Detailing News

  The United Nations has requested the arrival details of Nigeria’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim CFR, ahead of his assumption of duties at the global body’s headquarters in New York City. Ibrahim, a serving senator, was nominated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as Nigeria’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations and was confirmed by the Nigerian Senate in December 2025. In an email sent to the Permanent Mission of Nigeria to the United Nations in New York, the UN requested information on Ibrahim’s expected date of arrival in the United States, including his flight details. The organisation said the information was required to enable its protocol team arrange a formal courtesy reception for the Nigerian envoy at the airport ahead of the official presentation of his Letter of Credence to the UN Secretary-General. Sources familiar with the development said the UN also clarified that all approvals required for Senator Ibrahim to r...

  Senator representing Cross River South Senatorial District, Asuquo Ekpenyong, has once again demonstrated his commitment to grassroots empowerment by facilitating a grant disbursement to 400 constituents to support small businesses and improve productivity. The initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the People First Mandate of Governor Bassey Edet Otu, both of which emphasize economic inclusion, enterprise development, and improved livelihood for citizens. The empowerment programme, organized in collaboration with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria, was held on Thursday at Channel View Hotel, where each beneficiary received a grant of ₦100,000. Speaking during the event, Senator Ekpenyong said the initiative forms part of his continuous effort to support entrepreneurs, women, and youths across the senatorial district. He emphasized that empowering constituents economically remains one of the most sustainable w...

   The first semester examinations for the 2025/2026 academic session commenced yesterday at the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), marking a significant step toward the successful completion of the semester in line with the revised academic schedule. The examinations were initially scheduled to begin on Monday, February 23, 2026, but were subsequently postponed to Monday, March 9, 2026. It will be recalled that a statement contained in Circular No. 508, issued on February 17, 2026 by the Registrar, Dr. Catherine Osai, explained that the postponement was intended to provide students with sufficient time to complete their course registration processes, while also enabling newly admitted students to finalize their registration. The circular further noted that the adjustment would allow students adequate time to obtain their identification cards, which are mandatory for admission into examination halls. As rescheduled, final year students across all departments of the un...

  In continuation of her decade-long Ramadan and Lent tradition, Dr. Betta Edu over the weekend broke fast with over 1,500 physically challenged men, women, and children of Muslim and Christian faiths in the Karonmajigi community, behind the National Military Cemetery, Abuja. The programme, which began in Bogobiri and Nasarawa Bakoko, Calabar during her tenure as Director General of the Primary Healthcare Development Agency and later as Commissioner for Health in Cross River State, was held this weekend to pray for Nigeria and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Recall that in 2025, Dr. Edu hosted the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, and his entourage for an iftar with Muslim communities in Calabar. The dinner was also attended by the Acting Governor of Cross River State and the management of the University of Calabar, bringing Christians and Muslims together in Calabar around the same period last year. During the weekend visit, Dr. Edu met with visually impaired individuals and other...

Fly High, Our Silver bird:Fly High! (For Governor Bassey Edet Otu, Silverbird “Man of the Year,2025 and The Sun Newspaper, Man of the year 2025”) Cross River is proud of you, Fly high,our Silver-bird, Fly high, Sail on by, Your time is on. Like a bridge over troubled waters, You are to ease our minds, Your time has come to shine, All your dreams are on their way. You were energised to do more for us: You spread your tentacles, You spread your wings, The celestial bodies saw your deeds and strides And could no more blink nor look away, So The Sun led the eulogy with an embrace. Then you ended the Year 2025 As a SilverBird. Cross River is proud of you, Fly high,our Silver-bird, Fly high, Sail on by, Your time is now. What do you say to a man who stole your shadow, Just to prove a tribal point? Same unpatriotic megalomaniacs that Stephen admonished; “Which of the Prophets did your fathers not persecute?(Acts:7:52) And they even killed those that foretold the Promise. The story of the grou...

By Rasheed Olanrewaju In the evolution of Nigeria’s democratic experience, certain public figures stand out not merely for the offices they have occupied, but for the institutional value they have added and the leadership stability they have provided across changing political eras. One of such figures is Distinguished Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, SAN, OFR, CON, whose career reflects a rare blend of legal scholarship, legislative depth, administrative experience, and mentorship-driven influence. As he marks his 70th birthday, the occasion offers an important moment to reflect on a public life defined by professionalism, discipline, and sustained national relevance. His journey reinforces the timeless observation by John C. Maxwell that “Leadership is not about titles, positions or flowcharts.  It is about one life influencing another.” Over the decades, Ndoma-Egba’s career has consistently demonstrated how professional credibility can translate into institutional impact. Born on March...

