Detailing News

Today, as we commemorate our 65th Independence Anniversary, we reflect on the journey that has led us to this milestone and pay tribute to the sacrifices of our founding fathers who tirelessly fought for our freedom and self-determination. Their legacy serves as a poignant reminder of our collective responsibility to build a prosperous and united nation. The theme of this year's celebration, "All Hands on Deck," underscores the need for our collective participation in nation-building.  As Nigerians, we must collaborate to consolidate the gains of our democratic journey and address the challenges that lie ahead. I urge you to remain steadfast in your commitment to our nation's progress as we work together to build a brighter future for ourselves and future generations.  At the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), we are poised to deliver on our core mandate of developing the Nigeria Delta region by driving economic growth, reducing poverty and promoting sustainab...

  Preparations have reached top gear for the African Union Public–Private Partnership (PPP) and Stakeholders Summit 2025, slated for Addis Ababa from October 28 to 31. Themed “Africa, The Global Powerhouse of the Future,” the summit is organised by the Parliament for Africa in collaboration with the convener of the AU Agenda 2063 Simulation, Ambassador Dr. Young Piero Omatseye. The event will draw former heads of state, AU commissioners, ambassadors, innovators, cultural icons, and institutional leaders. Omatseye said the summit builds on the Tourism Across Africa Project, unveiled in Abuja on World Tourism Day 2025, which was endorsed by Nigeria’s Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy and spearheaded by Jet Age Nation Builders. As part of the buildup, a continental expedition will take off from Nigeria, moving through Nasarawa, Benue, Enugu, Ebonyi, and Cross River States before crossing into Cameroon, Central African Republic, DR Congo, Burundi, Uganda, Rwanda, T...

  Engr. Dr. George Ndifon Abang has commended the Executive Governor of Cross River State, His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, for his visionary commitment to youth and agricultural development through the ₦800 million empowerment grant recently unveiled in Calabar. Dr. Abang noted that by targeting 400 beneficiaries, including ex-Bakassi Defence Force members and young farmers, the initiative not only uplifts livelihoods but also strengthens food security and social stability in the state. He described the Governor’s action as “a bold step that blends economic empowerment with peace-building, providing our youths with the tools to be productive and competitive in today’s challenging economy.” Dr. Abang pledged his continuous support for policies that prioritize human capital development, stressing that sustained empowerment of young people remains the surest path to shared prosperity in Cross River State.

  The Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP) has expressed its readiness to endorse Barr. Gilbert Agbor, Special Adviser on Asset Management to Governor Prince Bassey Edet Otu, for the Obubra/Etung Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives. In a release made available to Detailing News, the CNPP noted that with Obubra currently occupying the seat for a second term, the group will throw its weight behind Barr. Agbor should the position be ceded to Etung in the next electoral cycle. CNPP also noted that Barr. Agbor has demonstrated capacity, competence, and commitment to service, making him a credible choice to represent the constituency at the National Assembly. According to the statement, the decision reflects the CNPP’s resolve to support individuals who can deliver effective representation and foster development for the people.

  Engr. Dr. George Ndifon Abang has extended warm birthday felicitations to Dr. Tiku Ebam Ndep, Special Adviser to the Governor on Climate Change and Chairman of the Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria (CFAN). In a congratulatory message, Engr. Abang described Dr. Ndep as a consummate academic, foremost educationist, farmer–community leader, and a gentleman who has distinguished himself in public service, climate advocacy, and agricultural development. He noted that Dr. Ndep’s contributions continue to inspire confidence in a future rooted in knowledge, sustainability, and shared prosperity. Engr. Abang prayed for God’s blessings of sound health, wisdom, and greater accomplishments for Dr. Ndep as he marks a new year.

