Detailing News

In 2018, Nigeria made a historic shift when President Muhammadu Buhari declared June 12 as the nation’s Democracy Day, replacing May 29, which had been observed since 1999 to mark the return to civilian rule. This change was more than symbolic; it was a recognition of the pivotal role the June 12, 1993, presidential election played in Nigeria’s democratic struggle. At the heart of this transition was the advocacy of Rt. Hon. Orok Duke, a delegate from Cross River State at the 2014 National Conference, whose impassioned call for honoring the victims of the June 12 crisis and recognizing Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola’s sacrifice helped reignite national discourse on the significance of that date. Duke’s contributions during the conference were instrumental in laying the groundwork for the eventual adoption of June 12 as Nigeria’s Democracy Day. The 2014 National Conference, convened by President Goodluck Jonathan, was a platform to address Nigeria’s socio-political and eco...

  Prominent leaders, lawmakers, and scholars gathered in Calabar yesterday the 10th of June 2025 for the inaugural Hilary Bisong Colloquium, a distinguished event organized to honour Rt. Hon. Hilary Ekpang Bisong for a decade of dedicated service in the Cross River State House of Assembly. Among the dignitaries present was Senator Eteng Jonah Williams, who expressed his admiration for Rt. Hon. Bisong’s legislative accomplishments and active contribution to constitutional democracy in Nigeria. Themed “Lawmaking and Constitutional Democracy: The Nigerian Experience,” the event offered more than just a celebration—it served as a platform for deep, strategic discourse on strengthening democratic institutions and legislative governance. Senator Williams participated in a high-level panel discussion alongside a roster of respected figures, including Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, Rt. Hon. Onofiok Luke, Rt. Hon. Joseph Bassey, Prof. Pauline Ekuri, Prof. Okom (Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Universit...

  The Office of the Special Adviser on Public Utilities, Cross River State, has issued a strong condemnation of a reckless driving incident that caused extensive damage to vital public infrastructure at the Efioette area of Calabar. According to an official statement, the incident—which occurred at approximately 4:30 PM today—involved a vehicle that crashed into public property, severely damaging the roundabout, road pavement, and electric poles. The driver, whose identity has not been disclosed, admitted the act was a mistake. However, authorities insist that such negligence endangers lives and undermines the state government's efforts to maintain and beautify the capital city. Speaking on the matter, the Special Adviser on Public Utilities, Engr. Dr. Jerome Egbe, KSM, expressed deep concern over the incident and described the act as "senseless destruction" that cannot be excused. He warned that reckless driving, particularly when it leads to the destruction of public ut...

  Dr Betta has felicitated Nigerian muslims on Eid el kabir festival. In a sallah message she personally signed, Dr. Edu also urged Muslims faithfuls to continue to pray and support President Bola Tinubu as he steers the nation away from its numerous challenges. She described Eid el kabir as an important and solemn religious festival that requires introspection, sacrifice and deep reflection.  "On this special  occasion of Eid-el-Kabir, I extend my warmest greetings and felicitations to you.  "This very important soul- enriching festival in the muslim calendar is a time for deep, solemn reflection, introspection, gratitude, and compassion; it is a period that reminds us of the significance of obedience, sacrifice, faith and unity as exemplified by Prophet Ibraheem. "As you commemorate the willingness of the Noble  Prophet  to sacrifice his only son Ismaeel, in obedience to Allah's command, I urge you not to loose sight of the lessons there-from and be remin...

  In a bold move to address unemployment and promote entrepreneurship, investment firm Stridevest Company Limited has launched a new initiative to support Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through equity partnerships, strategic development, and long-term business growth. Unveiling the programme during an interactive session with journalists in Calabar on Saturday, the Chief Executive Officer of Stridevest, Mr. Wilson Obidi, explained that the initiative will not provide loans or grants, but will instead invest directly into promising businesses by acquiring equity stakes. “We invest in businesses we believe in, provided the owners demonstrate a clear vision and understanding of their goals,” Obidi stated. He noted that the initiative is open to businesses across all sectors, and applications can be submitted via the company’s official website: www.stridevestltd.com. Beyond financial investment, the programme offers a comprehensive support system including professional me...

