Excitement is building ahead of the much anticipated novelty football match between the Old Boys of Cardinal Ekandem Seminary, Uyo, and their counterparts from Queen of Apostles Seminary, Afaha Obong, scheduled for tomorrow, Saturday, July 25.
The friendly encounter is one of the major activities lined up to kick off the Golden Jubilee celebration of Cardinal Ekandem Seminary, which marks 50 years of faith, formation and excellence since its establishment in 1976.
The match, billed for 3:00 p.m. at the Cardinal Ekandem Seminary Football Field, is expected to reunite alumni from both institutions in an atmosphere of friendship, sportsmanship and nostalgia, while celebrating their shared heritage and enduring bonds.
Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Mr Lawrence Mfon Essien, said the novelty match forms part of efforts to make the Golden Jubilee celebration inclusive and memorable for alumni, friends and supporters of the seminary.
He urged members of the public, football enthusiasts, old boys, families and well wishers to attend the event, noting that admission is free and open to everyone.
“The novelty match is not just about football. It is an opportunity to reconnect, celebrate our rich heritage and unite in support of the seminary as it marks this historic milestone. We invite everyone to come and be part of the celebration,” he said.
Activities marking the Golden Jubilee will continue on Sunday, July 26, with a Thanksgiving Holy Mass, fundraising for the Jubilee legacy project, symbolic tree planting by alumni from different graduating classes, the groundbreaking ceremony for the proposed ICT and Computer Based Test Centre, and the unveiling of the Golden Jubilee Memorial Plaque.
The Golden Jubilee celebration is expected to attract clergy, alumni, benefactors, friends of the seminary and other distinguished guests from across Nigeria.
