Today’s News Brief

A look at today’s news and events in and around Calabar and Cross River State that you need to know.

  • UNICAL Digital Transformation Policy Team

    UNICAL has formed a nine-member ICT Policy Drafting Committee to craft an institution-wide ICT policy guiding digital deployment, governance, cybersecurity, and resource use across faculties and units. The move, approved by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Offiong Efanga Offiong following the 256th University Senate meeting on June 4, 2026, names Prof. Iwara I. Arikpo as chairman. The panel will align UNICAL with global best practices to support teaching, learning, research, and administration, with leadership noting the aim to position the university as technology-driven.

    UNICAL boosts female researchers

    UNICAL has taken a major step to support female researchers. During the maiden Association of Female Academics workshop at the Godswill Akpabio International Conference Centre in Calabar, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Offiong Efanga Offiong urged women academics to pursue competitive research grants. The event, themed “Winning Competitive Grants: From Idea Development to Funded Projects,” aims to boost grant writing skills, mentorship, and internal funding policies. Organizers say increased access to grants will strengthen research in climate, healthcare, agriculture, and sustainable development in Cross River.

    Calabar AI Conference Buzz

    The Calabar AI Conference is set to take place this Friday at Metropolitan Hotel in Calabar, gathering professionals, students, entrepreneurs, media practitioners, and tech enthusiasts to explore how artificial intelligence is shaping communication, business, education, governance, and public relations. Organisers, led by convener Cynthia Maduekwe, emphasise practical knowledge and networking, with discussions aimed at responsible AI use and collaboration opportunities for attendees in Cross River and beyond. Participants are encouraged to join and engage in the sessions and demos.

    NNSS Akpabuyo honours graduate

    Zainab Opeyemi Zubair, an outstanding graduate of the Nigerian Navy Secondary School in Akpabuyo, is celebrated at the 2026 Passing Out Parade for discipline, academic excellence and selfless service. Commandant Captain Muhammad Nura Dalhatu highlighted her leadership and faith, while families and officers applauded her moral character and generosity to juniors. The ceremony, held in Cross River State, featured officers, instructors and relatives who lauded her humility and dedication to duty.

    Nigeria Blessed with Gas

    The federal government has urged Nigerian households to abandon firewood and switch to cooking gas, a move officials say will improve health and cut household energy costs. The minister responsible states that Nigeria is blessed with abundant gas, and no family should rely on firewood for cooking. Cross River residents and officials are urged to promote and adopt cleaner energy in homes and small businesses, with ongoing advocacy and support to make LPG more affordable and accessible across the state.

    NASS pushes fixed census cycle

    Sen. Victor Umeh, chair of the Senate Committee on National Identity and Population, says the National Assembly will introduce legislation to fix Nigeria’s population and housing census at a 10-year cycle. Speaking in Abuja during World Population Day on July 28, 2026, he argued the cycle should be constitutionalized and funded in advance. The proposal, supported by NPC officials, aims to remove last-minute funding and ensure timely censuses that affect Cross River State planning and development.

    FG forms National Housing Authority

    The Federal Government announced at a stakeholders’ workshop in Abuja that a National Housing Finance Authority will be created under a new National Mortgage Industry Policy to broaden access to affordable home financing. The plan repositions the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria and expands the National Housing Fund, inviting traders and informal workers to contribute from N5,000 monthly. Cross River residents could gain easier access to mortgages as the reforms aim to reduce housing deficits and stimulate construction nationwide.

    Cross River retires age 65

    The Cross River Government has approved extending the retirement age for frontline health workers from 60 to 65 years, or 40 years of pensionable service. Governor Bassey Otu announced the measure in Calabar through Head of Service Circular No. 11/2026, effective August 1. The policy targets retaining experienced clinicians across state hospitals and clinics, excluding administrative staff. Health Commissioner Dr Henry Ayuk says the move will strengthen the health workforce and improve service delivery for residents.

    774 Summit on Insecurity

    Project 774 Network says it will convene a National Citizens’ Stakeholders’ Engagement on Countering Terrorism and Insecurity in Abuja to mobilise Nigerians for national security. The event aims to foster collaboration between citizens and security agencies, with outcomes including the Abuja Citizens’ Declaration and a conference communiqué. The summit, held on July 28, 2026, invites participation from all 774 local government areas, benefiting Cross River residents and others nationwide.

    Southern presidency push gains traction

    The Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum, read by Oladipo Olaitan in Abuja on July 29, 2026, reiterates its demand that Nigeria’s next president come from the Southern region in 2027. The group frames the move as essential for national stability and balanced governance, urging INEC to ensure free, fair elections. For Cross River residents, the stance could influence security policy, governance priorities, and debates on a state police, with implications for local development, jobs, and public safety.

    FCC Chief Urges Falcons 11th

    The Federal Character Commission chair, Hulayat Omidiran, calls Nigeria’s Super Falcons to stay united, focused, and committed as they begin their WAFCON campaign in Morocco to pursue a record-extending 11th title. In a goodwill message, she praises the team for lifting Nigeria’s image and urges continued fighting spirit. Falcons will play Malawi, then Zambia and Egypt in Group B, as Nigerians rally behind the squad in their continental quest.

    Abuo Secures Police Nomination

    Prince Michael Abuo, the Special Adviser to the Cross River State Governor on interventions, has been nominated by the Nigeria Police Force to chair the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Social Vices (POCACOV) for Cross River State. The nomination, confirmed in Calabar on July 29, 2026, follows his track record in youth development and AUDA-NEPAD activities. The Cross River State Police Command seeks his consent to lead the POCACOV effort across schools, communities, and religious centers to curb cultism, drug abuse, and related social vices.

    INEC clears 2027 timetable

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed social media claims that it revised the 2027 campaign timetable. The commission says the viral graphic did not originate from INEC and urged Nigerians, including Cross River residents, to ignore the unverified post. INEC reaffirmed that no changes have been made to the approved timetable and that any amendments would be officially announced through its verified platforms, ensuring Cross River voters know when campaigns and elections will end.

    HOS Assures JNC Harmony

    The Cross River State Head of Service, Barr. Orok Bassey Okon, has assured the Cross River State Joint Negotiating Council of a continued harmonious working relationship to boost public servant welfare and service delivery. Speaking at a meeting with JNC leaders in Calabar, the HoS stressed dialogue, highlighted the new Performance Management Framework, and addressed staff verification, promotions, pensions, and backlogs, with both sides pledging ongoing collaboration to improve civil service.

    FG pegs housing deficit

    The Federal Government has pegged Nigeria’s housing deficit at 15 million units, announced during the Stakeholders Validation Workshop on the National Housing Data Programme in Abuja on July 29, 2026. Minister of Housing and Urban Development Dr Muttaqha Darma said the estimate follows World Bank and UN‑Habitat indices, with the North‑West and North‑East under the greatest pressure. The workshop aims to validate the National Housing Data Framework and push a National Housing and Built Environment Regulation Policy to improve planning, regulation, and delivery, benefiting Cross River residents through better data and oversight.Current date, time, and timezone (ISO): 2026-08-02T22:00:53.936+02:00

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