Detailing News

  CALABAR, – Prominent sports administrator and Chairman of Canaan Table Tennis Club , Rt. Hon. Orok Otu Duke , has identified sports as Nigeria's most potent weapon in the fight against drug abuse, urging governments, corporate organisations, and community leaders to invest more in youth-focused sporting programmes as a strategy for preventing substance abuse. Speaking in a statement to mark the 2026 International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking , Duke who represents Cross River State in the Niger Delta Development Commission , said meaningful engagement through sports provides young people with purpose, discipline, and opportunities that reduce their vulnerability to drug abuse and other social vices. According to him, the battle against drug abuse cannot be won through law enforcement alone but requires sustained investments in youth development, education, mentorship, and recreational activities. "Sports is Nigeria's greatest weapon against drug abuse....

  The Bassey Edet Otu -led government of Cross River State has commenced the construction of the long-neglected and dilapidated Mkpani–Agoi Abami Road , which links communities along the Calabar–Ugep–Ikom Highway . This important infrastructure project demonstrates the administration's unwavering commitment to improving road connectivity, enhancing economic activities, and promoting the welfare of residents across the state. The construction of the Mkpani–Agoi Abami Road is expected to ease transportation challenges, facilitate the movement of people and goods, and contribute significantly to the socio-economic development of the benefiting communities. This project is another clear testament to the dedication of His Excellency, Apostle Senator Bassey Edet Otu , to delivering meaningful development and improving the quality of life for the people of Cross River State. Bravo to the cross river state ministry of works under the able leadership of Hon Pius Edet for ensuring swift d...

  In a remarkable demonstration of leadership, maturity, and political inclusiveness, the All Progressives Congress (APC) Candidate for Abi/Yakurr Federal Constituency , Rt. Hon. John Gaul Lebo , has paid a reconciliation and solidarity visit to Hon. Moses Osogi , Honourable Commissioner for Environment and fellow aspirant in the recently concluded APC primary election . The visit followed Rt. Hon. Lebo’s emergence as the APC candidate for the 2027 House of Representatives election and was aimed at promoting unity, strengthening party cohesion, and reinforcing the spirit of brotherhood among party leaders and supporters. During the meeting, Rt. Hon. Lebo emphasized that political contests are temporary, but the collective responsibility to serve the people remains permanent. He noted that while aspirants may pursue different political ambitions, the ultimate goal is the progress, development, and welfare of the people of Abi/Yakurr Federal Constituency. The discussions focused on ...

  By John Gaul Lebo The responsibility of a legislator extends beyond sponsoring new bills. It includes reviewing and amending existing laws to ensure they respond to changing economic realities, technological advancements and the developmental aspirations of the people. Several laws in the Laws of the Federation of Nigeria require strategic amendments to unlock growth and improve service delivery, particularly for communities such as Abi/Yakurr Federal Constituency . 1. LAND USE ACT, 1978 The Land Use Act requires amendments to simplify land acquisition, digitize land registration, protect communal lands and improve compensation mechanisms. Relevance to Abi/Yakurr: Encourages commercial agriculture and agro-industrial investments. Reduces land disputes and improves access to credit. Promotes housing and infrastructure development. Unlocks the economic value of land as the constituency's most important asset. 2. PUBLIC PROCUREMENT ACT, 2007 The Act requires reforms to strengthen tr...

An Open Letter to the Executive Governor of Cross River State , Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu . An Open Letter to His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu The Executive Governor of Cross River State, Government House, Calabar. Your Excellency, Re: A Cry for Peace—An Urgent Call to End Incessant Communal Clashes and Foster Lasting Stability in Cross River State I write to you today not just as a citizen of Cross River State, but as a deeply concerned humanitarian and peace advocate who shares your vision for a prosperous, reinvented Cross River State. We all applauded your "People First" agenda, recognizing it as a beacon of hope. However, Your Excellency, the bitter truth is that no meaningful development can survive in an environment fractured by violence. While your administration makes strides in urban renewal and economic repositioning, a bleeding wound festers across our rural communities. The incessant, bloody communal clashes over land boundaries and heri...

