Calabar, Cross River State – Governor Bassey Otu, on Friday, welcomed a delegation from the St. Patrick’s College, Calabar (SPACO) Alumni Association, led by its National President, HRM Edidem E. C. D. Abia, at the Glass House in Calabar.
Represented by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, PhD, the Governor reaffirmed the government’s support for the association’s efforts to enhance educational standards at the historic institution.
Dr Odey congratulated SPACO on its remarkable 90th anniversary, noting the school’s significant contribution to the state’s development. He highlighted that many prominent members of the current administration are proud alumni of SPACO, a testament to its legacy of excellence.
In his remarks, the National President of the SPACO Alumni Association, who also serves as the Paramount Ruler of Eket Local Government Area in Akwa Ibom State, HRM Edidem E.C.D Abia FCA celebrated the school’s founding by Irish missionaries in 1934. He described St. Patrick’s College as a trailblazer in academic and moral instruction, once rivalling prestigious institutions like King’s College, Lagos. He emphasised that attending SPACO was a rare privilege, underscoring its long-standing reputation for nurturing leaders.
The Calabar Branch Chairman of the SPACO Alumni Association, Ntufam Asikpo Bassey, ESV, further lauded the school’s legacy, highlighting its role in shaping distinguished 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, Members of the State Executive Council, such as the Commissioner for Education, Sen. Dr Steven Odey, Commissioner for Establishment, Training and Pension, Eti Eka, Mrs Lawrencia Ita, Commissioner for Wealth Creation, Hon. Patrick Egbede, Commissioner for Social Welfare, Bishop Mrs Margaret Ene Ita, among others, were also present at the occasion.
