Detailing News

  The Nigerian Institute of Science Laboratory Technology NISLT, has today, April 28 2025 inducted 321 graduates into the institute.  The maiden induction ceremony which held at the University of Calabar International Conference Center, was declared opened by the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof Florence Obi.  Represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor Academics, Prof Tony Eyang, Prof Obi, welcomed inductees to the madein induction ceremony and noted that "We are here to celebrate success. To celebrate milestone in the University. This administration has done enough to ensure that this department gets both technical manpower and the techniques as well as the expertise that the students needs to be prepared for global competitiveness. "Just as UNICAL celebrate 50 years anniversary, we are also here to celebrate our first fruits". She used the opportunity to thank the lecturers who prepared the students for this day.  Referring to the inductees, the Vice Chancell...

  The 2023 Presidential Candidate of the Social Democratic Party, Prince Adewole Adebayo has called on defectors to the party to strictly adhere to its Ideology and not to bring their shenanigans from their old parties. Speaking on  News Central breakfast show on Monday, monitored by our correspondent, Prince Adebayo said party structures across the thirty six states and Abuja have been sufficiently informed on how to educate the new members no matter their status in life. He said the party welcomes all the new entrants, disclosing however, that " What we have managed to do is to define what our party stands for. “That is why you have seen some of the reactions as people are joining our party, we welcome them and we tell them ideological issues and we also tell them all these shenanigans that you do in your party, don't bring them here. "We spend a lot of time educating our members. Do not suddenly get used to money you did not ask for or monies you did not work for. Do n...

  The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Cross River State Council, Comrade Archibong Bassey, has joined journalists across the country in celebrating the President of the Union on the occasion of his birthday. In a goodwill message made available to newsmen in Calabar, Comrade Bassey described the NUJ President as a leader of rare vision, strength, and unwavering commitment to the ideals of a free, vibrant, and responsible press. He praised the President’s dedication to defending press freedom, promoting excellence in journalism, and fostering unity within the profession, noting that his leadership continues to inspire journalists across Nigeria. "Today, we honor not just your birth, but the incredible impact your leadership has had on the journalism landscape in our country," the message read in part. The Cross River NUJ Chairman prayed for good health, greater accomplishments, and renewed strength for the President, expressing confidence that he would cont...

Distinguished Senator Eteng Jonah Williams, representing Cross River Central Senatorial District, was given a rousing reception by the people of Bahumono during a town hall meeting held on Sunday, April 20, 2025, in Ebom community, Abi Local Government Area. The event, organized by the Bahumono Peace and Development Union, offered an opportunity for the people to express their aspirations and appreciation for the Senator’s unwavering commitment to grassroots development. In a heartfelt address of welcome, community leaders and stakeholders praised Senator Williams for his outstanding service, particularly in critical areas such as education, healthcare, agriculture, and human capital development. His numerous interventions across these sectors were acknowledged as having significantly uplifted the welfare and living standards of the people. The Bahumono community specifically commended Senator Williams for his leading role in facilitating the construction of the Ndibe Bridge and Road P...

  By Our Correspondent  Cross River State Government has sounded a thunderous warning to impostors and criminal profiteers attempting to hijack its cocoa estates. This strong message came as the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Anthony Owan Enoh, addressed a high-powered delegation of cocoa farmers from Etung LGA, led by Hon. Atu Ebuta, Chairman of the Bendeghe Ekiem unit of the Cocoa Association of Nigeria, who came crying out over the reign of terror allegedly unleashed by one Mr. Oscar Ofuka. Prof. Enoh, unwavering and deliberate, made it crystal clear that the state will no longer sit idly while impostors intimidate and sabotage genuine farmers who were duly allocated land by the government. “Oscar Ofuka is not a government representative, he is not recognized, and he will not be allowed to continue this illegality. We will pursue him within the ambit of the law — to the very end,” the SSG thundered. Describing Ofuka as a serial impostor with an over-bloated ...