   On June 13, 2023, the 10th Senate was inaugurated with Senator Eteng Williams taking the oath to represent the good people of Cross River Central Senatorial District in the red chambers.  Today, makes it exactly three years of significant achievement, consistent representation, and a passion for development. His legislative record in these three years demonstrates both substance and vision. He has delivered tangible projects and human capacity development initiatives geared towards addressing both immediate needs and long-term development.  Within and outside the hallow chambers his footprint has been evident in every sphere of development.  LEGISLATIVE ACHIEVEMENTS As a lawmaker committed to addressing national and local challenges, Senator Williams has sponsored and co-sponsored several significant bills, including: Sponsored Bills 1. Nigerian Research Institutes Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (SB. 918)     * Seeks the establishment of the Cocoa Res...

  The pages of history of our Democracy cannot be complete without the contributions of individuals, who as patriots, continue to beam their light in changing socio-political outcomes.  Every era has its peculiar issues and challenges, so statesmen are valued by their unrelenting contributions in shaping the society.  A deep dive into Orok Duke 's political involvement, spans several pages of history and each era, he has acted with vigor, vivacity and sagacity. His political career spans decades of active politicking with a radical view of life; believing in the ability of any man to become something through Providence and deliberate positioning. He was elected member of the Cross River State House of Assembly from 1992-1993 to represent Calabar South 1 and became Deputy Speaker.  Following the annulment of the 1993 June 12 presidential elections and the crises that followed, Orok was incarcerated, Humiliated and detained severally along with MKO Abiola (the accla...

  Cross River State communities are recording increased access to infrastructure, healthcare, and humanitarian support through intervention programmes of the Niger Delta Development Commission , with Rt. Hon. (Chief) Orok Duke PhD serving as the state’s board representative at the Commission. His board-level role has supported the consistent inclusion of Cross River State in NDDC programmes spanning solar-powered streetlight installations , environmental sanitation , medical outreach , and the distribution of relief materials including food items, household supplies, and farming tools to communities across the state. Stakeholders have noted that sustained representation at board level has contributed to the steady flow of intervention-driven projects to both urban and rural communities, complementing government infrastructure delivery and social welfare programmes. The NDDC was established to address the infrastructure and development deficits that have long affected Niger Delt...

  A controversy has emerged within the "Relax, Tinubu is Fixing Nigeria" movement following its recent rally in Calabar, Cross River State , after social commentator David Abam alleged on his Facebook page that Honourable Shedrach Egede , the organization's National Director of Strategic Deployment and Implementation, was sidelined during the event despite his reported contributions to its success. According to Abam, Egede was neither officially recognized nor given an opportunity to address supporters at the rally, a development that has sparked discussions among members and supporters over inclusiveness, internal unity, and respect for national officers within the organization. Read statement below... Controversy has emerged following the Cross River State rally of Relax Tinubu is Fixing Nigeria held in Calabar over the weekend, as concerns were raised about the alleged sidelining of Honourable Shedrach Egede, the National Director of Strategic Deployment and Implement...

  The Chairman of Cross River State Table Tennis Association, Rt. Hon. Orok Duke, PhD , has revealed plans to construct a world-class table tennis facility and athlete hostel in Calabar . The project aims to address the chronic infrastructure deficit and funding challenges that have long hindered the development of the sport in the state. Speaking recently on the current state of the game, Duke expressed deep concern over the lack of training facilities and modern equipment, which he identified as major barriers to grooming young talent. He revealed that the decision to build a permanent facility arose from a strategic choice to invest in long-term infrastructure rather than short-term international training tours . "We were talking about sending two girls and two boys to China. I looked at the costs and realized that the amount required to stay one month in China, we could use it to build a table tennis hostel," Duke stated. "I want to have a facility with at least one ...

  President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Nigeria's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim, on his election as Chairman of the United Nations General Assembly Fifth Committee on Budget and Administration. In a statement issued on Wednesday by the President's Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu described the development as a significant achievement for Nigeria and a testament to Ambassador Ibrahim's wealth of experience in governance, diplomacy and public service. The President noted that Ibrahim's election comes at a critical period for the United Nations as the global body undertakes major financial realignments and institutional reforms aimed at strengthening accountability, efficiency and long-term sustainability. According to Tinubu, the confidence reposed in the Nigerian diplomat by member states underscores his competence and capacity to lead one of the UN's most strategic committe...

