Detailing News

  The Director of Women Mobilisation, All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council , Dr Betta Edu , has said the economic reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are creating new opportunities for grassroots women, urging them to identify available programmes and take advantage of them. Edu made this known in a statement  to mark the Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary , saying her directorate would intensify door-to-door sensitisation and community-level mobilisation to take information on government opportunities directly to women and households. She said the occasion also provided an opportunity to acknowledge the sacrifices and vision of Nigeria’s founding fathers and heroines, whose efforts laid the foundation for the country’s sovereignty. According to Edu, the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda is opening opportunities across agriculture, enterprise, energy, infrastructure, skills development, and social investment. She said the benefits of ref...

  The Cross River State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure , Hon. Ankpo Pius Edet, PhD , attended the stakeholders’ meeting of Akamkpa 1 State Constituency , reaffirming his continued engagement with stakeholders across the state. The meeting provided an opportunity for political leaders, community representatives, stakeholders and other key members of the constituency to discuss issues of mutual interest and matters concerning the development of Akamkpa 1 and Cross River State at large. Addressing the gathering, Commissioner Pius Edet emphasized the importance of peace, unity and selflessness as essential values for sustainable development and progress in the region. He urged stakeholders to remain committed to fostering unity and constructive engagement, stressing that collective responsibility and cooperation are critical to achieving meaningful development. The Commissioner also called for collective support for the re-election of APC candidates , identifying the ...

  Senator Eteng Williams , representing Cross River Central Senatorial District at the National Assembly , Abuja , is set to bring relief, healthcare support and economic empowerment to his constituents through a two-day free medical outreach and empowerment programme across Ikom and Yakurr Local Government Areas . The initiative reflects Senator Williams’ continued focus on addressing the immediate needs of constituents while supporting their health, wellbeing and economic opportunities. The first leg of the programme will take place on Friday, 2 October 2026, at Hotel 45 Hall , Ikom Local Government Area, where constituents will benefit from the empowerment programme alongside access to free medical services. The second leg will take place on Saturday, 3rd October in Yakurr Local Government Area, with the empowerment programme scheduled to hold at Yakurr Council Hall, Ugep, while the free medical outreach will be conducted at Primary Health Centre (PHC), Mkpani . The two-day p...

In a major boost to grassroots sports development and youth empowerment, the Chairman of the Cross River State Table Tennis Association , Orok Otu Duke , has fully paid the school fees for 24 table tennis players across the state. The disbursements, completed on Monday, September 28, 2026, underline a strong commitment to ensuring that athletic development does not come at the expense of formal education. The scholarship beneficiaries span all levels of the educational system, supporting six primary school pupils, 13 secondary school students, two undergraduates in higher institutions, and three candidates awaiting their Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) results . Addressing the beneficiaries in Calabar , Duke emphasized the importance of a dual-career approach, urging the young athletes to show equal dedication to their academic work and training schedules. "The payment of your school fees is aimed at giving you the opportunity to pursue your education while de...

  There are some articles I wrote between 2015 and 2019 about the candidate of the ruling All Progressive Congress, APC for Abi/Yakur federal constituency, Rt. Hon. John Gaul Lebo , when he was Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly , that some of his political opponents are now circulating as though they were written today. I have seen some of them being presented without the context in which they were written, so I think it is important to put things in perspective. I was not one of John Gaul’s fans as Speaker. I had my reservations about his leadership of the Assembly and wrote about them openly at the time. I do not need to pretend otherwise today. But a lot has happened since then. New facts have emerged, circumstances have changed, and with the benefit of hindsight, I have come to see that some of the limitations he faced as Speaker were beyond his control. He was, in many ways, a product of the political circumstances around him and may not have been in a positi...

