Calabar news in brief for March 23: Monday’s top headlines

Cross River Orders Environmental Health Units

The Cross River State government is taking decisive action to eliminate open defecation within its healthcare facilities. This directive mandates the immediate establishment of dedicated Environmental Health Units in all hospitals across the state. The initiative aims to significantly improve sanitation standards and public health outcomes within these critical institutions, ensuring a cleaner and safer environment for patients and staff alike. Source

NIPR Invests Gov Otu as Patron

The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has appointed Governor Bassey Otu as its patron, recognizing his people-centered leadership. This investiture ceremony took place in Calabar, highlighting the governor’s commitment to community development and effective governance within Cross River State. The NIPR commended Governor Otu for his dedication to initiatives that benefit the populace. Source

Cross River Boosts Rural Healthcare with Drones

Cross River State is enhancing access to healthcare in its rural communities by deploying drones. This initiative aims to deliver essential medical supplies, including vaccines and blood samples, to remote areas that are difficult to reach by road. The program, supported by the state government, seeks to improve healthcare delivery efficiency and ensure timely medical interventions for all residents, regardless of their geographical location. Source

Resign Before March 26, 2026

Cross River State Governor, Bassey Edet Otu, has mandated all State Executive Council members and political appointees seeking to contest in the 2027 general elections to resign by March 26, 2026. This directive, issued during a recent Executive Council meeting, aims to ensure focus, discipline, and integrity in governance. The governor emphasized that public office is a sacred trust and should not be conflicted with personal political ambitions, stressing the need for undivided attention to the people’s mandate and the administration’s development agenda. Source

N500m Boost for Local Businesses

Governor Bassey Otu will launch a N500 million loan disbursement on Friday, March 20, 2026, to support local businesses in Cross River State. Organized by the Cross River State Microfinance and Enterprise Development Agency (MEDA), the initiative aims to stimulate financial growth by providing capital to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). This program is part of the governor’s “People First” mandate, intended to help entrepreneurs expand operations, increase productivity, and create jobs across all 18 local government areas. Source

Governor Orders Appointees to Resign

Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has directed all State Executive Council members and political appointees aspiring to contest in the 2027 general elections to resign their positions by March 26, 2026. This directive aims to ensure focus, discipline, and ethical governance, preventing public office from being used for personal political ambitions. The Governor emphasized that public service requires undivided attention and that premature political engagements will not be permitted, ensuring a level playing field for all aspirants and maintaining the integrity of government institutions. Source