Detailing News

  By Kingsley Agim The Cross River State Government has expressed its readiness to host the 66th National Council on Health (NCH) in Calabar, marking the first time the state will welcome Nigeria’s highest health policy-making body. The event is scheduled to hold from November 17 to 21, 2025, at the Calabar International Convention Centre (CICC), and will bring together the health ministers and commissioners, policymakers, partners and key stakeholders from across the country to deliberate on the future of healthcare delivery in Nigeria. This year’s council meeting, themed “My Health, My Right: Accelerating Universal Health Coverage through Equity, Resilience, and Innovation,” will focus on strengthening the national health system, promoting health equity, and advancing innovation across all levels of care. The Honourable Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, and the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako will attend...

   By: Eric Azogor, Special Assistant to the Governor of Cross River State on Assembly Liason The Governor of Cross River State, His Excellency, Sen. (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu, attains a remarkable feat in his people centered vision  as he offers a significant relief in a game changing move to redirect government focus from Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to Human Development Index (HDI), as he actuates the early presentation of the N780.6bn appropriation bill for the 2026 Fiscal year. The special Assistant to the Governor on Assembly Liaison, Mr Eric Azogor further gave an enlightenment on the importance of the 2026 budget; that the proposed budget of ₦780.6billion budget of "Inclusive Growth" marks a 17 percent increase over 2025 budget of sustainable growth with ₦519.6 billion (67%) earmarked for capital expenditure and ₦260.96 billion (33%) for recurrent spending, with the sectoral distribution allocating ₦421 billion to the economic sector, ₦163 billion to social servic...

  Millions of young Nigerians across the country have joined in celebrating the 39th birthday of Dr Betta Edu, describing her as a charismatic, visionary, and selfless leader whose commitment to public service continues to inspire a new generation. From Lagos to Maiduguri, Zamfara to Yenagoa, and Anambra to Calabar, members of the Coalition of Youths for Progressive Nigeria poured out messages of goodwill, lauding Dr Edu’s compassion-driven leadership and tireless efforts that have lifted thousands out of poverty and restored hope to vulnerable communities. In a statement signed by the Coalition’s National Coordinator, Abubakar Sumaila, the youths described Dr Edu as “a model of innovation and humanitarian excellence.” “Dr Betta Edu is not just a leader ,she’s a movement of hope and compassion.  Her story reminds every young Nigerian that service with integrity still matters,” the statement read. They commended her proactive approach to governance, her direct engagement with ...

The Special Adviser on Youths to Senator Eteng Jones, Comr. Gifted Nelson, has joined the leadership of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) on its Central Senatorial Youth Tour, where he urged young people across the district to think beyond boundaries and work together to build a sustainable economy for themselves and for Cross River State. Speaking during the event, Comr. Gifted Nelson praised the NYCN for its commitment to youth engagement and empowerment across the senatorial district. He encouraged young people to embrace creativity, entrepreneurship, and innovation as key drivers for self-reliance and community development. He also appealed to youths to take advantage of the ongoing voter registration exercise, emphasizing that active participation in the electoral process is vital for effective representation and good governance. Reaffirming Senator Eteng Jones’ steadfast dedication to youth development, Comr. Gifted Nelson assured that the Senator will continue to supp...

  The Federal Ministry of Environment has officially joined Nigeria’s digital transformation drive with the launch of the Galaxy Backbone 1Government Cloud Digitalisation Programme, marking a major step in the Federal Government’s effort to modernise public service operations and strengthen data sovereignty across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). Speaking at the flag-off ceremony in Abuja, the Honourable Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, described the initiative as “a milestone in modernising environmental governance and advancing Nigeria’s sustainability goals through technology.” “Digitalisation is no longer optional; it is a necessity,” the Minister said. “Through the Galaxy Backbone 1Government Cloud, we are enabling data-driven environmental management, eliminating paperwork, reducing operational costs, and directly cutting carbon emissions.” He added that the move would enhance transparency, promote evidence-based policymaking, and improve service de...

