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Old Students of Hope Waddell Training Institution, one of Nigeria’s oldest institutions, have elected a 10-man executive council to run the affairs of its Calabar Branch in Cross River State.
The new executives of the Hope Waddell Old Students Association (HWOSA), Calabar branch were inaugurated with Barrister David Edem emerging as President for a 3-year term.
In his acceptance speech, Edem pledged to give Hope Waddell “a special status in the scheme of things” and to partner with the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, the school management and other stakeholders to drive infrastructure development.
“We will carry all old students along. My administration will embark on a serious and deliberate membership evangelism drive to draw more old students into the branch,” Edem said.
The new executive team also includes Mr. Godwin Archibong as vice president, Mr. Harris Edet as secretary, Mr. Effiom Ata as assistant secretary, and Mr. Henry Coco-Bassey as financial secretary.
Others are Mr. Akiba Eyo, treasurer; Mbora Eteta Ita, welfare I; Mr. Kufre Eka Idem, welfare II; Mr. Daniel Ukpata, public relations officer; and Mr. Aka Eyo, provost.
Outgoing President, Bassey Etim, urged members to give the new leadership “maximum and overwhelming support,” expressing optimism that the new president would “turn around the fortunes of the institution.”
Special Adviser to the Cross River State Governor on General Duties, Barrister Ekpenyong Akiba, described the election as “credible, transparent, free and fair.” He said Edem was a competent leader who would build “a strong, united and indivisible front” for the benefit of all old students.
The swearing-in ceremony was conducted by Barrister Volunteer Itam. Founded in 1895, and named after a medical missionary, Rev. Hope Waddell, the institution recently marked its 131st anniversary with the launch of a Museum and Hall of Fame to honor its outstanding alumni.
Through its branch associations across the world and in partnership with national leaders, HWOSA members have, over the last century, preserved the school’s unique history and given back to their alma mater and society.