  The Senator representing Ondo South Senatorial District and a business management strategist, Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim CFR, has said Nigeria is not among the world’s most indebted nations, describing the country’s current fiscal outlook as evidence of disciplined economic management under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Ibrahim who is also an Ambassador-designate, stated this while reacting to ongoing debates over Nigeria’s debt profile and borrowing pattern, noting that contrary to earlier projections by critics, the Tinubu administration has not embarked on excessive borrowing. According to him, global economic data show that several advanced and emerging economies currently top the list of the world’s most indebted countries in terms of debt-to-GDP ratio, while Nigeria does not fall within that bracket. “Those who expected reckless borrowing have been proven wrong,” he said. “Nigeria is not on the list of the world’s most indebted countries.This reflects deliberate fiscal coordination a...

  Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has appointed Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, CFR, as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations. Senator Ibrahim, a doctorate graduate of the University of Cambridge, obtained his Bachelor's degree in International Relations from the London School of Economics and Political Science and a Master of Science from the University of Oxford. He was born in Igbotako, Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State, in 1967. Until his appointment, Ibrahim was the Chairman of the Nigerian Senate Committee on Inter-Parliamentary Worldwide. He was elected into the Nigerian Senate in 2023, representing Ondo South Senatorial District. While in the Senate, Dr. Ibrahim was appointed as Interim President of the United Nations Inter-Parliamentary in Geneva in 2023. He served as Nigeria’s Representative in ECOWAS and also as an Executive Member of the Pan-African Parliament. At the Nigerian Senate, Dr. Ibrahim served in the Senate Committees on Appropria...

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has organized a one-day stakeholders’ engagement and capacity-building workshop for communities within the Niger Delta, calling for stronger community ownership and protection of its projects. During the training sessions, participants were enlightened on key thematic areas of the Commission’s mandate, particularly on equitable development and the provision of sustainable and affordable livelihoods for people in the region. The guest lecturer, Ajibola Samsideen Shekoni, PhD, who spoke on the topic “Strengthening Community Ownership Framework for Sustainable NDDC Projects Monitoring and Protection Against Vandalism and Theft,” stressed the importance of community participation in safeguarding development projects. He noted that projects can only achieve their intended impact when residents within host communities take responsibility for their protection. Other guest speakers also underscored the need to ensure the sustainability and durabili...

  By Joseph Abasi-Abasi  Season 4 of MTN Champs has officially begun in Calabar, with organizers declaring the championship a critical launchpad for Nigeria’s sustained Olympic preparation through 2028. Backed by MTN Nigeria and technical partners Making of Champions (MOC), the youth athletics championship is now positioned not just as a schools’ competition, but as a structured pipeline to develop athletes for major international competitions over the next Olympic cycle. MTN recently extended its partnership with Making of Champions through 2028, guaranteeing Seasons 4, 5 and 6 of the championship. Stakeholders say the move provides stability and long-term planning for cadet, youth, junior and senior athletes as Nigeria builds towards the next Olympic Games. Speaking at the Season 4 launch in Calabar, MTN’s Chief Marketing Officer, Onyinye Ikenna Emeka, said the company remains committed to creating platforms that allow young Nigerians to compete locally and internationally. ...

  The Senator representing Cross River Central Senatorial District, Senator Eteng Jonah Williams, has congratulated the newly inaugurated State Executive Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River State. The state congress, which produced the new leadership of the party, was widely described by party stakeholders as peaceful and well coordinated, with delegates affirming their confidence in the new executives. The exercise attracted party leaders, stakeholders, elected officials and delegates from across the state.  At the end of the process, former member of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Christopher Etta, emerged as State Chairman alongside other members of the executive committee tasked with piloting the affairs of the party in Cross River State. Senator Williams commended the leadership and members of the party for ensuring a smooth and successful congress, noting that the development reflects the maturity and unity within the APC in Cross Rive...

  A clergyman and Lead Pastor of God of Wonders Service, Pastor Umoren Ayang, has called on staff and students of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), to always offer more fervent prayers to God. He made the call on Tuesday March 3rd 2026, at the Conference Room of the Vice Chancellor's office during the March 2026 edition of the Vice Chancellor's monthly prayer summit. While speaking on the theme of "contend with your rights", Pastor Ayang stated that prayer is the best way of fighting for what lawfully belongs to anyone. He said: "You can't attain without fighting a battle. This thing you are seeing happening in this institution is a distraction. If you are to go far, you don't pay attention to distractions. You destroy it and move forward. You don't pamper distractions, you hammer it. You don't manage distractions, you damage it. I know you have been praying but make it a more conscious act in your offices and classrooms. Prayer work...

  The All Progressives Congress (APC), Cross River State Chapter, has elected and inaugurated members of its State Working Committee (SWC) in a move aimed at strengthening party administration and grassroots mobilization across the state. The newly elected officials were formally presented following the state congress, marking a significant step in consolidating the party’s structure ahead of future political engagements. Leading the committee is Hon. Chris Sunny Etta as State Chairman, alongside Barr. Ogana Lukpata as Deputy State Chairman. Pst. Patrick Asuquo Okon emerged as State Secretary, with Isek James serving as Assistant Secretary. Other members of the State Working Committee include: 1. Princess Tity Ndifon – Zonal Vice Chairman I 2. Ayiba Ojong Ayiba – Zonal Vice Chairman II 3. Hon. Ignatius Adida Agabi – Zonal Vice Chairman III 4. Barr. Lawrence Ugah Momba – State Legal Adviser 5. Barr. Bassey Edet Asuquo – Assistant Legal Adviser 6. Martins Erasmus – State Treasurer 7....

