Detailing News

  BY Alobo Ishmael Eba  The Governor of Cross River State, Sen. Bassey Edet Otu has commended the Honourable Minister of State for Industry, Sen. John Owan Enoh for using his office to facilitate the citing of an Automotive Training Centre in the state.  Speaking on Friday, August 29, 2025 during the groundbreaking/Foundation laying ceremony of the centre  located at the University of Education and Entrepreneurship, Awi, the Governor said  "I extend our profound gratitude to the Federal Government and special thanks to my brother, the Hon. Minister for driving this innovation home. This ceremony symbolises a new turnaround for our growth and development of our youths in the modern automotive industry".  The governor who was represented by Bon Duke added that "This initiative aligns with our administration's People First Agenda". He called on the host community to safeguard the project jealously saying "To our host community and UEE, I say this is our pride,...

  BY Alobo Ishmael Eba  The Honourable Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Owan Enoh-JOE  on Friday, August 29th, 2025 officially unveiled the Owan-Enoh MSME  intervention program in Calabar, the Cross River State capital, doling out a 500m naira grant to beneficiaries who successfully scale through the application processes.  Addressing the press during the unveiling, the Minister stated that the intervention program is a personal project geared towards empowering and supporting Micro,  Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the state through grants ranging from 500 to 150 thousand naira each.  He stated that "There is a 500 million naira earmarked for this intervention program. This fund will be distributed evenly across the 18 Local Governments in the state. The scheme is designed to give financial support to business owners without the burden of repayment".  On the modalities of selection, the Minister stated that he has no hand in t...

  By Kelvin Obambon The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints has successfully concluded its "For the Strength of Youth" (FSY) 2025 conference in Calabar, an event that gathered over 1,000 youth participants and numerous counselors at the Federal Government Girls College.  The week-long conference aimed to keep youths on the covenant path by engaging them deeply in scriptural learning, fellowship, and skills development to prepare them for a self-reliant future. Speaking at the conclusion of the event on Friday, Elder Victor Offiong, Chairman of the Coordinating Council for Calabar, highlighted the core purpose of the conference as a way to bring youths out to learn more about the scriptures, bond with their peers, and acquire practical skills.  Elder Offiong noted that "the youths enjoyed their time, being away from their parents in a safe, well-supervised environment with counselors, coordinators, and session directing couples ensuring their wellbeing and engagem...

  The people of Akpabuyo Local Government Area in Cross River State rolled out the drums to celebrate the 34th anniversary of the council’s creation, marking the milestone with cultural displays, communal festivities, and renewed optimism for peace, security, and prosperity. Speaking at the event, which held at the Council headquarters, former PDP Deputy Governorship Candidate, Dr. Emana Duke Ambrose-Amawhe, praised Governor Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu for restoring peace in the area, noting that insecurity in past years would have made such a gathering impossible. “Since His Excellency came into power, he put all measures in place to ensure calm and peace. Today, people can sleep in their houses with their eyes closed, and that is why you see this turnout from far and near,” she said. Highlighting Akpabuyo’s strategic location as a natural maritime gateway bordered by rivers, Bakassi, and the Atlantic Ocean, Dr. Ambrose-Amawhe revealed that ongoing government investments in dre...

21st August 2025  Associate Professor Esther Archibong, Special Adviser and Focal Person for the National Social Investment Programmes (NSIP) in Cross River State, together with Ms. Fanny Mary Odey, Cross River State Programme Manager for GEEP, were among the key participants at the Renewed Hope–GEEP 3.0 Stakeholder Roundtable held at the National Assembly Library, Abuja. The high-level roundtable, themed “Building Trust, Strengthening Transparency and Scaling Impact through Financial Inclusion,” brought together policymakers, programme managers, and development partners to review progress, strengthen accountability, and deepen collaboration in the implementation of the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP). The National Coordinator of NSIP, Associate Prof. Lawal Badamasi, was represented by Mr. Nsikan Okon, National Programme Manager for N-Power, while the National Programme Manager of GEEP, Mr. Hamza Ibrahim Baba, delivered a keynote on the programme’s achievemen...

  By Kingsley Agim  The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Cross River State Council, has congratulated Comrade Oka Ibor, Editor of the Nigerian Chronicle Newspaper, on his recognition with the 2025 Cross River State Government Best Service Award. The Union, in a message signed by its Chairman, Comrade Archibong Bassey, described the honour as a well-deserved testament to Ibor’s professionalism, diligence, and commitment to excellence in journalism and public service. Ibor received the award during the Civil/Public Service Day celebration held at the U. J. Esuene Stadium, Calabar, where he was presented with a certificate and Service Medal by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Anthony Owan Enoh. Bassey noted that the recognition highlights not only Ibor’s personal achievements but also the vibrancy of journalism in the state. “We at the NUJ are proud of this remarkable feat, which not only highlights your personal achievements but also projects the vibrancy of the j...