A new month is here, and with it comes another opportunity to rise, rebuild, and rediscover the strength within us. As we enter June, let us pause for a moment to appreciate how far we have come. The journey may not have been easy. There were days of uncertainty.Yet, through it all, we are still standing. We are still moving forward. We are still here. June is a reminder that every sunrise brings a fresh chance to begin again. It reminds us that setbacks are not the end of the story, and that our greatest victories often emerge from our toughest seasons. If the past months have tested your faith, may this month restore your hope. If you have faced challenges, may June bring you strength. If doors have remained closed, may this be the month new opportunities find their way to you.  And if you have been waiting patiently for your breakthrough, may your season of waiting give way to a season of celebration. Let us embrace this new month with gratitude in our hearts, courage in our spi...

  Rt. Hon. Orok Duke, PhD has paid tributes as family, community leaders and associates gathered in Calabar to lay Chief Archibong Ewa Ekeng to rest following his death on February 9, 2026, after a protracted illness. Chief Ekeng was 71. While expressing sadness over his demise, Duke noted the late Chief Ekeng's lifelong dedication to public service, community development and faith, describing him as a bridge between Calabar’s royal lineages and a tireless advocate for the people.  "Chief Ekeng’s humility, humour and unwavering commitment to the community set a standard for leadership," he said, urging younger leaders to emulate his integrity and service. Born on October 15, 1954, Chief Archibong Ewa Ekeng, according to his biography read by his family, traced his roots to prominent royal families across Calabar.  Educated at Big Qua Presbyterian Primary School , Hope Waddell Training Institution and the Polytechnic Calabar , he served as a Building Technologist in t...

  The Special Adviser to the Governor of Cross River State on Public Utilities, Engr. Associate Professor Jerome Egbe , KSM , has congratulated the Governor of Cross River State, His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu , on the occasion of his third year anniversary in office, describing him as an epitome of infrastructural transformation and purposeful leadership in the state. Egbe made the remarks during an interactive session with members of the media on Friday, May 29, 2026, as part of activities marking the governor’s three years in office. According to the Special Adviser, the celebration of Governor Otu’s administration is not limited to Cross River State alone, noting that people in Abuja and across the diaspora are also identifying with the achievements of the administration. “We are gathered not only in Abuja but also in the diaspora to celebrate an uncommon man who has brought a total turnaround in recalibrating Cross River State,” he stated. He further noted tha...

  Distinguished Senator Eteng Jonah Williams , representing Cross River Central Senatorial District in the 10th Senate , has continued to strengthen his reputation as an active and result-driven legislator through the sponsorship of impactful bills and motions aimed at national development and the welfare of his constituents. Since the inauguration of the 10th Senate on June 13, 2023, Senator Williams has emerged as one of the notable voices in the National Assembly, demonstrating commitment to quality representation and legislative excellence within just over two years in office. A core responsibility of every legislator is lawmaking, and Senator Williams has shown remarkable dedication in this regard through the introduction of several strategic bills addressing healthcare, education, mining, agriculture, petroleum engineering, research, and national security. Among the bills sponsored by the lawmaker are: 1. Nigerian Research Institutes Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (SB. 918) – A...

  In commemoration of the 2026 Children’s Day celebration, the Cross River State Representative on the Niger Delta Development Commission ( NDDC ), Rt. Hon. Orok Duke, PhD , has reaffirmed his commitment to child welfare , youth empowerment , and grassroots development by hosting hundreds of children from Wards 4 and 5 of Calabar South Local Government Area . The colourful event, held at Amayo Duke School, Egerton, brought together children, parents, community members, and supporters in an atmosphere filled with excitement, entertainment, and goodwill as participants gathered to celebrate the annual event dedicated to the rights, protection, and future of Nigerian children. Hundreds of enthusiastic children, accompanied by their mothers and guardians, participated in the celebration, which featured the distribution of gifts, food items, and financial support to attendees. Speaking during the event, Rt. Hon. Orok Duke emphasized the importance of investing in children, describing t...