By Onwa Ekor, Calabar
As St. Patrick’s College Calabar (SPACO), celebrates its 90 years of existence, Cross River governor, Prince Bassey Otu, says his administration would not relent in offering the needed assistance aimed at enhancing the educational standards of the institution.
Otu gave the assurance when he received a delegation of the College Alumni association in Calabar, led by its National President, Edidem E. C. D. Abia, during a courtesy call in Calabar.
Represented by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, the governor reaffirmed his administration’s support for the association and institution in order to enhance the educational standards of the historic College which he argued, has tremendously impacted on the citizenry.
Congratulating the team for its remarkable 90th anniversary, Otu noted that the school had significantly contributed to the state’s development, admitting that some prominent members of the current administration were proud alumni of SPACO, a testament of its excellence and proficiency.
National President of the Alumni Association, who doubles as the Paramount Ruler of Eket local government area in Akwa Ibom, remarked that his team were in Calabar to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the institution having been founded by Irish missionaries in 1934.
He described the College as a trailblazer in academic and moral instruction, emphasizing that attending SPACO was a rare privilege which underscores its long-standing reputation for the nurturing of leaders.
The Calabar Branch Chairman of SPACO Alumni Association, Ntufam Asikpo Bassey, lauded the school’s legacy especially in its role in shaping leaders across various sectors, including past military administrators, Senators, Clergymen, and Ambassadors.
The event was graced by notable Patricians, including former House of Assembly member, Rt. Hon. Matthew Olory; Chairman of the State Civil Service Commission, Sir Maurice Efiwatt; some members of the State Executive Council including the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Stephen Odey; Commissioner for Establishment, Training and Pension, Mrs. Lawrencia Ita; Commissioner for Wealth Creation, Hon. Patrick Egbede; and Commissioner for Social Welfare, Bishop Margaret Ene Ita, among others.
