Detailing News

  The Cross River State Representative on the Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission , NDDC , Rt. Hon. (Otuekong) Orok Otu Duke , has called for stronger collaboration among governments, security agencies, civil society organisations and local communities to combat human trafficking, describing the crime as a grave violation of human dignity and a threat to national development. In a statement to commemorate the 2026 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons , Duke said the fight against human trafficking requires a collective response that addresses not only criminal networks but also the socio-economic conditions that make people, especially women and children, vulnerable to exploitation. According to him, human trafficking continues to destroy lives, separate families and rob communities of their most productive citizens, stressing that every stakeholder has a responsibility to protect vulnerable persons from traffickers. He said: "Human trafficking is one of the most ...

  The Vice Chancellor of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), Prof. Francisca Bassey , has commended the Governor of Cross River State, His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu , for his sustained commitment to educational development, expressing confidence that his administration will continue to deepen reforms in the sector and groom the next generation of leaders for the state. Prof. Bassey gave the commendation while delivering the keynote presentation titled "From Beneficiaries to Partners: How the People of Cross River State Can Sustain and Deepen Governor Bassey Otu's Educational Reforms, Using the University of Cross River State as a Benchmark" at the 2026 Cross River Political Advocacy Summit held on Friday, July 24, 2026, at the Pearl Ballroom of Metropolitan Hotel, Calabar. The Vice Chancellor recalled that, while serving as Senator, Governor Otu facilitated the construction of the University's Administrative Building—the largest building ...

  The Cross River State Representative on the Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Rt. Hon. (Otuekong) Orok Otu Duke, Ph.D, has joined the Chairman of the Commission, Chiedu Ebie, Esq., and other members of the NDDC Board in London for a three day Executive Programme in Strategic Leadership and Governance at the prestigious Royal Docks School of Business and Law, University of East London. The high level executive programme brings together senior leaders, renowned academics and global governance experts in an intensive learning experience designed to sharpen leadership capacity, strengthen institutional governance and expose participants to emerging global trends shaping public sector organisations. Welcoming the NDDC delegation, the Vice Provost (Business) and Executive Dean of the Royal Docks School of Business and Law, Professor Fatima Annan-Diab, described the programme as a platform for meaningful knowledge exchange, innovation and collaborative learning. Sh...

  It was a celebration of discipline, sacrifice and exemplary character at the 2026 Passing Out Parade and Graduation Ceremony of the Nigerian Navy Secondary School (NNSS), Calabar, as the Commandant, Captain Muhammad Nura Dalhatu, singled out graduating student Zainab Opeyemi Zubair for outstanding conduct, describing her as one of the institution's finest ambassadors. The emotionally charged ceremony witnessed officers, instructors, parents and guests paying glowing tributes to the young graduate, whose six-year journey in the military institution culminated in a legacy of academic excellence, humility, leadership and selfless service. Addressing the gathering, Dalhatu recalled that shortly after assuming command in February 2025, he began identifying students whose conduct reflected the ideals of the institution, noting that Zainab immediately distinguished herself. "When I came to this school in February 2025, I started identifying exceptional students, and Zainab was one ...

  The University of Cross River State , formerly known as the Cross River University of Technology, was established in August 2002 through Cross River State Bill No. 9 . It came into being through the merger of three state institutions; The Polytechnic, Calabar , the College of Education, Akamkpa and the Ibrahim Babangida College of Agriculture, Ovonum, Obubra . Next month, the university will be twenty-four years old. Its first set of graduates emerged in the 2006/2007 academic session, and the alumni association was formed fourteen years ago, roughly five years after that pioneering class walked out into the world.  In the years since, the association has donated books and laptops, run scholarship programmes for some years, renovated university properties, dug borehole, has an ongoing alumni centre project that has, unfortunately, stalled amid internal crisis within the association, etc. The association is about starting up another small but very strategic project in the u...

  For some, a birthday is simply another milestone. For others, it is an opportunity to reflect on a life of purpose, service and enduring impact. As Rt. Hon. (Chief) Orok Otu Duke, PhD, the Cross River State Representative on the Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), celebrates his 65th birthday today, Cross River State honours a distinguished public servant whose contributions have left an indelible mark on governance, literature, culture, sports and regional development. Born on 24 July 1961 in Calabar South, Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Orok Otu Duke has built a remarkable career defined by an unwavering commitment to public service and the advancement of society. Over the years, he has combined leadership with scholarship, creativity with administration, and public office with community service, earning the admiration of colleagues, associates and citizens alike. His educational journey laid the foundation for a lifetime of excellence. After attending Saint Pa...