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and Senator representing Cross River South Senatorial District, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, on Tuesday, led members of the Committee, the Commission’s Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, Executive Director Projects, Obong Victor Antai and top management staff of the NDDC on an assessment and inspection tour of key ongoing road reconstruction projects in Cross River State. The projects inspected include the 20KM Okomita–Uyanga–Ehom Road traversing Akamkpa and Biase LGAs, the 1.5KM Idundu Junction–Idundu Bridge Road in Akpabuyo LGA, and the 10.8KM Aking–Osomba Road in Akamkpa LGA, all being executed by Messers Faith Plant Nig. Ltd. The delegation were received by the Chairman of Akamkpa Local Government, Hon. Felix Akposi, alongside Honorable members representing Akamkpa Constituency 1 and 2 in the Cross River State House of Assembly, Hon. Okon Owuna and Hon. Linus Bassey, as well as Honorable Councillors a...

The Cross River State Representative on the Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Rt. Hon. Orok Otu Duke PhD, joined family, friends and colleagues in celebrating the birthday of the Commission’s Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, in grand style. Dr. Duke, who graced the occasion with warmth and goodwill extended his heartfelt wishes to Dr. Ogbuku, describing him as “a visionary leader whose dedication to the Niger Delta continues to inspire and transform lives.” In his goodwill message, Duke prayed for God’s continued wisdom, good health and strength for Dr. Ogbuku, noting that his leadership has brought renewed hope to the Commission and the Niger Delta region at large. The celebration also featured the launching of two books authored by Dr. Ogbuku, titled Rethinking the Niger Delta and Strategies and Imperatives for Developing the Niger Delta. The celebration reflected unity, joy and shared commitment to the progress of the Niger Delta, with Rt. Hon. Otu Duke re...

   The Editor of Nigerian Chronicle, Comrade Oka Ibor, has been honoured with the 2025 Cross River State Government Best Service Award. Ibor was presented the award certificate and Service Medal by the Secretary to the Government of Cross River State, Prof. Anthony Owan Enoh, during the celebration of the Civil/Public Service Day in the state, held at the U. J. Ensuene Stadium, Calabar, recently. Speaking at the event, the state Head of Service, Obol (Dr.) Innocent Eteng, said the day was to celebrate the sacredness of the civil service in the state. Eteng explained that award is to recognise civil servants in the state who have put in their best in service delivery through hard work and performance. He called on the beneficiaries to see the award as a call for more work. The Head of Service commended the state governor, Prince Bassey Otu for his unwavering commitment to the welfare of workers in the state  Eteng also thanked the governor for breaking the jinx of unemploy...

  The Special Adviser to the Governor of Cross River State on Public Utilities, Engr. Dr. Jerome Egbe, has commended the management of NAKS Hotel, Calabar, for demonstrating responsibility by carrying out a controlled demolition of a structurally unsafe two-storey building within its premises. The incident occurred at about 1:30 AM on August 10, 2025, when the building under construction was deliberately dismantled following internal safety assessments that confirmed critical structural deficiencies. The exercise, which was monitored under controlled conditions, recorded no fatalities, with only one demolition crew member sustaining minor injuries and receiving prompt medical care. In response to the event, a multidisciplinary inspection team comprising the Office of the Special Adviser, the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) Calabar Branch, the Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers (NICE), the Nigerian Institution of Safety Engineers (NISafetyE), and the Nigerian Institution of...

  By Kingsley Agim For two days, the agrarian community of Etomi in Etung Local Government Area of Cross River State turned into a hub of medical activity, as nearly 300 residents received free healthcare in a special outreach marking Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk’s second anniversary as Commissioner for Health. The outreach, held at the newly upgraded Etomi Primary Health Centre (PHC) from August 15 through 16, was powered by the State Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the State Primary Health Care Development Agency and the World Bank–supported IMPACT Project (Immunization Plus and Malaria Progress by Accelerating Coverage and Transforming Services). From consultations to surgeries, the outreach touched lives in multiple ways. More than 250 residents underwent medical consultations, 262 were screened for diabetes, and 259 tested for malaria. Twelve new cases of diabetes were diagnosed, while 53 malaria infections were confirmed. Eye care was a major highlight, with 34 patients trea...

The Progressive Institute, TPI; an official Think Tank of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC has concluded a 3 Day Training on Public Sector Governance for principal officers of the 27 Local Governments in Imo State. The retreat with the theme: Enhancing Local Government Governance for Sustainable Development was declared opened by the executive governor of Imo State and Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, Hope Uzodimma on Wednesday 13th August at the the Sam Mbakwe Hall in Owerri and ended on Friday, 15th August, 2025 with presentation of Certificates to the Participants. Declaring the program opened, Governor Uzodimma told  the teaming participants to be a good ambassador of APC in their respective local government and wards.  The Governor warns the local government officials against indiscipline, corruption, compliance with law and order and dedication to service, noting that his administration will not condone 'diaspora local government officials '.  H...