The city of Calabar was in a solemn mood recently as family, friends, and associates gathered to bid a final farewell to the late Mr. Orok Edwards Imaha, who passed away on August 24, 2025, at the age of 59. The burial service, held on Wednesday, was a poignant celebration of a life dedicated to fitness and camaraderie, deeply felt by all who knew him. In a heartfelt tribute, the Commissioner representing Cross River State on the Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Orok Otu Duke, mourned the passing of Imaha, highlighting his vibrant spirit and dedication to sports. “Orok Edwards Imaha was a sportsman,” Commissioner Duke stated. “We'd always check on health because of complications that come with age.” The simple yet profound statement painted a picture of a man deeply invested in physical well-being and a close-knit circle that prioritized health and mutual care. His passing has left a void in the sporting community of Cross River State. A memorial card bearing...

  The Executive Chairman of Biase Local Government Area (LGA) Hon. Edodi Eyong Edodi yesterday emerged Best LG Chairman (Project) at the Local Government Merit Award (LOGMA) which held at the National Merit House in Maitama, Abuja. Hon. Edodi who emerged after a tedious monitoring and evaluation exercise i presented an accolade in recognition of the outstanding performance and transformative contributions to the development of Biase LGA.  In his acceptance speech, Hon. Edodi expressed deep gratitude to God for the achievement and thanked His Excellency, Apostle Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu, the Governor of Cross River State, and the people of Biase for their trust and support. “I sincerely thank God Almighty for making this day possible. I also extend my gratitude to the Governor and the good people of Biase for giving me the opportunity to serve,” he said. The Chairman acknowledged the unquantifiable support of his Vice Chairman, Hon. (Chief) Ekuma Ngwu JP, elected offici...

  Mina Hope Obeten, founder of E-Lawyer Nigeria, has been nominated for The Future Awards Africa (TFAA) Prize for Law. The Future Awards Africa (TFAA), widely regarded as the continent’s most prestigious platform celebrating young African excellence, honors outstanding individuals between the ages of 18 and 31 who have made remarkable achievements within the year under review. This year’s edition, themed “Threads of Legacy,” celebrates young changemakers whose work today is shaping the fabric of Africa’s tomorrow. Mina joins other notable nominees including Rasheedat Ajibade, Fola David, Akinyemi Oluwaseun Omotayo (Asherkine), Victor Ugo, Poco Lee, and Dongio Casil (Djec Fashion) from Cameroon, each representing the spirit of youth-led innovation and impact that defines TFAA. As the founder of E-Lawyer Nigeria, a pioneering media company at the intersection of law, technology, and media, Mina has built a platform that provides public relations and media solutions for lawyers and la...

  The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Zone B, has declared its full support for the “Back to School” scheme of the Abon Abang Foundation, led by Engr. George Ndifon Abang, describing the effort as a transformative stride toward enhancing education and empowering young learners in Cross River State. During a courtesy visit to the Foundation’s Secretariat, the NANS Zone B Coordinator, Comrade Iwara Emmanuel, commended the Foundation’s sustained commitment to educational development and youth empowerment. He particularly lauded the expansion of the initiative to cover both secondary and primary schools, where thousands of exercise books, school bags, and other learning materials are set to be distributed across selected wards in Obubra and Etung Local Government Areas. In a demonstration of solidarity, Comrade Iwara announced the donation of the official NANS Zone B bus to support the logistics and transportation needs of the outreach team. He expressed optimism that...

  Two key aides to Cross River State Governor, Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu, have been honoured for their outstanding contributions to infrastructure development and engineering excellence. At the 23rd International Civil Engineering Conference held today, October 23, 2025, inside the Coronation Hall of the Kano Government House, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Hon. Pius Ankpo and the Special Adviser on Public Utilities, Engr. Dr. Jerome Egbe, were respectively conferred with Honorary Fellowship and Fellowship of the Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers (NICE). Engr. Dr. Egbe, a senior lecturer in the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), was recognized for his outstanding professional and academic contributions to civil engineering. Before joining Governor Otu’s administration in March 2024, he had served in various leadership capacities within NICE, including Vice Chairman and Chairman of the Calabar Chapter, and ...