  By Jesam Ofem In just under two years, the Cross River State Government under the leadership of Governor Bassey Edet Otu has delivered sweeping reforms in the primary healthcare sector, setting new national benchmarks in service delivery, infrastructure, and immunization coverage. At the heart of this transformation are the renovation of 94 Primary Health Centres (PHCs) across the state’s 196 political wards, full-scale digitalization, aggressive manpower expansion, and a historic 95% immunization rate — the highest in Nigeria. The revelations were made by Dr. Vivien Mesembe Otu, Director-General of the Cross River State Primary Health Care Development Agency (CRSPHCDA), during a state-wide media engagement in Calabar. Recalling the state of the health system prior to the current administration, Dr. Otu was blunt in her assessment: “What we met was a healthcare graveyard — collapsed buildings, absent staff, and communities that had lost complete trust in government health service...

  Archbishop Josef Bassey, the Territorial Archbishop of Calabar and Chairman of the Council of Elders of the Cross River State Christian Leaders Forum, has extended heartfelt congratulations to Governor Bassey Otu on the second anniversary of his administration, describing the milestone as a spiritually significant moment ordained by God for the transformation of Cross River State. Describing the day as both a “political milestone” and a “divine moment of covenant reflection,” the respected clergyman hailed Governor Otu’s emergence as a spiritual commissioning ordained by God, beyond the confines of electoral politics. In the statement issued from his office, Archbishop Bassey, who also serves as the Spiritual Leader of God’s Heritage Nation, expressed gratitude on behalf of Christian faithfuls in Cross River State and the diaspora for what he termed “the birthing of a new Cross River State aligned with heaven’s purpose.” “Two years ago,” he said, “His Excellency stepped into the ...

  The President of AC Bright New Life Foundation LTD/GTE, Ambassador Deacon Maduka Andrew Chukwuel, has extended a goodwill message to His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, as he marks his second anniversary in office as Governor of Cross River State. In a heartfelt message, Ambassador Chukwuel praised Governor Otu’s administration for its visionary leadership, infrastructural strides, and unwavering commitment to the “People First” mantra that has significantly transformed the socio-economic landscape of the state. “Your tenure has been defined by a visionary commitment to infrastructural development that has transformed the physical and economic landscape of our dear state,” the statement read. “Under your dynamic leadership, roads have been rebuilt, schools renovated, medical facilities upgraded, and critical infrastructure delivered with urgency and clarity of purpose rarely witnessed in recent times.” The AC Bright New Life Foundation, a corporate social enterprise d...

  The Senator Representing Central Senatorial District Sen. Eteng Jonah Williams has led nine out of the eleven National Assembly members from Cross River State to endorse President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Bassey Edet Otu as the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s sole candidates for the 2027 general elections. The high-profile endorsement was announced on Thursday during a press briefing held in Calabar, the state capital, under the auspices of the Cross River APC Caucus in the National Assembly. The lawmakers commended the performance and leadership style of both Tinubu and Otu, describing their achievements as impactful and deserving of consolidation through re-election. Senator Eteng Jonah Williams, representing the Central Senatorial District and leader of the APC Caucus, emphasized that the administration of President Tinubu has shown clear commitment to national transformation, pointing to landmark projects and progressive reforms. "President Tinubu is a leader with vi...

As we commemorate the second anniversary of His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu and his dependable Deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, I cannot help but reflect on the extraordinary journey they have undertaken together. It is with immense pride and heartfelt gratitude that I convey my appreciation for the diligent efforts that have led to significant advancements in our beloved Cross River State. Over the past two years, our Governor's visionary leadership has paved the way for notable achievements across diverse sectors. The Civil Service has witnessed a radical institutional transformation with internal discipline, implementation of promotions, prompt payments of salaries, allowances, pension and gratuity as per due process. In Agriculture, the establishment of a digital soil test maping system and the substantial distribution  of Agricultural farming inputs, gravitating from mere peasant farming to a robust industrialized farming system across the 18 Local Government Areas....

