Iconic Hope Waddel Building Wears New Look As NGO Completes Restoration Phase 

By Edem ITA 

A Non Governmental Organisation known as Foundation for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage in Nigeria has completed the first phase of renovation work geared towards restoring the eroded architectural aesthetics of the iconic structure.

The historical edifice is a one story building built in 1894 serving as ancient educational structure erected by the missionaries in Nigeria.

The restoration process according to the NGO entails taking the building back to when it was first assembled using indigenous wood from Cross River.

Addressing the media in Calabar, Programme Director of FOPCHEN, Professor Bekeh Ukelina stated that;"Our team has worked really hard to deliver the product that you see here in spite of the several months of severe currency crunch the country went through. We could not have achieved what you see here without Gerda Henkel's support, our team of expert architects and the dedicated carpenter."

He explained that the restoration works at the premier structure were meant to restore the original concept after years of tears and wear due to age.

Speaking, the lead heritage architect, Dr Tokie Laotan-Brown revealed that"By assessing the Premier building, we carefully observed, surveyed and documented It. We identified six damage topologies indicating a vulnerable structural state with a significant risk of collapse.

The restoration process according to the NGO entails taking the building back to when it was first assembled using indigenous wood from Cross River.

He assured that with the new development, the building is fully secured with no risks of collapse.

The restoration of the iconic building, erected in 1894 was facilitated with grants from Gerda Henkel Stiftung as announced by FOPCHEN last year during the commemoration of International Day of Monuments and Sites