  By Mr Cornelius Ellah The Acting Vice Chancellor of UNICROSS, Prof. Francisca Bassey, has reiterated her commitment to always respect the fundamental human rights of students, including the right to freedom of speech. She reiterated this commitment during an exclusive chat with me in her office, against the backdrop of some misleading reports in the social media that have unfairly accused her of stifling the voices of students. The accusations followed the recent arrest and detention of Mr. Eyam Martin Oyama, a graduate of UNICROSS. The Acting Vice Chancellor explained that she did not play any role in that arrest. She said: "There was a voice note that was released last Thursday. The person who released the voice note made statements that attracted the attention of security personnel. Before that voice note was released, there was tension in Nigeria because some persons planned to organize a protest against what they consider as bad governance. For that reason, security agencie...

 By AMAWU Cletus Albert Amawu The Cross River State Government through the Special Adviser to the Governor on Solid Minerals, Comrade Joseph Ekamoti Agbor, has issued a strong and urgent call to action against the growing menace of illegal mining, which is wreaking havoc across the state’s environment and communities. In a passionate appeal Comrade Agbor is mobilizing residents, stakeholders, and traditional institutions to join forces in defending Cross River’s natural heritage and economic future from exploitation and irreversible damage. Hence, illegal mining activities, often carried out without regard for environmental laws or community welfare, have left a trail of destruction, from deforestation and soil erosion to polluted rivers and abandoned farmlands; Beyond environmental degradation, these unregulated operations deprive the state of vital revenue, endanger the lives of local workers, and erode the foundations of legal and sustainable development. The government warns th...

  The executive Governor of Cross River State senator prince Bassey Otu has tasked the 2025 Batch A stream I Corps members to live up to the ideals of the National youth service Corps (NYSC )by contributing meaningfully to the development of their host communities. Senator Otu made this remarks through the Vice chairman of the Obubra local Government Area, Hon Leonard Ogwa at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Obubra Cross River State during the swearing in ceremony of the 2025 Batch A stream I Orientation course. The Governor reassured NYSC that his government will  continue to improve on the welfare and security of Corps members in the state, noting that Cross River State is one of the most secured states in the Federation. Earlier in her remarks, the NYSC Coordinator, Mrs Oyenuga Joke appreciated the Governor and his entourage for gracing the occasion and Informed him that the Corps members deployed to cross River state Orientation Camp are well behaved and are ready to p...

  Cross River State has taken delivery of 79 more waste bins donated by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), courtesy of Rt. Hon. Orok Duke, the state’s representative on the Commission's Board. The new bins were officially received by the Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Moses Osogi, in Calabar. This latest donation brings the total number of bins distributed to the state to over 200, as part of ongoing efforts to enhance effective waste disposal and sustain Cross River’s image as a clean and green destination for tourism and business. Rt. Hon. Orok Duke emphasized that the gesture aligns with the state's environmental vision and pledged that Cross River will continue to receive its fair share of benefits from the NDDC. He urged residents to make proper use of the bins and protect them from vandalism or illegal conversion to private use, warning against actions that could undermine the initiative.

For years, former students, staff, and students of the University of Cross River State have expressed concerns about government neglect and lack of investment in the university, with staff and students welfare being a major issue. However, under Gov. Bassey Otu's leadership, things are gradually improving. After months of discussions, the government has commenced implementing the new national minimum wage for university staff, a development that has been greeted with excitement among UNICROSS staff. As alumni association, we commend Gov Otu and his team for prioritising the welfare and interests of our staff. We take pride in having some of the most passionate and patriotic university staff in the country, and this gesture will undoubtedly boost their morale and motivation. We knew from the onset that Gov Otu's leadership would bring positive change to the university. Even before assuming office, he had demonstrated his commitment to the institution by facilitating the construc...