  The Cross River State Consultative Forum (CRSCF) has extended heartfelt congratulations to His Excellency, Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu, as he marks his second anniversary as Governor of Cross River State, commending what it described as “two years of purposeful and visionary leadership.” In a statement signed by the Forum’s Chairman, Hon. Eyo Nsa Ekpo, Esq., and Secretary, Julius Ochim Okpotu, the CRSCF praised the Governor for his strides in infrastructure, civil service reform, social welfare, rural development, and institutional transformation. "Governor Otu has demonstrated a clear vision, compassionate governance, and an unwavering commitment to the development and unity of our dear state," the statement read. "His inclusive approach to leadership is reshaping Cross River’s development trajectory." The Forum highlighted the administration’s notable achievements in economic reforms, particularly the 60.6% increase in the state’s Internally Generated Reven...

  The Member representing Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Godwin Offiono, has extended congratulations to Governor Bassey Otu as he marks his second year in office. In a statement issued on behalf of the people of Ogoja/Yala, Hon. Offiono commended the Governor’s remarkable achievements across key sectors including infrastructure, agriculture, tourism, health, and education, describing them as transformative and impactful. “Your outstanding contributions over the past two years have not only improved the lives of our citizens but have also laid a solid foundation for the continued development of our dear state,” he said. Hon. Offiono further noted that Governor Otu’s commitment and leadership continue to inspire confidence and optimism among the people of Cross River State, adding that he looks forward to witnessing even greater accomplishments in the years to come. “On this important milestone, we celebrate your vision, resilience, and service...

  The Yakurr Local Government Area joined the rest of the nation in commemorating the 2025 Children’s Day celebration on May 27th, with a vibrant event held at the Mkpani Pavilion. The Chairman of Yakurr LGA, Hon. Yibala Igri, ably represented Hon. Sampson Ijo Obol, Secretary of Council, and delivered a heartfelt message to mark the occasion. Speaking at the event, Hon. Igri expressed joy and hope, emphasizing the significance of the day as a time to celebrate the dreams, aspirations, and inherent potential of every child. “May 27th holds a special place in our hearts as we honor the spirit, dreams, and potentials of our children. They are not just our future; they are our present and our greatest treasure,” he said. Hon. Igri reiterated the council’s unwavering commitment to creating an enabling environment for children to thrive. He noted that the administration has implemented several child-centered initiatives, including educational scholarships and improved healthcare services...

  Mr. President, Father of the nation! I join millions of Nigerians and members of our great party, the All Progressives Congress, APC to heartily congratulate you on your second year in office as the President and Commander-in- Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria.  Despite the obvious challenges, your dedication to transforming Nigeria and changing the economic landscape by improving the lives of the citizens in the long run is visible, even to the greatest critics. It’s has not been an easy ride navigating terrains that even lions won’t dare! Your commitment to hard work and a result oriented leadership is unprecedented! The focus of your administration on economic rejuvenation is evidently changing the narrative and  Nigerians are witnessing the positive impacts,including  infrastructural development, education for all, affordable housing, huge improvement in the security situation among others ,in just two years.  These positive developmen...

  The Cross River State Forestry Commission has extended warm congratulations to the Executive Governor of Cross River State, His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, and his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, as they mark two impactful years in office. In a goodwill message signed by the Commission’s Executive Chairman, Rt. Hon. George Oben-Etchi, Ph.D, FCIA, the agency commended the administration for its transformational leadership and notable achievements since taking office. Describing the two-year milestone as a period of reflection and celebration, the Commission acknowledged the administration’s “renewed hope, positive and glaring results, and purposeful giant strides” in critical sectors such as Education, Health, Infrastructure, Economic Rejuvenation, Human Capacity Development, Urban and Rural Transformation, and Civil Service Reforms. “The people of our dear state are experiencing a new era of hope and visionary leadership under your watch,” the statement noted. “Your a...