  The Governor of Cross River State and Visitor to the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu , has received the report of the Technical Committee on the Review of the Working Environment in UNICROSS , commending the Committee for its work and reaffirming his commitment to the welfare of staff and students of the University. Governor Otu received the report on September 28, 2026, from the Chairman of the Committee, Bishop Prof. Uduak Effiong . The Committee was inaugurated by the Governor on July 6, 2026, to undertake a comprehensive assessment of UNICROSS and make recommendations towards addressing the challenges confronting the institution. The Governor commended the Chairman and members of the Committee for their dedication and commitment to the assignment.  He assured the University community that he would carefully study the report and look into the issues raised, particularly those relating to the welfare of staff and...

The Evidence Support Group , led by its Director-General, Mr. Bassey Eyoma , and its Founder, Mr. Francis Eden Bassey , has paid a courtesy visit to the Honourable Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Cross River State , Hon. Dr. Ankpo Pius Edet . The visit provided an opportunity for the delegation to engage with the Honourable Commissioner on issues concerning infrastructure development , governance , and the overall progress of Cross River State . During the meeting, the group expressed its appreciation to the Commissioner for receiving the delegation and acknowledged his efforts toward the development and improvement of critical infrastructure across the state. The Evidence Support Group also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives that promote development, good governance, and the interests of the people of Cross River State. In his response, Hon. Dr. Ankpo Pius Edet expressed appreciation to the group for the visit and for the confidence reposed in him. He accep...

  By Kelvin Obambon The Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong Youth Wing has officially launched its grassroots campaign structure ahead of the upcoming elections, announcing a comprehensive strategy and endorsing All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates at all levels across the Southern Senatorial District. The unveiling was done during a media chat in Calabar on Saturday where the group outlined its operational framework and officially kick off its activities ahead of the 2027 general elections . Prince Charles Ekanem , Director of Media for the youth wing, welcomed participants and stated that the movement would integrate young people into the broader campaign framework. “We are about to kick-start activities, especially the campaign period. By starting the campaign activities, we are beginning with the youth wing,” Ekanem stated. “All of us will be involved, and of course, we’ll be an integral part of that campaign council.” Taking the floor, the Convener of the Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong...

  Elections are won by number of votes and proven strategies; PCC Women Mobilisation Directorate of APC is leaving nothing to chance as they have pain stakingly activated women all over the country who have been holding action meetings over the last one month. The idea is to have grassroots mobilizer committed to this course who will go from door to door, house to house, to harvest votes for President Bola Tinubu on the Election Day. Dr Betta Edu , the Director of Women Mobilization Presidential Campaign Council; working under the guidance of the First Lady Sen. Oluremi Tinubu CON has charged women all over the nation to go out and mobilize fellow women and even men to vote APC in the forthcoming coming elections. From Afaka ward In Kaduna state to kemanji ward Kaiama local government area of Kwara state, to Angwa -katsinawa and Daura in kastina; to Duste in Jigawa and beyond women groups are meeting, women are being sensitized on the need to join the movement in support of a gr...

  The Cross River State Representative on the Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Rt. Hon. Orok O. Duke, has described Governor Bassey Edet Otu as a “restorer of hope” whose administration is steadily repositioning the state by confronting its inherited debt burden and pursuing a more disciplined approach to public finance. Duke, according to the assessment, said Governor Otu’s decision to prioritise the repayment of inherited obligations rather than accumulate new debts was creating a stronger foundation for the economic recovery of Cross River State. At the centre of the Governor’s fiscal strategy, Duke said, is the deliberate effort to free Cross River from the shackles of debt, while resisting the temptation to finance government through additional borrowing. This position is supported by figures released by the Cross River State Government. In October 2024, the State Commissioner for Finance, Michael Odere, disclosed that the Otu administration had paid abo...