  By Our Reporter  A storm is brewing in the cocoa-rich lands of Etung Local Government Area, and its name is Oscar Ofuka. Angry and exhausted, cocoa farmers operating within the government-owned estates in Etung are calling on the Cross River State Government to immediately reign in the rampage of Oscar Ofuka, a former aide to ex-Governor Ben Ayade, who has allegedly turned the peaceful cocoa estates into a theater of intimidation, torture, and lawlessness. Martins Isaac, Pastor Ubi Ofem, and Obi Amba, speaking on behalf of the Concerned Cocoa Farmers, accuse Ofuka of leading a campaign of harassment, illegal arrests, torture, and dehumanization of farmers who acquired their farms through proper government channels. “Ofuka is not the government. He is not above the law. Yet he walks the estates with the arrogance of a tyrant, using thugs and armed men in uniform to brutalize innocent farmers,” the group declared. The most recent attack left a farmer with gruesome machete woun...

  The National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, Dr. Umar Abdullahi Ganduje, CON and other members of the party's National Working Committee, NWC will on Friday, 2nd, May, 2025 attend a Special Appreciation Dinner organized by an Abuja based socio-political group, Coalition of Ganduje Support Groups, CGSG-Abuja. The event, according to the Convener of C-GSG-Abuja, Dr. Aliyu Ibrahim, MFR is to appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Dr. Ganduje and other NWC members into various boards of the nation's institutions. "CGSG-ABUJA has concluded plans to host our performing and result oriented National Chairman, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, members of the National Working Committee, NWC and political associates and friends of the Chairman in a colourful dinner to appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's leadership style", Dr. Aliyu noted. The CGSG-ABUJA Convener also added that the occasion will be used to rally support for the Ganduje led N...

  Ahead of the 2027 general elections, Yakurr communities in the 13 council wards of Constituency I and II in Yakurr Local Government Area have unanimously endorsed Senator Eteng Jonah Williams, representing Cross River Central Senatorial District, for a second term. The endorsement, which took place at a stakeholders’ breakfast meeting with the Senator held at Mkpani on Sunday, was attended by Honourable members representing Yakurr I and II State Constituencies, Hon. Cyril Omin and Hon. Mercy Akpama respectively, the Council Chairman, Hon. Yibala Inyang, councillors, State and LG appointees, the State Treasurer of APC, chapter chairman and 13 ward executives, and top party chieftains including Johnson Ugbor. Declaring the meeting open, the chairman of the forum, Mr. Johnson Ugbor, said: “Politics is not about abuse and insults. It is about what you can attract to your people. Our Senator is a good person, and he has attracted some projects to us. All we need now is to pray and wor...

  The University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) Alumni Association has commended the newly inaugurated 6th Governing Council of the university for taking the right step towards stabilizing the institution's leadership by releasing advertisement for the appointment of a substantive Vice Chancellor for the institution. The Alumni Association, speaking through its National Public Relations Officer, Dr. (Mrs.) Peace Egbai, described the advertisement as timely, noting that it will bring an end to the prolonged culture of acting Vice Chancellors at the University. While emphasizing the need for transparency and credibility in the process, she said that the association welcomes this development with enthusiasm, having long advocated for an end to the interim arrangement. The PRO commended Governor Bassey Otu for appointing and inaugurating people of impeccable character into the council, who have demonstrated remarkable efficiency by initiating the process of appointing a substantive Vi...

  Dr Betta Edu has asked Christians to reflect deeply on the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and the central theme of Easter: love and sacrifice. In her Easter message, which she personally signed, Dr. Edu said that without deep reflection on what Easter represents, the celebration will only  amount to a mere hollow ritual. According to her, the death of Christ represents love and sacrifice and His resurrection, hope and and triumph of light over darkness. She urged Christians to imbibe the exemplary life of love, selflessness, sacrifice, and forgiveness, which Christ demonstrated in His death, burial, and resurrection for the redemption of mankind. "As Christians, Easter presents us the opportunity for a deep reflection, a time to carry out an ecclesiastical soul-searching to embody that which Christ came and died for.  "Easter  is both significant and sobering in the sense that it reminds us of all of the triumphs of good over evil, light over darkness, and ...