Calabar– In the wake of a recent government press release that exposed significant delays in a high-profile murder trial, the Honourable Commissioner representing Cross River State on the Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Rt . Hon. Orok Otu Duke, Ph.D has called for a fundamental rethinking of development, arguing that true progress is impossible without a functional and efficient justice system. The call follows a detailed press release from the Cross River State Ministry of Justice, which outlined a series of systemic failures—including an absent police prosecutor, a judge on national assignment, and a court registrar's inexplicable 17-month delay—that stalled the prosecution of the alleged murderers of Princewill Igbunaju Ikenna since 2023. While commending the swift intervention of the State's Executive Governor, His Excellency Sen. Prince Bassey Otu, which prompted the Attorney-General's inquiry and subsequent actions, Commissioner Duke emphasized...

Engr. George Ndifon Abang, through his Abon Abang Foundation, has announced the list of successful candidates for the Foundation’s Back-to-School Scheme, aimed at supporting deserving students in their pursuit of higher education. The scheme, which spans Obubra and Etung Local Government Areas, covers a broad range of disciplines including Medicine, Law, Engineering, Social Sciences, and the Humanities, reflecting the Foundation’s commitment to human capacity development and community upliftment through education. According to the Coordinator of the Foundation, Elvis Okorn Jnr., FCAI, successful candidates are advised to contact the Foundation Secretariat for further information and mobilization through 08066456818. Below is the breakdown of selected candidates across various wards: SECTION A – OBUBRA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA ABABENE WARD 1. Obia Hope Jonah – Public Health (M.Sc.), University of Port Harcourt 2. Ebon John Emmanuel – Soil Science (B.Sc.), University of Calabar 3. Erong Sam...

  The Medicaid Cancer Foundation (MCF) has unveiled plans for its 2025 Cancer Awareness Campaign, marking 11 years of sustained impact in cancer prevention, diagnosis, and care across Nigeria. Over the past decade, the foundation has raised more than ₦2.5 billion to support cancer-related programmes and has become one of the country’s leading voices in health advocacy. Through initiatives such as the Patient Access to Care (PACE) Programme, Charity Corner, and Care Wheels, MCF has offered free cancer screenings, subsidised treatment, and transportation support for hundreds of low-income patients.  The foundation has also expanded diagnostic access and strengthened awareness campaigns nationwide. Founded by Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu, the President-Elect of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) and former First Lady of Kebbi State, MCF has built a reputation for combining witness, education, and philanthropy in its approach to public health advocacy. The foundation’...

  Rt. Hon. Orok Otu-Duke PhD, the Cross River State Representative on the Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), joined other board members, management, and dignitaries at the commissioning of the Commission’s new Delta State House in Warri, Delta State. The event drew notable guests from across the Niger Delta region, including political leaders, traditional rulers, and representatives of key development agencies. It marked a moment of pride and progress for the Commission, as it continues repositioning itself for improved efficiency and grassroots impact. The newly commissioned Delta State House is a symbol of renewal and institutional strength for the NDDC. Beyond its architectural beauty, the edifice represents a forward step in decentralising operations and bringing development services closer to the people. Hon. Orok Duke, representing Cross River State on the NDDC Board, expressed delight at the successful completion of the project, describing it as a milest...

  By Christiana Ushang The Cross River State Forestry Commission (CRSFC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Processed Wood Producers and Marketers Association of Nigeria (PROWPMAN) for the implementation of a Sustainable Green Project across the three senatorial districts of the state. However, the agreement, signed on Thursday by the Chairman of the Commission, Ntufam Rt. Hon. Deacon George Oben-Etchi, PhD, and the National President of PROWPMAN, Chief Ademola Christopher Oyaleke, aims to restore 5,000 hectares of land in Oban - Group Forest Reserve, Akamkpa Local Government Area (South), Okon River Forest Reserve - Edondon, Obubra Local Government Area (Central), and Yache Forest Reserve - Alifokpa, Yala Local Government Area (North). Chief Oyaleke said the initiative is designed to promote sustainable forest practices, enhance biodiversity, support climate change mitigation, and foster community development and livelihood opportunities. He commended the CRSF...