By Paddy Tom, Ph.D In recent times, I have observed with keen interest the evolving performance of Rt. Hon. Mike Etaba, the Member representing Obubra/Etung Federal Constituency and Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Environment. There has been so much talk about whether our representative is an “onlooker” or an active player in the national arena. The facts before us now speak for themselves: he is not only active, but strategic in his approach. Within August 2025 alone, Rt. Hon. Mike Etaba has achieved milestones that many will find difficult to match. First, he facilitated ten (10) federal employments for constituents,  life-changing opportunities that will not only transform individual families but also contribute to the economic growth of our constituency. These are not the kind of political favours that end with photo ops; these are sustainable interventions that put food on tables and restore dignity to homes. Secondly, in the same month, he commissioned a six-c...

  The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in collaboration with the Ukpai Empowerment Foundation has organized a conference in Calabar, Cross River, to mark the 2025 International Youth Day. The event which took place on Wednesday, August 13, 2025 brought together youths and stakeholders to celebrate young people in the state. Barr. Bassey Ita Duke, speaking on behalf of the Cross River State Representative on the NDDC board, Rt. Hon. Orok Duke PhD, emphasized the commission’s commitment to youth development.  He highlighted various youth-friendly programmes, including sponsorships for education, skill acquisition workshops, internships, and sports festivals designed to empower young people and discover talents in sports and technology.  "The NDDC aims to prepare youths to compete globally through these initiatives, fostering future leaders and champions emerging from the Niger Delta," he said. Dr. Oboma Nathan of the Ukpai Empowerment Foundation praised the youth o...

  By Kingsley Agim There are people who teach, and there are those who transform. Mr. Cornelius Ellah, fondly known as Cornel, is one of those rare gems who embodies both. A man whose journey into the classroom, from his own historical account, was almost reluctant, but whose impact within those four walls has been nothing short of divine orchestration. Recently, when Cornel was named ‘The Most Impactful Lecturer’ at the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), I felt a wave of emotions; joy, pride, nostalgia, but above all, deep gratitude. I smiled not just because he won, but because, to those of us who passed through his tutelage, this award simply echoed what we’ve always known: that Cornel is a master sculptor of minds and destinies. For a second term running, Cornel has remained the Head of Department of Journalism and Media Studies in the Faculty of Communication Technology at UNICROSS. This is no small feat. It is a testament to his steady hands, his clarity of vision, a...

  The Member representing Obubra/Etung Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Mike Etaba, has facilitated and completed the construction of a six-classroom block in Etomi community, Etung Local Government Area of Cross River State.  The project reaffirms his commitment to delivering people-oriented projects, investing in the future of young people through improved access to quality education and prioritizing the welfare and growth of his constituents. Mike Etaba Media

  The member representing Cross River in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) board, Rt. Hon. Orok Duke PhD, has commended the state governor, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu for acquiring two new aircraft for the state carrier, CallyAir. Duke who made the commendation in Calabar, Tuesday, on the sidelines of the official commissioning of the aircraft by Vice President Kashim Shettima and Governor Otu at the Margaret Ekpo International Airport, said the two planes would boost Cross River tourism potential and make the state more accessible to investors and businesses. He praised the governor's effort towards the sustainable development of the state, adding that his policies since assumption of office have reinvigorated Cross River's economy. He asserted that the two new Bombardier CRJ1000 aircraft would tackle flight delays and cancellations that often threw passengers into uncertainty and discouraged travel to the state, especially by investors, tourists and business m...

  Dr Jesam Igri Ofem has congratulated Okpokiri, Peter Adi on his swearing-in as the first Supervisor for Information and Orientation in Ogoja Local Government Area. Okpokiri’s appointment marks a historic milestone, as he becomes the first person from Mbube East Ward 1 to hold the position without first being elected as a councillor, despite contesting for the seat in 2013. Dr Ofem praised Adi’s dedication, citing his consistent efforts in projecting and defending the party as key to his emergence.  He also prayed for God’s guidance as Adi undertakes his new role.

  By Detailing News  The President of the Postgraduate Students Government of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), Comrade Ewelu Otu, has led members of his Executive Council on a courtesy visit to the Vice Chancellor, Professor Francisca Bassey, to deliberate on key issues affecting postgraduate students. During the meeting, held at the Vice Chancellor’s office, Comrade Ewelu introduced his team and commended Professor Bassey for her strides in strengthening campus security.  The discussions focused on pressing concerns, notably the prolonged delays in issuing certificates and transcripts, which the postgraduate leader said had hindered graduates’ opportunities for employment and further studies. He stressed the need for a timely and organized academic calendar to avert such challenges. Comrade Ewelu also urged the university to prioritize qualified postgraduate students for employment opportunities.  In her response, the Vice Chancellor, on the proposed ...

