The University of Calabar (Unical) Law Class of 1987 on Saturday, June 8, 2024, reunited in Uyo, renewing the strong bonds they shared during their university days.
The inaugural meeting was hosted by a Justice of Appeal Court, Abuja, Honourable Justice Okon Efreti Abang, who was one of the 96 graduands of the Class 37 year back.
Chairman of the Class, Barr Ntiense Ndueso, while speaking at the event, reminisced about their time together, saying: “We bonded by reading together, studying together, and even visiting each other’s family compounds. This meeting is to renew the 37-year-old bonding we had in the past.”
Thanking God for the grace shown to the Class, the chairman noted that the 87 Class appeared to have been the most successful set of the Unical Law Faculty, as their members were all well-to-do in their respective careers.
Barr Ndueso listed some of their members who rose to the peak of their careers, including Babatunde Raji Fashola CON SAN who was former Commissioner in Lagos before becoming two time Governor of Lagos State and two time Minister for Works.
He listed Godswill Akpabio, former Commissioner, two time Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Minister of Niger Delta Affairs and two time Senator who is currently the President of the Senate.
He noted that Anyim Pius Anyim, a former presidential aspirant was Senate President and later the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
He said, “Let us not even go far, here in this gathering today, we have several Justices including the earth-shaking Justice Okon Abang, who is known as a champion of jurisprudence in the Nigerian justice system. We have Justice Ntong Ntong here with us, justice of Federal High Court and a designate Justice of the Appeal Court.
“I can go on and on. But in all these, we can see very clearly that God has blessed us. That is why we have to celebrate. We are working towards having a novelty football match with NBA Uyo Branch. It’s a way to celebrate our bond and give back to the community.”
In his speech at the gathering, Justice Okon Abang welcomed everyone, expressing gratitude for their presence, despite the challenging times. He recalled their time at the University of Calabar and the Nigerian Law School, highlighting the formative experiences that shaped them into responsible citizens.
He encouraged the Class to remain united, objective, and supportive, saying: “We should not allow the passage of time to separate us. Let us continue to cherish this moment and take turns in hosting this meeting in our homes.”
Justice Abang thanked God for keeping them alive and proposed a thanksgiving service for the class within the next three months in a Bible-believing church in Uyo.
He prayed for God’s strength to be with Senate President Godswill Akpabio and commended Pastor Umo Eno for his peaceful leadership in Akwa Ibom State.
He concluded: “The pillar of support, oil of grace, shall continue to flourish in our respective families”, adding that, “We shall continue to cherish this moment to be united, and to look at issues objectively.”
The reunion which brought members from Lagos, Abuja, Cross River, Imo, Oyo and Akwa Ibom States, had other attendees including: Justice Pius Nyong, Barr Eno Inyang, Barr Cosmos Umoette, Barr Imowo, Barr Etetim Onuk, Justice Victor Essien, Barr Bassey Umoren, Barr Edemekong Ekong, Justice Iniabasi, and other associates as Barr Asuquo Anwana, among others.
This is a great move….