  The Cross River State Government has declared its readiness to partner the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) on boosting Calabar Carnival and other areas of interest. The Chief of Staff to the Governor, Chief Emmanuel Ironbar said this on Monday, September, 22 when the National President of the NUJ, Alhaji Al Hassan Yahaya and his team paid him a courtesy visit in Calabar. Ironbar who stood in for the State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, said “the government wants a partnership for the Calabar Carnival”. He acknowledged the fact that the media has been doing much to promote the media and other activities of the state government and the need for a partnership has come. “I am happy with this visit. The media/NUJ is a reliable partner in good governance. The government in collaboration with NUJ will work out partnership for a Media tour.”, he said. On his part, the NUJ National President, Alhaji Al Hassan Yahaya, who was in the state to attend the just concluded, “5th Beatrice Bass...

As the Senator representing the good people of Cross River Central Senatorial District, I have received with deep concern the renewed hostilities between the Ochon (Obubra LGA) and Alesi (Ikom LGA) communities. At this delicate moment, I appeal to all parties to embrace peace, exercise restraint, and allow reason to triumph over conflict.   In the spirit of Governor Bassey Otu’s, ‘Season of Sweetness’, let us be reminded that true sweetness lies in harmony, forgiveness, and shared progress, not in violence. The people of Ochon and Alesi have lived as brothers for generations, bound together by blood, culture, and trade. Those bonds must be preserved, not broken. Just a few weeks ago, my constituency office provided relief support to both communities and urged dialogue for lasting peace. It is therefore heartbreaking to receive reports of fresh violence leading to the loss of innocent lives. I call on the Federal Government and relevant security agencies to act swiftly, ensurin...

  Engr. Dr. George Ndifon Abang, on behalf of his family and associates, has extended heartfelt birthday felicitations to Prince Ebuta Ojong Ayuk, describing him as an illustrious leader and statesman. In his message, Engr. Abang hailed Prince Ayuk as a political colossus and rallying point for the Etung nation, whose service as State Party Chairman and later as Special Adviser to the President reflects an enduring commitment to leadership, unity, and the advancement of the people. He lauded Prince Ayuk’s legacy of statesmanship, vision, and resilience, noting that he remains a source of inspiration and a symbol of loyalty to cause and community. Engr. Abang prayed for God’s continued blessings on Prince Ayuk, wishing him long life, renewed strength, sound health, and sustained relevance in the service of humanity.

  The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), in partnership with Senator Princess Florence Ita-Giwa, has concluded plans to officially establish the Beatrice Bassey Ita Tourist Media Centre and Memorial Foundation in Calabar, in honour of the late veteran journalist, broadcaster, and media icon, Mrs. Beatrice Bassey Ita. The initiative is designed to immortalize Mrs. Ita’s invaluable contributions to journalism, broadcasting, and public service, while also creating a vibrant hub for research, mentorship, tourism, and professional development for journalists, students, researchers, and media enthusiasts. Announcing the vision for the  project in Calabar, the National President of NUJ, Comrade Alhassan Yahaya, said the centre will stand as a beacon of knowledge, inspiration, and cultural heritage. He was accompanied by the Vice President of Zone F, Comrade Dokubo Opaka; NAWOJ National President, Hajia Aisha Ibrahim; Chairman of NUJ Cross River State Council, Comrade Archibong Basse...

Ukorebi Esien   The Cross River State Representative on the Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Rt. Hon. (Otuekong) Orok Otu Duke, has paid glowing tribute to the late Hon. Asuquo Ekeng William Andem, popularly known as Wakilo, who passed away on June 20, 2025, at the age of 60. Speaking shortly after the funeral held in Calabar South, Rt. Hon. Duke described the deceased as “a true grassroots mobilizer, a pillar of Ward 4 politics in Calabar South, and a loyal ally whose contributions remain etched in the political history of Calabar South and Cross River State at large.” Late Hon. Asuquo Ekeng William Andem, until his demise, was a former Councillor for Ward 4 in Calabar South and served as Supervisory Councillor for Budget and Planning between 2003 and 2007. He also held several political positions, including Special Assistant to the Governor on Culture and Tourism, Board Member of Forestry, and Coordinator of “YES AYADE” Political Movement. He later bec...