  By Itam Offor  The Cross River State House of Assembly has called on the State Government, through the Ministry of Education and the Scholarship Board, to reintroduce scholarship and bursary awards to Cross River students. The Lawmakers had deliberated on a Motion presented by the Member representing Yakurr 2 State Constituency and the only female legislator in the Assembly, Hon Mercy Mbang Akpama. Leading the debate on her motion, Akpama reiterated that scholarship awards are for deserving students, based on merit and also for those without financial resources to pursue their academic endeavours. She lamented that, for over 8 years, the State Scholarship Board has not implemented any scholarship programme and urged them to source scholarship opportunities for deserving students. " The Board, as part of its mandate, also sources funds from Public-spirited individuals, private companies, NGOs...NDDC, Central Bank of Nigeria etc, to enable it to sponsor scholarship programmes....

Birmingham, UK — Cross River State Governor, His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, and Etinyin Dr Asuquo Ekpenyong, OON, NPOM, were honoured with the Award for Excellent Performance and the Community Impact Award respectively, at the maiden Cross Riverians in Diaspora Convention held from August 1st to 3rd, 2025, in recognition of their visionary leadership and contributions to community development. Dr Ekpenyong, who delivered the keynote address on “The Pathway to Sustainable Innovation and the Future of the Youths in Cross River State,” was applauded for his outstanding commitment to youth empowerment, innovation, and sustainable development initiatives across the state. Governor Otu, who presented the award to Dr Ekpenyong, was himself honoured by the diaspora community with the Award for Excellent Performance, acknowledging his impactful leadership and people-oriented governance since assuming office. The Governor attended the convention as Special Guest, accompanied by t...

  Rt. Hon. Orok Duke, PhD, is a distinguished statesman and leader notable for his contributions to national development, particularly in Cross River State and the Niger Delta region. He is recognized for his dedication to service, leadership, cultural advocacy, and sustained efforts to improve governance and infrastructure. Duke’s career has spanned various roles, including his tenure as Cross River State's representative on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Board. In this capacity, he has been an active advocate for policies and projects that benefit Cross River State and the wider Niger Delta. At the 2025 NDDC Board and Management Strategic Retreat, themed "Repositioning NDDC for Efficient Service Delivery," Duke emphasized the importance of effective execution, accountability, and sustainable development of projects. He highlighted that mere awarding of contracts is no longer sufficient; projects must be well-implemented, properly maintained, and achieve t...

The Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) has officially welcomed a new Dean as the outgoing, Prof. Jacob Agba on August 1st, 2025 officially handed over to Prof. William Nkanu of the Department of Library and Information Sciences as the newly elected Dean of the faculty.  Speaking during the handover ceremony, Prof. Agba highlighted that everything needed to succeed are included in his handover note. According to him "We have a list of books that are meant to be at the Faculty library. We have been able to distribute 400 copies of handbooks to our students. I highlighted 11 items in my handing over note ranging from our problems, challenges and recommendations".  On the issue of finances, Prof. Agba stated that "The banks disburses students dues when it comes and it's part of that money we use for printing the handbook. The problem with our studios are all included in my report. Also, all the committees I worked with...

  In a bold move to stimulate entrepreneurship and support grassroots economic development, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, representing Cross River South Senatorial District, has facilitated the disbursement of ₦30 million in business grants to 300 small and medium-scale entrepreneurs through the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN). The event, which took place at Channel View Hotel in Calabar, drew hundreds of aspiring and existing business owners from across the district, all hopeful for a new economic beginning. Each beneficiary received ₦100,000  to support and expand their enterprises, as part of the Senator’s ongoing efforts to empower constituents and reduce poverty through sustainable business growth. Speaking on behalf of Senator Ekpenyong, Hon. Oqua Edet Oqua commended the Senator’s unwavering commitment to human capacity development and grassroots empowerment. "Distinguished Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong understands that economic growth starts a...

  The Vice Chancellor of the University of Cross River State, Professor Francisca Bassey, has once again reaffirmed her administration’s deep concern for the well-being of the University workforce by initiating a full week dedicated to celebrating staff. This historic gesture, unprecedented in the annals of the institution, marks a defining moment in the relationship between the University leadership and its personnel. What had often been overlooked in the past—the morale and general welfare of those who work behind the scenes to uphold the institution has now been brought to the forefront under Professor Bassey’s stewardship. The week-long celebration, known simply as "Staff Week," featured a series of engaging and thoughtful activities designed not only to appreciate staff contributions but also to foster a sense of unity and rejuvenation among them. Among the scheduled events were professional talks, comprehensive health check-ups, a fitness walk, a friendly football match...