Detailing News

  Archbishop Josef Bassey, the Territorial Archbishop of Calabar and Chairman of the Council of Elders of the Cross River State Christian Leaders Forum, has extended heartfelt congratulations to Governor Bassey Otu on the second anniversary of his administration, describing the milestone as a spiritually significant moment ordained by God for the transformation of Cross River State. Describing the day as both a “political milestone” and a “divine moment of covenant reflection,” the respected clergyman hailed Governor Otu’s emergence as a spiritual commissioning ordained by God, beyond the confines of electoral politics. In the statement issued from his office, Archbishop Bassey, who also serves as the Spiritual Leader of God’s Heritage Nation, expressed gratitude on behalf of Christian faithfuls in Cross River State and the diaspora for what he termed “the birthing of a new Cross River State aligned with heaven’s purpose.” “Two years ago,” he said, “His Excellency stepped into the ...

  The Arthur Jarvis University, Akpabuyo, today held its 9th Matriculation Ceremony for the 2024/2025 academic session at the institution’s High School Hall. A total of 220 students were formally inducted into the university community during the ceremony. Delivering his address, the Acting Vice Chancellor, Dr. Joseph Ekpe Edet, expressed heartfelt joy and gratitude to God as he officially welcomed the new students.  “It is with honour and joy that I stand before you today to welcome you all to the ninth Matriculation Ceremony of Arthur Jarvis University. This occasion marks the beginning of an exciting academic journey for our newly admitted students,” he said. Dr. Edet emphasized that the newly admitted students had met all admission requirements and were now bona fide members of the university, enjoying the full rights and privileges of membership. He encouraged them to uphold discipline, respect university rules, and maintain a clean and safe campus environment.  He fu...

  The President of AC Bright New Life Foundation LTD/GTE, Ambassador Deacon Maduka Andrew Chukwuel, has extended a goodwill message to His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, as he marks his second anniversary in office as Governor of Cross River State. In a heartfelt message, Ambassador Chukwuel praised Governor Otu’s administration for its visionary leadership, infrastructural strides, and unwavering commitment to the “People First” mantra that has significantly transformed the socio-economic landscape of the state. “Your tenure has been defined by a visionary commitment to infrastructural development that has transformed the physical and economic landscape of our dear state,” the statement read. “Under your dynamic leadership, roads have been rebuilt, schools renovated, medical facilities upgraded, and critical infrastructure delivered with urgency and clarity of purpose rarely witnessed in recent times.” The AC Bright New Life Foundation, a corporate social enterprise d...

  The Senator Representing Central Senatorial District Sen. Eteng Jonah Williams has led nine out of the eleven National Assembly members from Cross River State to endorse President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Bassey Edet Otu as the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s sole candidates for the 2027 general elections. The high-profile endorsement was announced on Thursday during a press briefing held in Calabar, the state capital, under the auspices of the Cross River APC Caucus in the National Assembly. The lawmakers commended the performance and leadership style of both Tinubu and Otu, describing their achievements as impactful and deserving of consolidation through re-election. Senator Eteng Jonah Williams, representing the Central Senatorial District and leader of the APC Caucus, emphasized that the administration of President Tinubu has shown clear commitment to national transformation, pointing to landmark projects and progressive reforms. "President Tinubu is a leader with vi...

As we commemorate the second anniversary of His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu and his dependable Deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, I cannot help but reflect on the extraordinary journey they have undertaken together. It is with immense pride and heartfelt gratitude that I convey my appreciation for the diligent efforts that have led to significant advancements in our beloved Cross River State. Over the past two years, our Governor's visionary leadership has paved the way for notable achievements across diverse sectors. The Civil Service has witnessed a radical institutional transformation with internal discipline, implementation of promotions, prompt payments of salaries, allowances, pension and gratuity as per due process. In Agriculture, the establishment of a digital soil test maping system and the substantial distribution  of Agricultural farming inputs, gravitating from mere peasant farming to a robust industrialized farming system across the 18 Local Government Areas....

  The Cross River State Consultative Forum (CRSCF) has extended heartfelt congratulations to His Excellency, Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu, as he marks his second anniversary as Governor of Cross River State, commending what it described as “two years of purposeful and visionary leadership.” In a statement signed by the Forum’s Chairman, Hon. Eyo Nsa Ekpo, Esq., and Secretary, Julius Ochim Okpotu, the CRSCF praised the Governor for his strides in infrastructure, civil service reform, social welfare, rural development, and institutional transformation. "Governor Otu has demonstrated a clear vision, compassionate governance, and an unwavering commitment to the development and unity of our dear state," the statement read. "His inclusive approach to leadership is reshaping Cross River’s development trajectory." The Forum highlighted the administration’s notable achievements in economic reforms, particularly the 60.6% increase in the state’s Internally Generated Reven...