  The National Youth Council of Nigeria, Cross River State Central Chapter today has an interactive session with Sen. Eteng Jonah Williams at Gold Palm Hotels Ikom. The meeting was attended by State Chairman, Comrade Emmanuel Olayi, and all State executive Council members from central. At the meeting, the youths enjoined the Senator to key them into his empowerment programme and open up more channels of communication. Olayi said the youths have enormous capacity and contributes meaningfully to democratic processes. He commended the Senator so far, his contributions to the welfare and youth development programmes, but like Oliver Twist, he said "we are asking for more." Speaking Sen Eteng Williams commended them for inviting him to have an interaction with them, saying such forum enables their representatives to have a first hand knowledge of some of the youths challenges. He appointed Comrade Gifted Nelson as his new Special Assistant on Youth Affairs following a request by t...

In the spirit of Easter Celebration, the Senator representing central senatorial district, Eteng Jonah Williams, on Friday visited the sick and the new born babies at Holy Family Hospital, Ikom and doled out N3m for their hospital bills. The Senator extended a compassionate hand to 21 patients and newborns by settling their outstanding medical bills.  Among the cases he covered were critical surgeries, orthopedic treatments, and premature births requiring incubator care. Some of the beneficiaries include Samiel Donatus, Tony Enya Mkpora, Joseph Ukobere, Omang Tony, Irene Ayambem, Paul Emmanuel, Ndifereke Abassey,  Okon desmond, Manyor Luisa Ndifon, and Endurance Ayang. Others are Zion Kelvin, Mbeh Blessing, Roda Edoki and  Daniel Amba.  Eteng, who arrived at the hospital about 2:00pm, was taken round the ward by the hospital management and had some discussions with the patients as well as prayed together calling on God for quick recovery. Speaking at the Hospital, Se...

  By Inyang Williams In a bid to deliver impactful governance to his constituents, Senator Eteng Jonah Williams has made remarkable progress in addressing the pressing needs of the people in Cross River Central Senatorial District. His targeted initiatives have significantly improved living conditions, particularly in rural communities where access to basic amenities is often limited. One of the senator’s standout achievements is the installation of solar-powered boreholes across several communities. This intervention has helped alleviate chronic water scarcity in areas such as Bendeghe-Ekiem, Ediba, Olulumo, Ababene, Ijom, Assiga, Aduma, Afaben, and Boje. Access to clean water is vital for public health and daily life, and these boreholes have become lifelines for many residents. Equally impactful is the deployment of solar-powered street lights across the six Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the district. This initiative has enhanced nighttime visibility, improved road safety, an...

  The University of Calabar, on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, hosted its 137th Inaugural Lecture, delivered by Professor Susan Ohen, a renowned academic in Agricultural Economics. The lecture, titled “Bridging the Gap: Market Intermediaries, Ecosystems and the Quest for Sustainable Food Security,” explored the urgent need for a more inclusive, environmentally conscious, and profit-sensitive approach to food system management in Nigeria and beyond. In a compelling blend of scholarly insight and personal narrative, Prof. Ohen reflected on her academic journey, which began in 1999 as a graduate assistant and culminated in her promotion to professor in 2018. She paid tribute to the mentorship that shaped her career, highlighting the roles played by Dr. Nathaniel, Dr. Ekpeni Ekpe, Prof. S.O. Abang, and Prof. Marian Solomon in refining her research focus in agricultural marketing and agribusiness management. Prof. Ohen underscored the role of intentional mentorship, resilience, and strategi...

  By Our Correspondent  Calm has returned to Etung Local Government Area following a swift and strategic intervention by political stakeholders aimed at resolving a brewing crisis within the Etung Legislative Council. The tension stemmed from an attempted impeachment of the Council Leader, Hon. Ekubnse ThankGod, by some councillors. In a closed-door reconciliation meeting convened at the residence of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Anthony Owan-Enoh, Etung’s political heavyweights—past and present—gathered to douse the flames and foster unity within the council. Among those in attendance were the council chairman, councillors, political appointees, former local government chairmen, and other influential figures from the area. Speaking after the meeting, Prof. Owan-Enoh described the outcome as “constructive and unifying,” stating that the deliberations allowed both the embattled Council Leader and the councillors to openly address their grievances in an atmo...

