Senator Eteng Williams Demands Urgent Federal Intervention on Ikom-Calabar, Ikom-Obudu Roads at FERMA Budget Defence

The Senator representing Cross River Central Senatorial District, Senator Eteng Jonah Williams, has expressed deep concern over the deplorable state of the Ikom-Calabar and Ikom-Obudu roads in Cross River State.

Senator Williams made this known during the 2025 budget defence session of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), before the Senate Committee on FERMA. He decried the worsening condition of these critical federal roads and the severe hardship being faced by his constituents who depend on them as the primary corridor linking Cross River Central to the state capital and Northern Nigeria.

Highlighting the strategic importance of the routes, the lawmaker noted that the roads cut across five local government areas, and provide access to the renowned Obudu Mountain Resort, one of Nigeria’s foremost tourism destinations, while connecting Cross River State to several northern states.

According to him, the near-total breakdown in the movement of goods and services along the corridors has crippled economic activities and heightened frustration among constituents. The situation has further escalated into protests by youths under the banner of “No Road, No Election,” reflecting growing public dissatisfaction.

In his response, the Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, acknowledged the strategic importance of the roads, describing them as critical arterial routes. He assured the Committee and the lawmaker that the Ministry is fully aware of the situation and will take appropriate steps to address the deplorable condition of the roads.

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Engr. Jerome Egbe Visits NSCDC Command for Strategic Partnership on Public Utilities

The Special Adviser to the Governor of Cross River State on Public Utilities, Engr. Dr. Jerome Egbe, KSM, today, October 8, 2025, paid a courtesy visit to the Commander of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Cross River Command, Mr. Brown Charles, in Calabar. The visit centered on establishing a strategic partnership to protect and secure public utilities across the state from vandals and criminal elements. During the meeting, Engr. Egbe emphasized the importance of safeguarding all critical public infrastructure and ensuring close collaboration between the Ministry of Public Utilities and the NSCDC in achieving the Governor’s vision for a sustainable and secure state. He also inspected the state of the Command’s facilities and sympathized with the personnel over the recent rainstorm that destroyed parts of the roofing, leaving the building flooded and disrupting operations. Engr. Egbe conveyed the administration’s sympathy and reiterated Governor Bassey O...

Engr. Egbe Commends Governor Otu for Flag-Off of Subsidized Mini Tractors Distribution

The Special Adviser to the Governor of Cross River State on Public Utilities, Engr. Dr. Jerome Egbe, KSM, has commended the Executive Governor of Cross River State, His Excellency, Senator (Apostle) Prince Bassey Edet Otu, for flagging off the distribution of subsidized mini tractors to farmers’ cooperatives in the state. The event, which took place today, October 10, 2025, at the premises of the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation Development, marks another significant step in the Governor’s agricultural transformation agenda. Engr. Egbe described the initiative as a strategic form of public utility empowerment that will serve as a catalyst for accelerating food production and achieving food sufficiency across the state. He noted that such interventions demonstrate the Otu-led administration’s commitment to empowering rural farmers, creating employment opportunities, and ensuring food security for all Cross Riverians. He further thanked the Governor for his admini...

UNICROSS Announces 2026/2027 Post-UTME Screening, Introduces 19 New Programmes

The University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) has officially announced the commencement of its First Choice Admission Screening Exercise for the 2026/2027 academic session . The university has also unveiled 19 newly approved undergraduate academic programmes across its campuses. According to an official notice signed by the University Registrar, Dr. (Mrs) Catherine Ndifon Osai, eligible candidates include UTME applicants who chose UNICROSS as their First Choice and scored 150 and above in the 2026 UTME. Candidates who did not initially choose the university as their first choice can also apply by changing their institution to UNICROSS via the JAMB portal . Newly Approved Programmes & Campus Locations Prospective students are advised to note the campus locations where their chosen courses are domiciled before registering: Calabar Campus 1. Faculty of Architecture Department of Architecture , Department of Interior Architecture Design, Department of Landscape Archi...

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