  The Cross River State Government has reiterated its commitment to transparency and inclusive governance through sustained citizen participation, as it convened the Southern Senatorial District session of the 2026 Budget Consultative Forum on Tuesday at Transcorp Hotel, Calabar. The forum brought together traditional rulers, lawmakers, civil society organizations, women and youth leaders, as well as market representatives, to review the performance of the 2025 budget and collect inputs that will shape the 2026 fiscal plan. Earlier sessions had been held in Ikom and Ogoja for the Central and Northern Senatorial Districts, respectively—underscoring Governor Bassey Otu’s People-First philosophy and his administration’s belief that every community deserves a voice in the state’s development agenda. In his opening address, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Budget Monitoring and Evaluation, Mr. Otu Ita, described the consultative exercise as a practical demonstration of Governor Ot...

By Kingsley Agim The Special Advisers Forum, Cross River State, has congratulated Hon. Ekanem Ekpenyong, Special Adviser to the Governor on Sports Development, on his conferment with a prestigious chieftaincy title. The investiture, which took place on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at the Ndidem’s Palace Ground, Big Qua, Calabar, drew dignitaries from across the state and beyond, with a grand reception later held at the Stadium Pool-Side, U.J. Esuene Stadium. In a congratulatory message signed by the Forum’s Secretary, Barr. Gilbert Agbor, who is also the Special Adviser to the Governor on Asset Management and Recovery, the Forum described Ekpenyong’s recognition as “a well-deserved honour for a man whose visionary leadership and tireless contributions to sports development, youth empowerment, and community service have inspired many.” The Forum further noted that Ekpenyong’s new traditional title reflects his enduring commitment to excellence and integrity, qualities that align with the ...

  The Special Adviser on Public Utilities to the Governor of Cross River State, Engr. Dr. Jerome Egbe, KSM, today 15th Day of October 2025 embarked on a statewide assessment tour to evaluate the condition of public utilities at the General Hospital, Calabar, located along Mary Slessor Avenue. Dr. Egbe, who was accompanied by his colleague, Pastor Bright Ewona, the Special Adviser on Wealth Creation and Job Placement, alongside his technical team, conducted an on-the-spot inspection of critical infrastructure within the hospital. During the tour, the team met with Dr. Takim Kenneth, the Superintendent of the hospital; Mr. Ekpo Asuquo, Head of Laboratory Services; and Mr. Eteng Ettah, the Hospital Administrator. The officials took the delegation around key sections of the facility, noting areas requiring urgent attention. In his remarks, Dr. Takim Kenneth commended the visit and appealed through the Special Adviser for urgent government intervention to upgrade the hospital’s infrastr...

  The former Cross River State Commissioner for Health , Dr Janet Ekpenyong has bagged the prestigious "Ntunkae" royal Chieftaincy title in recognition of her exemplary and outstanding leadership qualities and contributions to the Ejagham/Efik kingdom. The exercise which coincided with the 5th coronation ceremony of the Paramount Ruler of Calabar Municipality and chairman of the Calabar Municipality Royal Council, His Royal Majesty, Edidem Dr Etta Bassey Eteta 111,  had dignitaries from all works of life paying homage to the tradition. Welcoming the guests and members of the Traditional Council to the event, HRM, Dr Etta Bassey Eta 111 disclosed that, only worthy individuals who have distinguished themselves in the society with outstanding characters and contributions were being recognised as a measure to uphold the sacredness and novelty of the Ancestral Kingdom. He eulogised the awardies, including Dr Janet Ekpenyong for their selflessness, human capital development,  c...

  By Kingsley Agim and Achiane Adams In a show of camaraderie, teamwork, and inter-agency friendship, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) on Wednesday hosted the Cross River Internal Revenue Service (CRIRS) to a novelty football match as part of activities marking its 2025 Customer Service Week, themed “Mission: Possible.” The historic encounter, which kicked off at 4:00 p.m. on the Eastern Secondary School Football Field in Calabar, marked the first-ever friendly game between the two tax institutions. The atmosphere was charged with excitement as staff of both agencies, supporters, and community members turned out to cheer their teams in what became an unforgettable sporting experience. The FIRS team showed early intent, taking the lead just three minutes into the first half after Johnson Aboyi confidently converted a penalty kick. But the resilient CRIRS squad fought back with determination, and in the 27th minute of the second half, Oviong Kingsley netted a sublime equaliz...