  The Member representing Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Godwin Offiono, has extended congratulations to Governor Bassey Otu as he marks his second year in office. In a statement issued on behalf of the people of Ogoja/Yala, Hon. Offiono commended the Governor’s remarkable achievements across key sectors including infrastructure, agriculture, tourism, health, and education, describing them as transformative and impactful. “Your outstanding contributions over the past two years have not only improved the lives of our citizens but have also laid a solid foundation for the continued development of our dear state,” he said. Hon. Offiono further noted that Governor Otu’s commitment and leadership continue to inspire confidence and optimism among the people of Cross River State, adding that he looks forward to witnessing even greater accomplishments in the years to come. “On this important milestone, we celebrate your vision, resilience, and service...

  The Yakurr Local Government Area joined the rest of the nation in commemorating the 2025 Children’s Day celebration on May 27th, with a vibrant event held at the Mkpani Pavilion. The Chairman of Yakurr LGA, Hon. Yibala Igri, ably represented Hon. Sampson Ijo Obol, Secretary of Council, and delivered a heartfelt message to mark the occasion. Speaking at the event, Hon. Igri expressed joy and hope, emphasizing the significance of the day as a time to celebrate the dreams, aspirations, and inherent potential of every child. “May 27th holds a special place in our hearts as we honor the spirit, dreams, and potentials of our children. They are not just our future; they are our present and our greatest treasure,” he said. Hon. Igri reiterated the council’s unwavering commitment to creating an enabling environment for children to thrive. He noted that the administration has implemented several child-centered initiatives, including educational scholarships and improved healthcare services...

The Executive Governor of Cross River State, His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, has received commendation for his remarkable achievements and commitment to the “People’s First Agenda” as he celebrates his second anniversary in office.  In a congratulatory message Senator Eteng Jonah Williams, representing Cross River Central Senatorial District, noted that the governor was lauded for redefining governance through bold, people-focused policies.  Senator Williams, on behalf of his constituents, praised Governor Otu for his focus on infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, tourism, and other key sectors that have led to significant improvements in the quality of life across the state. “Your Excellency, you have not only redefined governance but also shown the true essence of putting people first,” the senator noted. “Your strides in infrastructure and other critical areas are evident, and they continue to uplift the lives of our people.” The Senator stated ...

  Mr. President, Father of the nation! I join millions of Nigerians and members of our great party, the All Progressives Congress, APC to heartily congratulate you on your second year in office as the President and Commander-in- Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria.  Despite the obvious challenges, your dedication to transforming Nigeria and changing the economic landscape by improving the lives of the citizens in the long run is visible, even to the greatest critics. It’s has not been an easy ride navigating terrains that even lions won’t dare! Your commitment to hard work and a result oriented leadership is unprecedented! The focus of your administration on economic rejuvenation is evidently changing the narrative and  Nigerians are witnessing the positive impacts,including  infrastructural development, education for all, affordable housing, huge improvement in the security situation among others ,in just two years.  These positive developmen...

  The Cross River State Forestry Commission has extended warm congratulations to the Executive Governor of Cross River State, His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, and his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, as they mark two impactful years in office. In a goodwill message signed by the Commission’s Executive Chairman, Rt. Hon. George Oben-Etchi, Ph.D, FCIA, the agency commended the administration for its transformational leadership and notable achievements since taking office. Describing the two-year milestone as a period of reflection and celebration, the Commission acknowledged the administration’s “renewed hope, positive and glaring results, and purposeful giant strides” in critical sectors such as Education, Health, Infrastructure, Economic Rejuvenation, Human Capacity Development, Urban and Rural Transformation, and Civil Service Reforms. “The people of our dear state are experiencing a new era of hope and visionary leadership under your watch,” the statement noted. “Your a...

  The Forum of Special Assistants to the Governor of Cross River State on Tuesday converged in a grand celebration to mark the second anniversary of His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu’s administration. The event served as both a tribute to his courageous and people-centered leadership and a formal endorsement for a second term in office come 2027. The gathering, themed “People First in Action – The Journey Thus Far,” drew dignitaries from across various sectors, reflecting the broad support and admiration the Governor enjoys from citizens and government functionaries alike. Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Forum, Mr. Andrea Ekeng Inyang, praised Governor Otu for his remarkable blend of compassion, courage, and visionary governance. He stated that the governor’s commitment to the welfare of the people has not only inspired hope but rekindled trust in government as a responsive institution. “This is not a leader who merely sits in office,” Inyang declared. “This...