  The Chairman, Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream), Senator Eteng Jonah Williams , has called for stronger investigation, prosecution and adjudication of crimes in Nigeria’s hydrocarbon sector .  Senator Williams made the call while declaring open a three-day technical workshop on “Enhancing Judicial Deterrence in the Prosecution and Sentencing of Hydrocarbon Sector Crimes.”  The workshop held at Four Points by Sheraton Ikot Ekpene , Akwa Ibom State from 20th - 24th September, 2026 was organised by the Directorate of Public Prosecutions of the Federation in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser , and brings together relevant stakeholders in the criminal justice and petroleum sectors to examine ways of strengthening the prosecution and sentencing of hydrocarbon-related offenses. Speaking at the event, Senator Williams said petroleum-sector crimes have implications beyond conventional economic offences, noting that they can undermin...

  The Vice Chancellor of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), Prof. Francisca Bassey , on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, conducted an extensive inspection of ongoing infrastructural projects across the Calabar Campus of the University. The inspection was aimed at assessing the progress and pace of work on key projects, as well as ensuring that ongoing developments are delivered according to the University’s standards and established timelines. Among the projects inspected were the new cafeteria, the new University auditorium , the Software Engineering Department site and the ongoing remodelling of the University’s main gate . At the various project sites, Prof. Bassey urged the engineers and site managers to expedite construction work to meet the established project delivery deadlines. She stressed the need for the prompt completion and handover of the facilities to address the University’s immediate need for additional lecture halls and other functional spaces, while a...

  The Cross River State Honourable Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure , Hon. Ankpo Pius Edet, PhD , has inspected the ongoing construction of the access road to the Bakassi Deep Seaport , reaffirming the State Government’s commitment to quality infrastructure, improved connectivity and sustainable development. During the inspection, the Commissioner assessed the progress of work and reviewed critical aspects of the project to ensure that construction is being executed in accordance with approved standards and specifications. The access road represents a vital component of the infrastructure supporting the proposed Bakassi Deep Seaport, a major maritime and logistics project envisioned to enhance connectivity, attract investment and unlock new economic opportunities for Cross River State and the wider region. The inspection underscores the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure ’s commitment to effective project monitoring, strict quality control, timely delivery and ensuring v...

  By Ita Bassey In a nation where leadership is often measured by titles, the inclusion of Deborah-Grace Eme-Ekanem Awatt, fondly known as Eme Awatt , among the * Nigeria Women Annual 100 Leading Women 2026 * is a powerful statement that true impact is measured by depth, versatility and service.  Listed at number 22 in the prestigious index alongside national icons, senators, justices and industry giants, her recognition is not accidental. It is the harvest of a lifetime dedicated to knowledge, communication, culture and faith; a rare blend that has made her one of Cross River State 's most respected institutional builders.  Her career reflects what the compilers of the list described as a rare blend of intellectual depth, leadership capacity, creative insight, and service-driven commitment.  She is a seasoned information management and communications professional whose multidisciplinary expertise spans librarianship , public relations , editing, security and forensi...

  The drive to mobilise 40 million women voters for President Bola Tinubu is gathering momentum, spreading from community to community across the country. The Rivers State PCC Women have commenced grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections, calling for increased voter participation and support for the party’s candidates. The mobilisation was led by Hon. Precious Alechi Iyeuwa, who represented the Director of Women Mobilisation, APC Presidential Campaign Council , Dr Betta Edu , at a Tinubu-Shettima 2027 Grassroots Mobilisation and Voter Sensitisation Programme in the state. Speaking at the event, themed “ My PVC, My Power ,” Iyeuwa urged eligible women to register, obtain their Permanent Voter Cards and participate responsibly in the electoral process. She stressed the need for full mobilisation to begin immediately, polling unit by polling unit, across Rivers State. Iyeuwa called on APC women to mobilise support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice Presiden...