Nigeria has once again demonstrated leadership in Africa’s oil and gas sector by spearheading the signing of a charter to birth the African Petroleum Regulators Forum (AFRIPERF). The landmark signing ceremony, chaired by the Commission Chief Executive (CCE) Of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, and observed by the Chairman of Nigeria’s Senate Committee on Upstream, Senator Eteng Williams, took place on Thursday, September 18, 2025, on the sidelines of the 31st edition of the Africa Oil Week (AOW) in Accra, Ghana. The event was gracefully attended by regulators from 16 African countries including Nigeria, Ghana, Somalia, Gambia, Madagascar, Sudan, Guinea and Togo. Others in attendance were: Kenya, Mauritania, Benin, Mozambique, Angola, Namibia, South Africa, Morocco. At the ceremony, regulators from eight African countries formally endorsed the AFRIPERF Charter, while seven others present expressed support with a pledge to join at a fut...

The Special Adviser on Public Utilities to the Governor of Cross River State Engr. Dr. Jerome Egbe, KSM has condemned the alleged negligence of the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHED) over a high-voltage power surge that led to a fire outbreak at No. 80 IBB Way, Calabar. During a visit to the scene of the incident, which occurred on September 15, 2025, between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m., the Special Adviser expressed deep sorrow over the destruction caused by the inferno and faulted PHED for failing to act despite repeated complaints from residents of the Akim community. He commiserated with the property owner, Mr. Emmanuel Mfon Essien, and affected tenants including Mr. Akaninyene Tom, whose showroom valued at about 50 million was gutted, and Mr. Bright Michael Sandy, who reportedly lost phone accessories worth about 15 million. Speaking on behalf of the Governor of Cross River State, he encouraged the victims to remain strong, stressing the importance of safety, vigilance, ...

  The Abon Abang Foundation has announced the continuation of its Back-to-School Student Support Scheme aimed at easing the financial burden of indigene of Obubra and Etung Local Government Areas who are enrolled in tertiary institutions. According to a statement made available to Detailing News, the initiative covers both undergraduate and postgraduate students and is designed to promote academic success and empower the next generation of leaders. “The Foundation remains committed to consistent and impactful educational interventions,” the statement read. For enquiries, students can contact: – Com. Elvis Okorn Jnr, Programme Officer – 0806 645 6818 – Com. Kenoly Ndep, Head of Student Support – 0812 534 7054 The Foundation urged eligible students to take advantage of the scheme as part of its ongoing drive to uplift youths through education.

  Former Special Adviser on Education to the Cross River State Governor, Castro Ezama, has called on residents of the state to rise to the challenge of mobilising eligible voters for the ongoing continuous voters registration exercise. In a statement on his Facebook page, Ezama said one of the key indices in political calculations at the national level is voting strength, warning that Cross River currently lags behind other South-South states in the number of registered voters. According to figures he shared, Rivers State has 3,537,190 registered voters, Delta 3,221,697, Edo 2,501,081, Akwa Ibom 2,357,418, Cross River 1,766,466 and Bayelsa 1,056,862. He argued that Cross River should “comfortably boast of 3 million eligible voters” if mobilisation efforts are intensified. He urged residents to put aside political differences and work collectively to increase the state’s voting strength. He also called on local governments, political parties, civil society groups, and the Ministry o...

  The Cross River State Representative on the Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Rt. Hon. Orok Duke, has called for greater collaboration between the Calabar Urban Development Authority (CUDA) and local government councils to address the growing challenges of waste management in the state capital and its environs. Duke made the appeal during the official handover of waste bins to the chairmen of Odukpani, Calabar South, and Calabar Municipality local government areas. The ceremony, which held in Calabar, was witnessed by the Executive Secretary of CUDA, the Special Assistant to the Governor on General Duties, Barr. Akiba Ekpenyong, and the Member representing Calabar Municipality in the Cross River State House of Assembly. Speaking at the event, Duke expressed concern over the absence of waste bins in some parts of Calabar, particularly Marina, where residents have resorted to dumping refuse on the streets and in open nylos. He stressed that effective evacuatio...