  CALABAR—   As Governor Bassey Edet Otu marks his second year in office, commendations have continued to pour in from stakeholders across Cross River State and beyond. Among those celebrating the milestone is CoolCover Global Limited, whose Chief Executive Officer, John Offiong, penned a heartfelt message applauding the Governor's leadership and transformative governance. In an official statement, Offiong described the Governor’s two-year tenure as a period of visionary leadership, bold reforms, and renewed public confidence. _“Your administration has recorded remarkable achievements across various sectors,” the statement reads, “rekindling hope and restoring confidence in governance among the people of Cross River State.”_ According to Offiong, Governor Otu’s people-first approach has yielded tangible results, including a 60.6% increase in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), a reactivation of the state’s reserve fund, and the securing of ₦3.5 billion in funding for the ...

  The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on the occasion of his second anniversary in office, describing his leadership as bold, reform-driven, and inclusive. In a goodwill message signed by the Commissioner representing Cross River State on the NDDC Board, Rt. Hon. Orok Otu Duke, Ph.D, the Commission lauded the President for reigniting national hope and steering the country on a path of renewal through the Renewed Hope Agenda. “Over these past two years, your leadership has reignited national hope and demonstrated a courageous commitment to reform, development and inclusivity,” the statement read. “You have set Nigeria on a new trajectory, characterized by economic restructuring, institutional development and a steadfast belief in the collective potential of our citizens.” Rt. Hon. Duke noted that President Tinubu’s policies are already producing tangible results across the Niger Delta, with long-neglected communities bei...

  The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has extended heartfelt congratulations to His Excellency, Senator (Apostle) Prince Bassey Edet Otu, Governor of Cross River State, as he marks two years in office. In a goodwill message signed by Rt. Hon. Orok Otu Duke, Ph.D, the NDDC Commissioner and State Representative for Cross River, the Commission described Governor Otu’s administration as one defined by vision, truth, and purposeful leadership. According to the message, the past twenty-four months have showcased the Governor's unwavering commitment to service, resulting in a renaissance in infrastructure and human capital development across the state. “Under your stewardship, Cross River State has witnessed a renaissance both in infrastructure and human capital development. The people have not only felt the pulse of purposeful governance but have also begun to walk tall once more, emboldened by a renewed sense of dignity and hope,” the statement read. Rt. Hon. Duke further laud...

  In celebration of this year’s Children’s Day, the Cross River State House of Assembly witnessed a symbolic and heartwarming moment as 10-year-old Miss Treasure Ikpi Eyong of Emerald Field Schools took her place as the one-day Member representing Yakurr 1 Constituency. Hon. Cyril Omini, who welcomed the young guest lawmaker, described Treasure as a symbol of the valid dreams and aspirations of millions of children across Yakurr and the entire state. "Today, she leads with imagination, while we follow with action," he said. During her time in the Assembly, Eyong presented a compelling request on behalf of her peers, calling for strengthened legislation supporting the Child Rights Act and enhanced access to education for indigent children. Hon. Omini assured her and other children that their voices were being heard and acted upon. “The future belongs to our children,” Hon. Omini emphasized. “As leaders, we must continue to build a world where every child can dream boldly, spea...

  The Honourable Federal Commissioner representing Cross River State at the National Population Commission (NPC), Rt. Hon. Barr. Alex Ukam, has passionately advocated for the collective protection of children's rights and the importance of accurate birth registration in the state. Speaking in commemoration of the 2025 Children’s Day Celebration, Rt. Hon. Ukam salutes Cross River Children for their dedication, resilience and passionate love for the state. He expressed his admiration for this year’s inspiring theme: “Stand Up, Speak Up: Building a Bullying-Free Future”, noting that the theme highlights the urgent need for child protection in an era where bullying has become a pressing concern for our young ones. The NPC Commissioner emphasized the necessity of liberating our children from the shadows of bullies, both in schools and at home. He noted that a child facing bullying is often hindered in many aspects of their development. He encouraged the community to rise and speak out i...