Ordinarily, the recent media attacks by Senator Sandy Onor do not deserve a response.  It is difficult to attach political significance to the comments of a man who, as the sitting Senator representing Cross River Central and the PDP governorship candidate in the 2023 governorship election, suffered a comprehensive rejection at the polls by losing his polling unit, ward, local government, senatorial district and ultimately the governorship election.  That emphatic verdict remains the clearest reflection of the people's confidence-or lack thereof-in his leadership. Rather than engaging in relentless criticism, Senator Onor should reflect on the reasons Cross Riverians overwhelmingly entrusted the leadership of the state to Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu.  His political caterpillar has long somersaulted from the hills of Etara, and no amount of media rhetoric can alter the democratic verdict freely delivered by the people. It is equally ironic that Senator Onor now seeks to...

  The Academic Staff Union of Universities ( ASUU ), University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) Branch, has suspended the strike action it commenced on May 19, 2026. The decision was reached this afternoon at an emergency Congress of the Union held at the Calabar Campus of the University. The development follows a series of interventions by the Management of UNICROSS and the Cross River State Government .  As part of efforts to resolve the industrial dispute , the Vice Chancellor of UNICROSS, Prof. Francisca Bassey , led the University's Management team and the leadership of ASUU UNICROSS Branch to a closed-door meeting with the Governor of Cross River State, His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu . Prior to that engagement, she had also led student leaders to a separate meeting with the Governor.  Both meetings held last week. The suspension of the strike is an outcome of assurances given by the Governor during the meetings. This development reflects the commi...

Fresh controversy has emerged over claims by the Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Mr Peter Odey, that all disputes surrounding the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial candidacy for Cross River Central Senatorial District have been resolved. In a statement issued on Monday, Odey disclosed that a meeting convened at his residence at the instance of Governor Bassey Otu had settled the disagreement over the party's senatorial ticket and that all pending court cases had been withdrawn. The deputy governor also called on party supporters in the district to rally behind the APC candidate, Hon. Oden Ewa, ahead of the forthcoming election. However,  an authoritative sources close to the reconciliation process have dismissed the claims, insisting that discussions are still at an early stage and that the legal battle involving Senator Eteng Jonah Williams remains before the court. The sources maintained that the peace initiative merely resulted in an initial meeting between the pa...

  This may come as a shock to some people, but I have said it repeatedly that Governor Bassey Otu is likely to win Biase Local Government Area based on his goodwill, performance likewise ongoing projects and not because of the strength of the political structure in the LGA. The Governor enjoys considerable public goodwill, and that, in my opinion, remains his greatest political asset in Biase. However, I do not believe the journey to victory will be as smooth as it could have been if the party structure was more united. Unfortunately, many of the APC leaders in Biase appear to spend more time fighting both opponents and fellow party members than building a cohesive political family.  The division between those perceived to be in the “Governor’s camp” and those outside it continues to deepen, despite His Excellency’s repeated emphasis on the People First Agenda. To my knowledge Biase is one of the few local governments where there has been little visible effort to reconcile par...

  Spain are the champions of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after edging defending champions Argentina 1-0 in Sunday’s final. An extra-time strike from Ferran Torres proved decisive as La Roja held off Lionel Messi’s side to lift the World Cup trophy for the second time in their history, 16 years after their maiden triumph at the 2010 tournament in South Africa.

  By Missang AKPET The Commissioner representing Cross River State at the Niger Delta Development Commission , Rt. Hon. Orok Duke , has reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to women, describing them as the foundation of life and societal strength. Duke who stated this on Thursday in Calabar while declaring open the 2026 International Women’s Day celebration organized by the Cross River State office of NDDC said the need to support Women rights cannot be overemphasized. Duke who was represented by his Special Assistant Administration Barr. Ita Bassey Duke hinted that the commission cherishes women while referring to them as the foundations of life. “For us in NDDC, we usually take a day out once in a year to celebrate women. We want to say that at different times, whenever women are given the opportunity they show that they are laced with strength and character.” "Citing example with women like Emmanuela Teguhu, Okonjo Iweala , Chimamanda Ngozi Adiche , Dame Patience Jonathan ...

  Ukelle Democratic Movement, a socio-political group has declared its support for Hon Dr Martins Achadu's 2nd term bid as Yala 11 State Assembly Representative. In a press statement on Friday, the organisation expressed  satisfactions with the outstanding performance of the house member in his first outing as a member of the Cross River State House of Assembly. According to the Director General, Hon John Ngwu, the All Progressives Congress candidate''s " people oriented programmes and projects is obvious for everyone to see a cross all wards in Yala II state constituency". The movement highlighted that with  the present trajectory, there no is no doubt that the house member will do more in his second term. The group therefore implore everyone across party lines to accord him the support in order to enable him attract more dividend of democracy to the  people.

  Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has directed the immediate commencement of remedial works to tackle the persistent flooding along the Jonathan Bypass following an on-site inspection of the affected area. The inspection, which was attended by the Commissioner for Works, Hon. Ankpo Pius Edet, PhD, was prompted by growing concerns over the flooding that has continued to disrupt traffic and impact residents, commuters, and businesses operating along the corridor. During the visit, Governor Otu stressed the importance of taking swift action to restore free vehicular movement and reduce the hardship experienced by road users. He reiterated that the safety and well-being of Cross River residents remain a top priority of his administration. Responding to the Governor’s directive, Hon. Ankpo Pius Edet assured that the Ministry of Works would begin the necessary intervention without delay. He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to implementing lasting infrastructure soluti...

  Constituents across Yala II State Constituency have commended Hon Dr Martins Achadu for demonstrating exceptional integrity following the refund of erroneous payments made to him by the University of Calabar long after he had resigned from the institution. Yala 11 residents in Ukelle , Calabar , Abuja , Lagos and the Diaspora yesterday expressed satisfaction with the conduct of Hon Dr Martins Achadu which indicates a high level integrity and honesty . This follows news of refund of  payments to Dr Martins Achadu which were made in error after he  had ceased to be a staff member of the University.  Even though he was being owed 20 months salary arrears having worked between 2020-2022 without any payment from the university. Upon being aware of the situation, he acted responsibly by notifying the appropriate authorities in several correspondences beginning from 2025 in order to  refund  the funds were paid to him by the university in error. Constituen...

  By Kingsley Agim A political pressure group, CODE 888, has thrown its weight behind the re-election of Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, declaring that the twin principles of equity and the administration’s performance provide compelling justification for the governor to complete a second term in office. Speaking at a press conference in Calabar during the unveiling of the group’s “Complete the 8 Campaign,” the Director General of CODE 888, Engr. Maurice Nkong, said the initiative is designed to mobilise support for Governor Otu and his deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, while preserving the rotational governorship arrangement that has sustained political stability, fairness and inclusiveness in Cross River State since 1999. Nkong described CODE 888 as a political pressure group established to promote equity, justice and fairness, stressing that the campaign is neither an attack on any individual nor an attempt to deny anyone the constitutional right to seek elective...

  The  Member representing Yala II State Constituency in the Cross River State House of Assembly , Hon Dr Martins Achadu has dismissed allegations that he received salaries simultaneously as a legislator and an employee of the University of Calabar . In a Press Statement on Thursday 16th July 2026, Dr Achadu described the claims as misleading and contrary to documented facts. This was response  to a petition reportedly submitted to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) by a group known as the Global People's Right and Values Observation Network .  Dr Achadu said he resigned his appointment with the University before contesting the 2023 State House of Assembly election .According to the lawmaker, he was employed by the University of Calabar on May 4, 2020 and resigned on March 25, 2022 after serving for about 20 months without receiving salaries for the period. He explained that he unexpectedly began receiving salary payments...

  The Governor of Cross River State, His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, has reaffirmed his administration's commitment to the continued growth and development of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), promising improved infrastructure and sustained engagement with stakeholders to address the institution's current challenges. The Governor gave the assurance on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, during a meeting with the University's Management and the Students' Union Government (SUG) at the Governor's Office. Leading the UNICROSS delegation, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Francisca Bassey, thanked Governor Otu for granting the audience and for his unwavering support for the university. She explained that the visit provided an opportunity for students to interact directly with the Governor on issues affecting the institution and appealed for continued government intervention. Speaking on behalf of the students, the SUG President, Comrade Favour Ogar, appreciated...

  The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream), Senator Eteng Jonah Williams , has reaffirmed the National Assembly ’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s legal and regulatory framework to safeguard critical petroleum infrastructure , combat crude oil theft , and enhance investment in the nation’s upstream oil and gas sector. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) Governing Board Strategic Retreat held in Isimi, Epe, Lagos State, Senator Williams commended the Commission for convening key stakeholders to deliberate on the future of Nigeria’s upstream petroleum industry and the effective implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). The Senator noted that the Senate Committee remains committed to providing effective legislative oversight and supporting policies that will deepen investment, increase crude oil production, promote transparency, and ensure the sustainable development of Nigeria’...

  The Cross River State Government has announced the completion of Phase One of the Boki East–West Road , with the newly asphalted section now ready for public use. The milestone represents another significant step in the state's ongoing efforts to improve road infrastructure, strengthen connectivity, and enhance transportation across Boki Local Government Area . The project is expected to provide lasting benefits for residents, businesses, and commuters by making travel safer, faster, and more efficient. Under the leadership of Governor Prince Bassey Otu , the Cross River State Government has continued to prioritize strategic infrastructure development as a key driver of economic growth and community development. The administration's sustained investment in road construction is opening up previously underserved communities, facilitating trade, improving access to essential services, and creating new opportunities for economic expansion. The successful execution of the pr...