ST. Patrick's College Rolls Out Drums at 90
Ndifereke BASSEY
AS St. Patrick's college, Ikot Ansa, Calabar clocks 90 this year, arrangements have been concluded to roll out drums to celebrate the epoch making event.
Recall that College was established in 1934 by the Catholic Missionaries led by Monsignor.James Moynagh as he then was. The aim was to cater for Catholic pupils who graduated from Catholic Primary Schools within the catchment area.
Over the years, the College has grown in terms of physical structures and student population.
Currently,the College has a student population in excess of 700 made up of both boarders and day students.
During the Nigerian Civil War the College facilities served as Barracks to both the Biafran and Nigerian Soldiers which led to the destruction of existing facilities and infrastructure at the time.
When Calabar was liberated by the federal troops in 1968, the College had to operate from both Sacred Heart and Convent Primary Schools until 1970 when it moved back to its permanent site at Ikot Ansa.
The College has come a long way.90 years is not cheap and to celebrate this great milestone, the Alumni Association at its National Executive Committee meeting held in November 2023 resolved the event be celebrated in Calabar on the 15th and 16th November, 2024.
In a statement made available to TEH BEAGLE NEWS, the chairman of Planning Committee, Ntufam (ESV) Asikpo E. Bassey, PHF, said tma good number of activities have been lined up for the two dau-event.
Bassey said some of the activities include courtesy calls on His Excellency, Governor of Cross River State, Sen.Prince Bassey E.Otu, the Traditional Ruler of the host community, Ikot Ansa; His Eminence,the Obong of Calabar, unveiling of 90th Anniversary Magazine; and Social Evening.
According to him, activities for day two include 90th Anniversary Mass at St.Patrick's Parish at 10: 00am; unveiling of 90th Anniversary Logo; lecture on Research Findings on the efficacy of Medicinal Plants and herbs; cultural dance and performance by students of the college and 90th Anniversary Dinner/Awards and best wishes
He maintained that the College has produced great men and women who occupied commanding heights in almost all fields of human endeavour nationally and internationally.
Some of the personalities include the former Speaker of the House of Representatives in the Second Republic-Chief.Edwin Ume-Ezeoke; Brigadier-General Dan P.Archibong-Military Governor of Cross River State; Obong.Victor Attah, democratically elected Governor of Akwa Ibom State; Group Captain Patrick Ugbana, Acting Military Governor of Lagos State, High Chief Dr . Emmanuel Nsan, Minister of Health and later Minister of Works, Obong Umana Umana,Minister of Niger Delta Affairs and Chief Francis Archibong, Secretary to Government of South Eastern State.
Others are Chief Arthur Mbanefo- Nigeria's Permanent Representative at the United Nations, Senator Francis Ellah- the first Senator to resign from the Senate on principle, Senator Bassey Albert-Represented Akwa Ibom State in the Senate, Senator Magnus Abe-Represented Rivers State in the Senate, Dr.Thomas John-Group MD/CEO NNPC and Mr.Ekpenyong E.Ita-Director General,DSS.