  The College of Commissioners in Cross River State has officially endorsed the State Governor, Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu, and his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, for a second term in office. The collective endorsement was made during a strategic meeting held at the Ministry of Women Affairs headquarters in Calabar. The endorsement was led by Dr. Erasmus Ekpang, Commissioner for Information, with the event anchored by Dr. Henry Ayuk, Commissioner for Health, who emphasized that the administration's achievements in health, education, infrastructure, and people-centred development made a second term not just desirable, but necessary. Speaking at the event, Hon. Lawrencia Ita, Commissioner for Establishments, Training, and Pensions, noted, “We’ve witnessed the tremendous work His Excellency has done in education, health, and people's welfare, including pensions and gratuities. Cross River State deserves such a governor for eight years.” From the Central Senatorial District, Ho...

  As we commemorate Children's Day, we give credence to the innocence, curiosity, and boundless potentials of our future Heroes. They are the future leaders, innovators, and change-makers of our great nation. The Nigerian child is faced with numerous challenges ranging from limited access to quality education and healthcare to poverty and exploitation. As leaders, it is our responsibility to create an enabling environment that fosters their growth and development. On this special day set aside to celebrate the children, I urge Nigerians to prioritize children's welfare and well-being.  As leaders, we have a duty to ensure the children have access to quality education, healthcare, and nutrition, provide opportunities for skill development and empowerment as well as protect the children from abuse, exploitation, and violence. Let us strive to create a society that values, protects, and empowers our young ones to thrive, as we invest in our children, we invest in the future of ou...

  Prince Arthur Eze, the Chief Executive Officer of Atlas Oranto Petroleum, has described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as “God’s gift to Nigeria” and praised his leadership style, reform-driven governance, and commitment to national unity. In an upcoming State House documentary marking President Tinubu’s second anniversary in office, Prince Eze said President Tinubu exemplified the bold, God-ordained leadership Nigeria needs at this pivotal moment in history. “God doesn’t make mistakes. That man, Tinubu, was created for a purpose. God gave him the power to change lives,” the oil magnate and philanthropist said.  “Tinubu has no enemies. He is a unifier. He speaks with humility and honesty; that’s why we admire him.”  Reflecting on his experience during the Nigerian civil war and his deep roots in the Southeast, Prince Eze noted that Tinubu has demonstrated an unprecedented commitment to inclusivity and development in the region. “What Tinubu has done for the Southeast, nobo...

The University of Calabar governing council is set to advertise for the appointment of a new Vice Chancellor in the coming days. Although I had initially decided to stay out of the matter, recent developments have compelled me to weigh in on the politics surrounding the VC appointment process. Many persons, especially of Southern extraction of Cross River State have been commenting on the issue on social media but I feel they’re repeating the mistake of the last five years that cost Professors from the senatorial district to lose out in the bid to produce successor to Prof. Zana Akpagu, even when that was the popular demand at the time. The politics on whom becomes a Vice Chancellor especially for a federal university starts from the composition of the governing council. Interested political actors ought to have influence those who are either appointed or elected into the council. Here's a polished version: The politics surrounding the appointment of a Vice Chancellor, particularly...

  The Special Assistant to the Senator representing Cross River Central Senatorial District on Youth Affairs, Gifted Nelson N. (GNN), has extended heartfelt congratulations to the newly elected and inaugurated Chapter Coordinators of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) and their respective executives across the senatorial district. In a congratulatory message, GNN described their emergence as a significant milestone in the journey toward youth unity, progress, and empowerment within the zone. "As a nation richly endowed with natural and human resources, the role of the youth in harnessing these potentials for national growth and development cannot be overemphasized. That is why it is important we continue to raise and support visionary young leaders who can take strategic steps in positioning our nation among the top-tier in youth development," he stated. He urged the new executives to champion youth-centered initiatives that will promote the well-being and developme...

  Detailing News  The Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Cross River State chapter, Comrade Emmanuel Olayi, has commended the peaceful conduct of the just-concluded local government elections which led to the inauguration of youth coordinators across the 18 LGAs of the state. The inauguration ceremony took place on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at the Apostle Senator Bassey Edet Otu Youth House in Calabar, and was attended by the Commissioner for Youth Development, Barr. Ijom Ukam; NYCN state executives; and other stakeholders. Speaking with journalists after the event, Olayi praised the electoral process, describing it as free, fair, and transparent. “From the reports available to us, the process was over 90% successful. There was no crisis, no violence. In places like Obudu, the election was conducted openly and monitored live from our situation room in Calabar,” he stated. He further emphasized that he remained neutral and was not influenced by any politica...

