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Beyond the Podium: Celebrating Orok Otu Duke’s Enduring Literary Legacy

In the grand tapestry of Nigerian literature, specific geographic locales have long enjoyed intense focus. The political turmoils of the West, the tragic battlegrounds of the East, and the sprawling oral epics of the North frequently dominate the academic gaze. Yet, sitting quietly on the south-eastern coast is Calabar , a city whose historical weight as a premier colonial administrative headquarters and an ancient trading port makes it a goldmine for narrative art. Few contemporary writers have captured the modern and historical nuances of this region with the same panoramic breadth as Rt. Hon. Orok Otu Duke, PhD . Long known to the public as a political heavyweight, former Deputy Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, and public administrator, Duke’s identity as a deeply reflective literary figure is what truly cements his legacy. He is a writer who refuses to be pigeonholed. Moving seamlessly between visceral poetry, historical memoir, and modern prose, Orok Duke deserv...
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PRESSED ON EVERY SIDE, BUT NOT DEFEATED.

  TEXT: An Expository Sermon from 2 Corinthians 4:7-12 KJV “7But we have this treasure in earthen vessels , that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. 8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; 10 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. 11 For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. 12 So then death worketh in us, but life in you.” CENTRAL TRUTH The Christian life is not a life without pressure. It is a life in which the power of Christ enables us to pass through pressure without being defeated by it. There are pressures that can surround you, but they cannot overcome you. There are battles that can shake you, but they cannot destroy you. There are seasons that can knock you do...
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Work Begins on Remodeling of UNICROSS Main Gate

  Work has commenced on the remodeling of the main gate of Calabar campus of the University of Cross River State ( UNICROSS ), in a major development expected to enhance the aesthetics, functionality and overall outlook of the University’s main entrance. The remodeling project is being undertaken by Zenith Bank Plc as part of its support for the development of the University.  The intervention was facilitated through the efforts and advocacy of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Francisca Bassey , who has continued to pursue strategic partnerships with the private sector to complement government efforts in advancing infrastructure and other critical needs of the institution. The commencement of the project underscores the growing partnership between UNICROSS and the private sector and reflects the Vice Chancellor’s commitment to exploring innovative avenues for attracting resources and development opportunities to the University. The initiative is also a demonstration of Prof. Bass...
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2027: C’River LGs Enjoy Strong Funding and State Partnership, Says ALGON Chairman, Yibala

  By Kingsley Agim The Chairman of Yakurr Local Government Area and Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Cross River State , Chief Yibala Inyang , has dismissed allegations of underfunding of local governments in the state, describing them as “a total fallacy.” Inyang said local governments under Governor Bassey Otu ’s administration are enjoying unprecedented funding and a strong partnership with the state government, which, he said, has enabled councils to execute projects and intervene in critical areas including healthcare, sanitation, security and infrastructure. The ALGON chairman stated this while reacting to allegations of underfunding and worsening poverty at the grassroots level made by the factional PDP governorship candidate, Sir Arthur Jarvis , at a press conference held on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at the NUJ Secretariat in Calabar . Inyang maintained that local government funds were being properly utilised for development and ...
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CES Directorate Visits UNICROSS Vice Chancellor to Appreciate Her Contributions and Leadership

  The Directorate of the Centre for Educational Services (CES), University of Calabar (UNICAL), on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, paid a courtesy visit to the Vice Chancellor of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), Prof. Francisca Bassey , to appreciate her contributions to the Centre and her continued commitment to its growth and development. The visit also provided an opportunity for the delegation, led by the Director of CES, Prof. Ekei Ikpeme , to update the Vice Chancellor on developments at the Centre, including its progress, existing programmes and plans to introduce additional courses. In her remarks, Prof. Ekei Ikpeme explained that the primary purpose of the visit was to appreciate Prof. Bassey for her contributions to the development of CES and her service to UNICAL. She noted that the Vice Chancellor had made significant contributions to the growth and stability of the Centre during her tenure. Prof. Ikpeme, who previously served as a Coordinator under Prof. Bas...
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Beyond the Gaming Revolution: Why Governor Otu’s Second-Term Bid Is Crucial to Sustaining Cross River’s Developmental Strides

  By Michael Eja Governments should not be judged only by what they start, but by what they are able to sustain, consolidate and turn into lasting institutions. That is why the debate over Governor Bassey Edet Otu’s second-term bid should go beyond politics. It should be about continuity and whether the foundations being laid across Cross River can be strengthened enough to deliver lasting benefits. The Cross River State Lottery and Gaming Agency is one example. As its pioneer Director-General, I witnessed its transition from an idea into a regulatory institution, supported by the Cross River State Lotteries and Gaming Agency Law, 2025. Its significance goes beyond gaming. It represents an effort to regulate an emerging industry, protect consumers, create jobs and develop legitimate revenue opportunities for the state. The next task is consolidation-modernising its systems, improving compliance and positioning it to become a stronger contributor to Cross River’s revenue architec...
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Youth Leaders Pay Courtesy Visit to UNICROSS Vice Chancellor, Pledge Support for Institution

  A delegation of youth leaders in Cross River State has paid a courtesy visit to the Vice Chancellor of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), Prof. Francisca Bassey , commending her youth-friendly leadership and reaffirming their commitment to supporting the University’s peace, stability and development. The delegation was led by the State Youth Leader, Comrade Emmanuel Olayi , and comprised members of the State Executive Council, Local Government Coordinators and other youth representatives, including the Chairman of the Councillors Forum, Cross River State, Hon. Princess Magdalene Ekpe , and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Students’ Affairs, Comrade Elvis Enya . Other members of the delegation were the Deputy Chairman, Comrade Ngban Basil; Vice Chairman, Central, Comrade Evalsam Ekpe; Vice Chairman, North, Comrade Wonah Patrick; State Publicity Secretary, Comrade Melchizedek Okwe; and other members of the State Executive Council and Local Government Coordinators...
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