  ​To commemorate the 2026 International Day of Peace , the Peace Corps of Nigeria , Cross River State Command , has issued a powerful call to action, urging individuals and nations to embrace the theme: "INVEST IN PEACE - For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day." ​In a statement by the State Commandant, Patriot (Dr.) Okweche Dominic Odey , he underscored the critical importance of proactive investment in peacebuilding . He emphasized that true and sustainable peace requires continuous effort, localized actions and everyday commitments from everyone, everywhere. ​The Commandant highlighted that investment in peace extends beyond financial resources. It involves a deep emotional, cultural, and moral commitment to dialogue over conflict. He argued that sustainable peace can only be achieved when every individual is empowered and included in its creation and preservation.​His message serves as a vital call to all Nigerians and global citizens to consider their daily actions as inves...

  The Cross River State representative on the Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Rt. Hon. Orok Otu Duke Ph.D , has called on Cross Riverians to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ’s re-election bid and back candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing development interventions and opportunities delivered through the Federal Government and the NDDC. Duke has in recent months intensified his engagement with APC grassroots structures in Cross River State. In May 2026, he urged APC members in Ward 11, Calabar South, to sustain grassroots mobilisation, remain united and support all candidates of the party ahead of the 2027 elections. The NDDC representative has also been associated with calls for Cross Riverians to take advantage of opportunities provided through the Commission, including scholarships, skills acquisition, empowerment and infrastructure programmes. His appeal comes against the backdrop of a number of NDDC interventions in Cross River St...

  I wish to categorically state that I am not the lady who allegedly sent an audio recording concerning a business deal involving the late Dr. Eka Williams and Mrs. GNARLY EYO to the Governor of Cross River State . I heard allegations making the rounds, and I want to make it clear that the person being referred is not me. I therefore urge members of the public, bloggers, social-media users, and other commentators to exercise caution before attaching my name or identity . Late  Dr. Eka Williams  and I had a friendship that span over 35years . He was indeed a trusted friend and confidant.please can I appeal to those spreading this malicious rumor to allow me mourn a great friend I have lost. Rest in Peace Eka Wills as I used to call you  I urge everyone to take note of this clarification and allow the facts surrounding the matter to be established by the appropriate parties. My focus is strictly on my business and foundation which occupies my time and energy  P...

  More than 60 per cent of those listed to speak at the ongoing 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly are being represented by either their vice presidents or foreign ministers, Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim , has said. The envoy also assured that Nigeria would retain its designated position at the UNGA, including its front-row seat, as Vice President Kashim Shettima stands in for President Bola Tinubu . Ibrahim, who is also Chairman of the UN Committee on Budget and Administration, said the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu , and other top government officials would also join the Vice President at the high-level session. According to Ibrahim, in a statement issued by the Nigerian Mission to the United Nations in New York , it is not unusual for countries to delegate representation to senior government officials when their presidents are unable to attend. “The Vice President and the Minister of Fo...

  The University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) has reiterated its ban on all sign-out activities within its campuses as most final-year students conclude their final examinations today, Friday, September 18, 2026. The final-year examinations commenced on Monday, September 14, 2026, with students across various programmes participating in the examinations.  As the examinations draw to a close, the University Management has reminded graduating students to comply strictly with the directive banning sign-out activities within the University environment and to conduct themselves responsibly as they conclude their academic programmes. The ban is part of measures adopted by the University to ensure a peaceful, orderly and secure environment for the conduct of examinations and to safeguard the wellbeing of students, staff and other members of the University community. Management has also strengthened collaboration with relevant security agencies to ensure adequate security across t...

  The Cross River State Representative on the Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Rt. Hon. Orok Otu Duke, PhD , has participated in the National Summit of the Forum of All Progressives Congress (APC) Former Presiding Officers of State Houses of Assembly in Nigeria (FOPSHA), which endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in the 2027 general elections. The summit, held on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at the Banquet Hall of the State House, Abuja , brought together former presiding officers and political stakeholders from across the country to assess the economic trajectory of the Tinubu administration and deliberate on its reform agenda. With the theme, “ Bold Leadership, Bold Reforms: From Subsidy to Renewed Hope, Assessing the Economic Trajectory and Visionary Leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Administration ,” the summit focused on the administration’s economic reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy and the Renewed Hope Age...