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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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EFCC Invites Insurance Commissioner Over Alleged N30bn Recapitalisation Fees

  The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has invited the Commissioner for Insurance , Mr Ayo Omoshehin , to explain allegations surrounding the collection of various fees from insurance companies under the ongoing recapitalisation exercise, including an alleged one per cent charge on fresh capital raised by operators. The invitation followed a petition by NICON Insurance Plc and the Nigeria Reinsurance Corporation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu , in which the companies alleged irregularities in the implementation of the recapitalisation programme by the National Insurance Commission . The petitioners alleged that insurance companies had been subjected to a series of payments, including a one per cent recapitalisation fee, verification charges and additional registration fees, which they claimed amounted to more than N30bn across the industry. They questioned the legal basis for the charges, arguing that NAICOM , being a Federal Government agency, could not impose such fin...
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FG Begins South-South Consultative Workshop to Foster Efficient Soil Management Policy in Nigeria

  Nigeria's Federal Ministry of Agriculture  and Food Security through its Agricultural Land and Climate Change Management Services (ALCCMS) has unveiled new measures to address soil health and climate change management, strengthen agricultural productivity and promote the sustainable management of agricultural land at sub-national levels across the country. This was disclosed on Tuesday in Calabar, Cross River State , during a two-day  Zonal Validation Workshop on Nigeria Agricultural Land and Soil Management Policy (NALSMP) for 2027- 2035 which brought stakeholders across the South-South Geo-political Zone together. Welcoming participants from Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers and Akwa Ibom State, the Cross River State Commissioner For Agriculture, Johnson Ebokpo represented by the Chairman Cross River State Multi-stakeholder Committee for Cocoa, Coffee and Oilpalm Strategic Plan Development in the state, Prof Susan Cohen . The commissioner stated that, "Cross River State has...
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Landslide: Otu Mobilises Emergency Response to Protect Calabar Residents

  The Cross River State Government has commenced emergency intervention works following a devastating landslide that disrupted access and threatened residents in an affected community in Calabar . The intervention, initiated under the leadership of Governor Bassey Otu , is aimed at restoring access to the area, safeguarding residents and preventing further damage caused by the landslide. The Commissioner for Works, Hon. Pius Edet , visited the site to inspect the ongoing work and assess the progress of the emergency response. He also directed attention to the quality and timely execution of the intervention. The swift response underscores the commitment of the Otu administration’s People First agenda to addressing the immediate concerns of residents and taking decisive action whenever urgent intervention is required. Speaking with journalists at the site, Commissioner Edet assured residents of the state government’s continued commitment to their safety, welfare and overall well-...
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Governor Otu Deploys Swamp Buggy to UNICROSS Staff Quarters, VC Inspects Flood-Affected Areas

  The Cross River State Government , under the leadership of His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Bassey Edet Otu , has responded swiftly to the flooding affecting the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) Staff Quarters by deploying a high-capacity swamp buggy to clear blocked waterways and restore the free flow of water within the area. The intervention followed the recent torrential rainfall in Calabar , which resulted in flooding in parts of the Staff Quarters and affected some residential buildings and household properties. In a demonstration of concern for the welfare of staff, the Vice Chancellor of UNICROSS, Prof. Francisca Bassey , accompanied by members of the University Management, visited the affected areas to assess the situation firsthand and interact with residents. Remarkably, the Vice Chancellor and members of Management undertook the inspection amid a heavy downpour, demonstrating their willingness to personally confront the challenges facing members of the...
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Will State Electricity Regulators Have The Courage To Hold DisCos Accountable?

  In a recent article, I attempted to clarify how subsidy works in the Nigeria Electricity Supply Industry (NESI). However, reactions from readers across different channels opened a door I didn’t anticipate. If government is still investing heavily in subsidies and other support mechanisms, they argued, why does the quality of service from those providing electricity, especially the Distribution Companies (DisCos), still so epileptic? The simple truth is that Nigeria’s electricity sector has rules governing how electricity flows through our homes and businesses, performance contracts with clear penalties for failures, and a regulator in the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission . What has been lacking is the will to enforce these rules firmly and fairly to ensure improved power supply. This is why the Electricity Act 2023 , which decentralized power and created State Electricity Regulatory Commissions , should be a genuine game-changer if allowed to function as intended. In ou...
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