right direction towards preserving history and motivating younger generations.

He said the Hall of Fame would remain a “living institution” that would continue to evolve, documenting the growing impact of Hope Waddell alumni globally and serving as a bridge between the past, present, and future of the school.