The All Progressives Congress, APC Intellectual Resource Center would play a vital role in impacting the ideals of progressive governance in Nigeria. The Director General, DG of the  National Productivity Center, NPC, Dr. Bafa Baba Dan Angundi dropped this hints during a courtesy visit of The Progressive Institute, TPI at his office in Abuja last Thursday. Led by its Director General, DG, Lanre Adebayo, PhD, The Progressive Institute, TPI was at the NPC to introduce the institute and seek the support of NPC management in actualizing the mandate of TPI.  Dr. Adebayo who was accompanied by the Director of Program and Training, Malam Muhammad Sanusi-Kiru, the Director of Legal services,  Barrister Ego Queen-Ezuma, Director of Finance and Account Dr. Ibor Bassey highlights the achievements and challenges of the institute, noting that APC is the best thing to happen to Nigeria with the establishment of TPI. The DG of TPI added that APC is ready to bring Nigeria to the highest ...

  Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, on Sunday formally received the  2023 governorship Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) in the state, Dr Emana Duke Ambroose-Amawhe to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The former  PDP Deputy Governorship Candidate  had via her X( formerly Twitter)announced her defection to her new party before her  meeting with the Governor , her wife, the state  chairman of the APC and the Chief of Staff to the Governor on Sunday. Following the announcement of her defection, Emana was  led to Governor Bassey Otu and his wife by the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Cross River State,Barrister Alphonsus Ogar Eba. Speaking with our Correspondent on phone, Emana said " I only went to greet His Excellency, the Governor and His Wife,Her Excellency Bishop Eyoanwan Bassey Otu as a mark of respect and to formally inform them of my movement.  "The day of my formal and ceremonial movement to ...

  The University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) Alumni Association joyfully celebrates the birthday of the esteemed Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Francesca Bassey. Since assuming office, Prof. Bassey has been very deliberate and intentional in her resolve to redeem UNICROSS, restore her lost glory and place the institution in the world map as one of the leading citadel of learning in Nigeria. Her visionary leadership and achievements in just a few months in office has ushered in a new era marked by unprecedented advancements, peace, stability, and effective student engagement. Under her stewardship, the university has not only enhanced its potential but has also fostered a vibrant campus culture and recognises the indispensable role of Alumni to the growth and development of the Institution. The Alumni body admire and welcome her commitment to elevate the university to enviable standards by creating an environment conducive to working and learning. Her ability to inspire both staf...

Spotlight on Divine Purpose and Performance Scorecard In the divine order, God's criteria for lifting individuals to greatness often contrasts with human expectations. If men alone decided who should lead, many capable individuals would be overlooked. But thankfully, God's ways are not ours. Scripture reminds us in Judges 6:15: “But Lord,” Gideon replied, “how can I rescue Israel? My clan is the weakest in the whole tribe of Manasseh, and I am the least in my entire family!” This echoes the story of Sen. Eteng Williams—often underestimated, yet divinely equipped for greatness. The very things some used to discredit him—his independence and humility—became his qualifications before God and the people. As the Word says, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.” Senator Eteng Jonah Williams exemplifies humility and intellectual readiness. His second term bid represents not just continuity, but a real opportunity to unify and uplift Cross River Central. His lead...

  By Rasheed Olanrewaju More than one and half decade after leaving the University of Calabar, medical school as a graduate of medicine, Dr. Betta Edu returned to the prestigious institution last month, in a blaze of glory and amid effusive praises, to receive a distinguished award in recognition of her sterling service to her fatherland and humanity as well as for consistently projecting Unical in good light through her impeccable public service record. The immediate past APC National Women Leader, and Honorable Minister; was inducted into the University’s Hall of Fame. She was also awarded with the Grand Ambassador of Unical. The fitting and deserving honours were bestowed on Dr Edu during Unical's 50th anniversary of its establishment as well as special convocation. Dr Edu was honoured along side the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio,GCON, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Honourable Benjamin Kalu CON, the Executive Governor of Cross River State, Se...