  The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has assured President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of a smooth and uncontested re-election in 2027, unlike the stiff competition he faced during the 2023 general elections. Akpabio made this statement on Thursday while leading the leadership of the National Assembly to pass a vote of confidence in President Tinubu at the All Progressives Congress (APC) national summit held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja. “If this president has done well, is it not us (the National Assembly) that will say so? If he has not done well, is it not us that will give him notice of impeachment? We are not giving him notice of impeachment; we are giving him notice that it was difficult for you in 2023, but in 2027, I see everything turning around — the number of states that are coming to join you,” Akpabio said. Sharing a light moment, he added: “As I was leaving, one senator was dragging my dress today. He said, ‘Please take me there.’ I t...

                          By  Agbor Ndoma Agbor In the ongoing conversation surrounding Nigeria’s Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), one narrative that continues to stir emotions is the perceived marginalization of the Igbo people in university admissions. This isn’t a call for tribal favoritism—it’s a call for equity in a system that should be merit-based and inclusive. JAMB was created to ensure a standardized process for admissions into Nigerian tertiary institutions. However, over the years, disparities have emerged that disproportionately affect the Southeast region. Lower cut-off marks for some states—mostly in the North—are justified by “educational disadvantage.” While this might have made sense decades ago, it raises important questions in today's more disconnected Nigeria along ethnic and religious lines. No thanks to the political elites. Why should an Igbo student who scores 250 in the UTME s...

  The Alumni of University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), today exercised a long-awaited right by electing their first representative to the University’s Governing Council. This development marks a major milestone in the history of the university and a victory for the alumni community, who have waited since 2019 for this opportunity. The law establishing an alumni seat on the Governing Council was passed in 2019 but faced delays in implementation due to various setbacks. However, today’s successful election of Dr. Ofut Ogar as the pioneer Convocation Representative to the Council represents a triumph of resilience and collective determination. In a statement, the President of the UNICROSS Alumni Association congratulated Dr. Ogar, expressing full confidence in his capacity to serve.  “We look forward to his collaborative efforts with fellow council members to shape policies that will elevate the university’s standing,” the statement read. To commemorate this historic occasio...

By Sonny Ovai  Early Start or Premature Politics? It is May 2025, and the political atmosphere in Cross River State is already abuzz. Some believe it's too early to begin politicking for the 2027 elections, arguing that it distracts from governance and the fulfillment of 2023 campaign promises. Others contend there is no such thing as “too early” in politics—early engagement, they say, builds stronger connections with the electorate, particularly for newcomers. In Cross River Central Senatorial District, the political permutations are heating up -most notably, around how to unseat the incumbent, Senator Eteng Jonah Williams.  Intra-Party Battles and the Yakurr Factor: Curiously, the strongest opposition to Senator Williams seems to be coming not from rival parties but from within his own party - the All Progressives Congress (APC). Even more surprising is that many of these critics hail from his home base in Yakurr Local Government Area. A closer look reveals that this is part...

  In a compelling address at the National Assembly on Thursday, Senator Eteng Jonah Williams described Nigeria’s rampant crude oil theft crisis as a national menace that must be brought to an end. Speaking at the public hearing of the Senate Ad-hoc Committee on Crude Oil Theft, Senator Williams who represents Cross River Central condemned the scale of the illicit trade, calling it a threat to Nigeria’s economic survival and national security. Senator Williams emphasized that the hearing was not merely a formality but a decisive step in uncovering the full extent of the criminal enterprise plaguing the oil and gas sector. He reiterated the Senate’s commitment to accountability, insisting that no individual, institution, or syndicate involved in oil theft would be spared scrutiny. The public hearing, held in Abuja, brought together top government officials, oil industry regulators, security agencies, community leaders from oil-producing areas, and international experts. It forms a pi...

  Health workers in Cross River State are working under conditions that are not fit for health services. This report by Archibong Jeremiah reveals that some operate from life-threatening infrastructures, lack manpower, electricity, drugs, and WASH facilities, and deal with insecurity to save lives.  One morning in January 2025, Mr Effiong Bassey, Head of Ikot Inwang Primary Healthcare Centre, Bakassi local government area of Cross River State, came to work and noticed his office laboratory had been burgled and a digital blood pressure monitor had been stolen. The burglar, aided with a long stick, moved the plastic table where it was close to the window, removed the digital blood pressure monitor from its casing and replaced it with stones. This  is not the first time the facility has been burgled. During the #EndSARS protest across Nigeria in October 2020, which led to the vandalisation of public and private properties, Ikot Inwang PHC was one. It was stripped naked of be...