Detailing News

  By Kingsley Agim The Chairman of Yakurr Local Government Area and Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Cross River State , Chief Yibala Inyang , has dismissed allegations of underfunding of local governments in the state, describing them as “a total fallacy.” Inyang said local governments under Governor Bassey Otu ’s administration are enjoying unprecedented funding and a strong partnership with the state government, which, he said, has enabled councils to execute projects and intervene in critical areas including healthcare, sanitation, security and infrastructure. The ALGON chairman stated this while reacting to allegations of underfunding and worsening poverty at the grassroots level made by the factional PDP governorship candidate, Sir Arthur Jarvis , at a press conference held on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at the NUJ Secretariat in Calabar . Inyang maintained that local government funds were being properly utilised for development and ...

  The Directorate of the Centre for Educational Services (CES), University of Calabar (UNICAL), on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, paid a courtesy visit to the Vice Chancellor of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), Prof. Francisca Bassey , to appreciate her contributions to the Centre and her continued commitment to its growth and development. The visit also provided an opportunity for the delegation, led by the Director of CES, Prof. Ekei Ikpeme , to update the Vice Chancellor on developments at the Centre, including its progress, existing programmes and plans to introduce additional courses. In her remarks, Prof. Ekei Ikpeme explained that the primary purpose of the visit was to appreciate Prof. Bassey for her contributions to the development of CES and her service to UNICAL. She noted that the Vice Chancellor had made significant contributions to the growth and stability of the Centre during her tenure. Prof. Ikpeme, who previously served as a Coordinator under Prof. Bas...

  By Michael Eja Governments should not be judged only by what they start, but by what they are able to sustain, consolidate and turn into lasting institutions. That is why the debate over Governor Bassey Edet Otu’s second-term bid should go beyond politics. It should be about continuity and whether the foundations being laid across Cross River can be strengthened enough to deliver lasting benefits. The Cross River State Lottery and Gaming Agency is one example. As its pioneer Director-General, I witnessed its transition from an idea into a regulatory institution, supported by the Cross River State Lotteries and Gaming Agency Law, 2025. Its significance goes beyond gaming. It represents an effort to regulate an emerging industry, protect consumers, create jobs and develop legitimate revenue opportunities for the state. The next task is consolidation-modernising its systems, improving compliance and positioning it to become a stronger contributor to Cross River’s revenue architec...

  A delegation of youth leaders in Cross River State has paid a courtesy visit to the Vice Chancellor of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), Prof. Francisca Bassey , commending her youth-friendly leadership and reaffirming their commitment to supporting the University’s peace, stability and development. The delegation was led by the State Youth Leader, Comrade Emmanuel Olayi , and comprised members of the State Executive Council, Local Government Coordinators and other youth representatives, including the Chairman of the Councillors Forum, Cross River State, Hon. Princess Magdalene Ekpe , and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Students’ Affairs, Comrade Elvis Enya . Other members of the delegation were the Deputy Chairman, Comrade Ngban Basil; Vice Chairman, Central, Comrade Evalsam Ekpe; Vice Chairman, North, Comrade Wonah Patrick; State Publicity Secretary, Comrade Melchizedek Okwe; and other members of the State Executive Council and Local Government Coordinators...

  The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has invited the Commissioner for Insurance , Mr Ayo Omoshehin , to explain allegations surrounding the collection of various fees from insurance companies under the ongoing recapitalisation exercise, including an alleged one per cent charge on fresh capital raised by operators. The invitation followed a petition by NICON Insurance Plc and the Nigeria Reinsurance Corporation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu , in which the companies alleged irregularities in the implementation of the recapitalisation programme by the National Insurance Commission . The petitioners alleged that insurance companies had been subjected to a series of payments, including a one per cent recapitalisation fee, verification charges and additional registration fees, which they claimed amounted to more than N30bn across the industry. They questioned the legal basis for the charges, arguing that NAICOM , being a Federal Government agency, could not impose such fin...

  Nigeria's Federal Ministry of Agriculture  and Food Security through its Agricultural Land and Climate Change Management Services (ALCCMS) has unveiled new measures to address soil health and climate change management, strengthen agricultural productivity and promote the sustainable management of agricultural land at sub-national levels across the country. This was disclosed on Tuesday in Calabar, Cross River State , during a two-day  Zonal Validation Workshop on Nigeria Agricultural Land and Soil Management Policy (NALSMP) for 2027- 2035 which brought stakeholders across the South-South Geo-political Zone together. Welcoming participants from Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers and Akwa Ibom State, the Cross River State Commissioner For Agriculture, Johnson Ebokpo represented by the Chairman Cross River State Multi-stakeholder Committee for Cocoa, Coffee and Oilpalm Strategic Plan Development in the state, Prof Susan Cohen . The commissioner stated that, "Cross River State has...

  The Cross River State Government has commenced emergency intervention works following a devastating landslide that disrupted access and threatened residents in an affected community in Calabar . The intervention, initiated under the leadership of Governor Bassey Otu , is aimed at restoring access to the area, safeguarding residents and preventing further damage caused by the landslide. The Commissioner for Works, Hon. Pius Edet , visited the site to inspect the ongoing work and assess the progress of the emergency response. He also directed attention to the quality and timely execution of the intervention. The swift response underscores the commitment of the Otu administration’s People First agenda to addressing the immediate concerns of residents and taking decisive action whenever urgent intervention is required. Speaking with journalists at the site, Commissioner Edet assured residents of the state government’s continued commitment to their safety, welfare and overall well-...