Prominent alumni of Cardinal Ekandem Seminary, Uyo, including the Akwa Ibom State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Stephen Ntukekpo; Chairman of Etinan Local Government Area, Uko Umoh; and the Member representing Okobo State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon. Pius Bassey, joined other old boys, clerics and guests to celebrate the institution’s 50th anniversary.
The golden jubilee celebration, which climaxed on Saturday, July 26, at the seminary grounds in Uyo, began a day earlier with a road show and a novelty football match between the seminary’s Old Boys Association and Queen of Apostles Seminary, Afaha Obong, Abak.
Activities marking the anniversary included a Pontifical Holy Mass, tree planting, the unveiling of the 50th anniversary plaque, and the foundation laying ceremony for a proposed Computer Based Test (CBT) Centre.
Speaking during the celebration, Ntukekpo, Umoh and Bassey reflected on their years at Cardinal Ekandem Seminary, describing the institution as the foundation of their moral, spiritual and leadership development.
They paid glowing tributes to their parents and mentors for enrolling them in the seminary, noting that the values instilled into them as students, shaped them into responsible members of society.
Chairman of the anniversary planning committee, Mr. Mfon Essien, expressed appreciation to the Catholic Bishop of Uyo Diocese, former Rectors, the current Rector, alumni, the Parents Teachers Association (PTA), staff and students for their collective commitment to preserving the institution’s legacy over the past five decades.
He also paid tribute to the late Dominic Cardinal Ekandem, after whom the seminary is named; the late Archbishop Emeritus of Calabar, Most Rev. Brian David Usanga; and Archbishop of Calabar, Most Rev. Joseph Ekuwem, for their contributions to the growth and development of the institution.
Delivering the homily, the Catholic Bishop of Uyo Diocese, Most Rev. John Ayah, urged students to remain humble, disciplined and steadfast in living out the teachings of the Church and the seminary.
He took his exhortation from 1 Kings 3:5, 7–12, Romans 8:28–30 and Matthew 13:44–52, and encouraged them to pursue wisdom above worldly possessions and remain faithful to their vocation.
Bishop Ayah was represented at the Mass by the Vicar General of the Diocese, Very Rev. Fr. Donatus Udoette.
The celebration attracted members of the Parents Teachers Association, former rectors including Very Rev. Fr. Leo Etim, Very Rev. Fr. Michael Idobo and Very Rev. Fr. Ephraim Asangasung, the current Rector, Very Rev. Fr. Ephraim Ukpe, priests, religious, alumni and well wishers from across the country.