The cultural heartbeat of Etung was on display recently as Engr. Dr. George Ndifon Abang, a farmer, civil engineer, and community advocate, hosted friends, family, and well-wishers to mark the annual Etung New Yam Festival in his hometown, Bendeghe Ekeim. The celebration began with visits to traditional chiefs and engagements with youth groups, a gesture community members described as a demonstration of respect for culture and inclusiveness. The festival, marked by thanksgiving and cultural displays, provided a platform not only for celebration but also for strengthening bonds across generations. Dr. Abang used the occasion to champion education by sponsoring the Etung Students’ Association Empowerment Programme. His intervention covered WAEC registration forms and financial support for indigent students, an initiative that drew praise from both beneficiaries and community leaders. One student beneficiary expressed gratitude, saying, “Without this support, I would have struggled to reg...

  …An electrifying rally of loyalty, gratitude, and resolve Obudu Local Government Area witnessed an unforgettable spectacle on Saturday as its people poured out in their thousands to declare unwavering support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, Governor Bassey Edet Otu, and Deputy Governor Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, urging them to continue in office beyond 2027. The Council Secretariat Field transformed into a sea of colours and solidarity, as traditional rulers, political leaders, women, youth, and party faithful converged in a carnival-like atmosphere filled with music, dances, and chants that echoed one message: continuity for progress. In her opening charge, Commissioner for Sports Development and Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Hon. Agnes Atsu, set the tone, stressing that the endorsement was born out of conviction, not sentiment. “This is no ordinary political ritual. It is the heartfelt voice of a people inspired by performance, u...

  Entries for the Owan Enoh MSME Support Program have swelled over 12,000. This demonstrates not just acceptance but also exposes the yawning desire for a helping hand by Cross Riverians. I am also sure that many Cross Riverians are already wondering how exactly will beneficiaries be selected from such a massive pool. Many who think some privileged assessors will grab their pens to tick as many names off and plant their favored winners, have been calling, chatting and texting to lobby, to no avail. But I want to give you an idea of the painstaking work that is ongoing behind the scenes by the team that is assessing the entries. Stage One: CATEGORIZATION  The entries are all being categorized into 14 different sectors, namely: Agriculture, Construction, Creative Arts, Education, Energy, Fashion Designing, Financial Services, Healthcare, Hospitality, Manufacturing, Retail, ICT, Transportation, and Others. All these fourteen sectors have their drop down sub-sectors. Stage Two: EL...

Calabar, Cross River State – September 5, 2025: The Cross River State Representative on the Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Rt. Hon. (Otuekong) Orok Otu Duke PhD, has joined family, friends, and sympathizers to pay his last respects to the late Mr. Eyo Edem Duke, who was laid to rest after a funeral service in Calabar. The deceased, fondly referred to as Etinyin by loved ones, passed on at the age of 52 after a brief illness. He was described as a disciplinarian, devoted husband, father, and pillar of strength to both his maternal and paternal families. Until his death, he was known for his integrity, humility, and deep sense of humor, traits that endeared him to all who encountered him. Rt. Hon. Duke, who stood in solidarity with the bereaved family, commiserated with them over the painful loss and prayed for God’s comfort and strength to carry them through this difficult period. He emphasized that the passing of Eyo  Duke was not only a loss to his immedia...

  The Cross River State Government has intensified reforms in the forestry sector, cracking down on illegal activities and publishing officially approved revenue subheads. In two memos issued by the Forestry Commission on Tuesday, all unauthorized evacuation passes were withdrawn, while a list of recognized collections was made public. One of the memos, signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Commission, Mrs. Bassey Onoyom Bassey, warned field officers against issuing unapproved passes. She stressed that anyone caught violating the directive would face stiff sanctions, adding that the decision was aimed at restoring order, ending revenue leakages, and curbing illegal logging across the state. The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission, Ntufam (Dr.) George O’Ben-Etchi, announced further measures, including the automation of evacuation passes and the consolidation of all revenue collections under the Cross River State Internal Revenue Service (CRIRS). He lis...