By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Calabar
The Managing Director of the Cross River Basin Development Authority (CRBDA), Mrs. Glory Ekpo-Oho, has challenged graduating students of the authority’s secondary school to remain focused and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s development, describing them as the country’s future engineers, doctors, architects and other professionals.
Speaking at the 2026 graduation and prize-giving ceremony of CRBDA Secondary School, Calabar, on Tuesday, Ekpo-Oho congratulated the 57 graduating students and expressed confidence in their ability to excel in higher institutions and beyond.
She said the school had consistently maintained high academic standards, noting that it ranks among the best secondary schools in Nigeria.
According to her, the institution’s impressive academic record was demonstrated in the recent Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), where one of its female students emerged among the country’s top scorers.
She commended the school’s management, principal and academic staff for sustaining quality education and urged them to continue raising the bar in the interest of the students and national development.
Chairman of the occasion, Princess Maria Oben, urged the graduands to uphold the fear of God, hard work and integrity as they advance in life.
She advised them to protect the reputation of their families and alma mater by shunning negative influences, while commending teachers and parents for their sacrifices in nurturing responsible and disciplined young people.
In an address delivered on behalf of the Principal, Lady Florence Odok, the Vice Principal, Mrs. Itoro Williams, she described the ceremony as a celebration of the school’s 12-year journey of academic excellence and the unveiling of its maiden yearbook.
Odok said the secondary school, established in 2014 as an extension of the authority’s nursery and primary school, has grown into a centre of excellence through sustained investment in quality facilities, discipline and academic development.
She paid tribute to the pioneer consultant of the schools, Lady Josephine U. Ogar, for laying the foundation for the institution, and commended the current education consultant, Mrs. Glory Ntuk, for ensuring high standards and quality assurance.
She also applauded members of staff for their dedication and parents for their unwavering partnership over the years, describing the combined efforts of the home and the school as the foundation of the institution’s success.
Addressing the graduating students, she urged them to serve as worthy ambassadors of the school by remaining disciplined, God-fearing and focused, adding that their achievements would continue to inspire younger students.
Highlight of the ceremony was the unveiling and launch of the maiden CRBDA Secondary School Yearbook. Mrs Mbereobong Blessing Sammy was editor of the year book. The education consultant, Mrs Glory Ntuk initiated and supervised the production. The year book is meant to document the institution’s achievements and milestones over the past 12 years.
Master Ekong Benedict Moses delivered the valedictory speech on behalf of the graduating class, while outstanding students in various academic categories, as well as teaching and non-teaching staff, received awards for excellence.
The event attracted top officials of the Cross River Basin Development Authority, members of the Parents-Teachers Association (PTA), parents and other invited guests.
As pre-events to the Graduation and Prize Giving Day Celebration, the Graduating Students went on excursions to the state House of Assembly and Nigerian Correctional Service Centre, Afokang. A Bonding/Appreciation Day was also organized for them, their parents and teachers.