  Queen Akpana flanked by Director General, City Boy Movement, Hon. Francis Oluwatosin Shoga (R)  and the National Woman Leader, City Boy Movement, UMMUSALMA RABIU presenting the appointment letter to her As political activities ramp up ahead of the 2027 general elections, the City Boy Movement, a key support group for President Bola Tinubu has appointed former Miss Heritage Africa, Queen Benedicta Akpana Ogbang, as the State Women Leader for Cross River. The appointment was formalized in Abuja on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, through an official letter signed by the group’s Director General, Hon. Shoga Francis-Oluwatosin. According to the letter, the appointment recognizes Queen Akpana, a former Executive Protocol Officer to the immediate past Governor of the state, for her passion for women’s mobilization and community leadership. “On behalf of the leadership of the City Boy Movement, and in recognition of your passion for women’s mobilization and community leadership, I am pl...

  The Alumni Association of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) has attributed the persistent delay in staff salaries at the University to inadequate funding from the Cross River State Government, calling for the immediate adoption of a sustainable financing model to address the crisis. In a statement signed by its National President, Dr. Inyali Peter, the Association clarified that the current salary challenges did not originate under the present University management or the administration of the State Governor, His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu. Rather, it described ongoing discussions between the Vice Chancellor, Professor Francisca Bassey and the administration of Governor Otu as the first genuine steps toward resolving a long-standing structural funding problem. The Association lamented that UNICROSS remains one of the few state universities in Nigeria facing chronic salary delays due to poor funding. It noted that several states, particularly in the No...

I heartily congratulate my Governor, His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, on yet another well-deserved recognition as Man of the Year by the Silverbird Group. Only three weeks ago, Your Excellency was honoured as Governor of the Year by The Sun Newspapers.  On the same day, you were also conferred with an Honorary Doctorate Degree by Modibbo Adama University in Yola, Adamawa State. Earlier in 2025, you also received another Governor of the Year Award from Daily Independent Newspapers. These honours clearly reflect the visible strides recorded under your purposeful leadership in Cross River State. Within a short period in office, your administration has demonstrated a strong commitment to human capital development, recognizing that the true wealth of any state lies in its people. Through strategic investments in education, youth empowerment, healthcare delivery, and skills development, thousands of young people are being equipped with opportunities for productivity and se...

  The All Progressives Congress (APC) has approved the composition of sub-committees for its 2026 National Convention, as part of preparations to ensure a transparent, credible, and well-coordinated process. According to a statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the committees will oversee critical aspects of the convention, including the screening of aspirants, elections and appeals, security, finance, media and publicity, logistics, accreditation of delegates, legal matters, medical response, and overall coordination of the event. Among the prominent party leaders appointed is the Senator representing Cross River Central Senatorial District, Eteng Jonah Williams, who will serve on the Accommodation and Transportation Committee. The committee is tasked with coordinating accommodation and transportation logistics for delegates, party officials, and special guests, as well as overseeing fleet management throughout the convention. Senator Williams’ ...

In further demonstration of his commitment to the welfare of the people of Cross River Central Senatorial District, the Senator representing the district, Senator Eteng Jonah Williams, on Saturday facilitated the distribution of relief materials to several communities in Ochon Ward of Obubra Local Government Area and Ofutop II Ward of Ikom Local Government Area. The intervention was carried out in collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) through its zonal office. Representing the Senator at the exercise was his Senior Legislative Aide, Barr. Emmanuel Elemi, who led the delegation to the benefiting communities. Communities that benefited from the distribution include Isabang, Ochon, Onyen Okpon and Odionget in Ochon Ward (Obubra LGA), as well as Ekukunela, Okosora and Abaragha in Ofutop II Ward (Ikom LGA). The event witnessed the presence of key stakeholders, including Royal Fathers, community leaders, women groups, youth organisations and party faithful, all o...

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 corri...

  Dr. Betta Edu on Sunday hosted the 111th Mayor of New York City, Eric Adams, at her residence in Abuja, with discussions centred on strengthening Nigeria-United States collaboration in security, humanitarian response, health, and economic development. Mayor Adams, a former police officer and two-term President of the New York City Council, served as the 111th Mayor of New York City from January 1, 2022, to December 31, 2025.  The Abuja meeting marked his first international engagement since leaving office. The visit comes amid rising concerns within the United States over insecurity in Nigeria, emerging gaps in the country’s health and humanitarian sectors following recent reductions in international aid to several countries, including Nigeria.  The meeting also discussed the  renewed efforts by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to deepen international cooperation in security and the protection of vulnerable communities. Speaking after the meeting, ...