  The Forum of Special Assistants to the Governor of Cross River State on Tuesday converged in a grand celebration to mark the second anniversary of His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu’s administration. The event served as both a tribute to his courageous and people-centered leadership and a formal endorsement for a second term in office come 2027. The gathering, themed “People First in Action – The Journey Thus Far,” drew dignitaries from across various sectors, reflecting the broad support and admiration the Governor enjoys from citizens and government functionaries alike. Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Forum, Mr. Andrea Ekeng Inyang, praised Governor Otu for his remarkable blend of compassion, courage, and visionary governance. He stated that the governor’s commitment to the welfare of the people has not only inspired hope but rekindled trust in government as a responsive institution. “This is not a leader who merely sits in office,” Inyang declared. “This...

  CALABAR—   As Governor Bassey Edet Otu marks his second year in office, commendations have continued to pour in from stakeholders across Cross River State and beyond. Among those celebrating the milestone is CoolCover Global Limited, whose Chief Executive Officer, John Offiong, penned a heartfelt message applauding the Governor's leadership and transformative governance. In an official statement, Offiong described the Governor’s two-year tenure as a period of visionary leadership, bold reforms, and renewed public confidence. _“Your administration has recorded remarkable achievements across various sectors,” the statement reads, “rekindling hope and restoring confidence in governance among the people of Cross River State.”_ According to Offiong, Governor Otu’s people-first approach has yielded tangible results, including a 60.6% increase in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), a reactivation of the state’s reserve fund, and the securing of ₦3.5 billion in funding for the ...

  The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on the occasion of his second anniversary in office, describing his leadership as bold, reform-driven, and inclusive. In a goodwill message signed by the Commissioner representing Cross River State on the NDDC Board, Rt. Hon. Orok Otu Duke, Ph.D, the Commission lauded the President for reigniting national hope and steering the country on a path of renewal through the Renewed Hope Agenda. “Over these past two years, your leadership has reignited national hope and demonstrated a courageous commitment to reform, development and inclusivity,” the statement read. “You have set Nigeria on a new trajectory, characterized by economic restructuring, institutional development and a steadfast belief in the collective potential of our citizens.” Rt. Hon. Duke noted that President Tinubu’s policies are already producing tangible results across the Niger Delta, with long-neglected communities bei...

  The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has extended heartfelt congratulations to His Excellency, Senator (Apostle) Prince Bassey Edet Otu, Governor of Cross River State, as he marks two years in office. In a goodwill message signed by Rt. Hon. Orok Otu Duke, Ph.D, the NDDC Commissioner and State Representative for Cross River, the Commission described Governor Otu’s administration as one defined by vision, truth, and purposeful leadership. According to the message, the past twenty-four months have showcased the Governor's unwavering commitment to service, resulting in a renaissance in infrastructure and human capital development across the state. “Under your stewardship, Cross River State has witnessed a renaissance both in infrastructure and human capital development. The people have not only felt the pulse of purposeful governance but have also begun to walk tall once more, emboldened by a renewed sense of dignity and hope,” the statement read. Rt. Hon. Duke further laud...

  In celebration of this year’s Children’s Day, the Cross River State House of Assembly witnessed a symbolic and heartwarming moment as 10-year-old Miss Treasure Ikpi Eyong of Emerald Field Schools took her place as the one-day Member representing Yakurr 1 Constituency. Hon. Cyril Omini, who welcomed the young guest lawmaker, described Treasure as a symbol of the valid dreams and aspirations of millions of children across Yakurr and the entire state. "Today, she leads with imagination, while we follow with action," he said. During her time in the Assembly, Eyong presented a compelling request on behalf of her peers, calling for strengthened legislation supporting the Child Rights Act and enhanced access to education for indigent children. Hon. Omini assured her and other children that their voices were being heard and acted upon. “The future belongs to our children,” Hon. Omini emphasized. “As leaders, we must continue to build a world where every child can dream boldly, spea...