Unical to host 2026 NUGA
The University of Calabar (UNICAL) Vice Chancellor has announced that UNICAL will host the 2026 National University Games (NUGA) in Calabar. The event, slated for 2026, will bring together universities from across Nigeria to compete in multiple sports and showcase scholarly excellence. The VC urged participating institutions and local supporters to gear up, emphasizing how the games will boost youth engagement, attract visitors, and spur improvements in campus facilities. Organizers are coordinating with Cross River authorities to ensure smooth logistics and nationwide participation.
Gov Otu Medical Grant Advances
The Cross River State Government confirms progress on the reinstated bursary and medical grant scheme for medical and dental students from the state. Health Commissioner Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk led a Calabar meeting with the Cross River Medical and Dental Students’ Association Worldwide (CRIMSA-WW) to agree on an implementation framework. A dedicated committee is drafting logistics and coordinating with the Education Ministry to ensure transparent delivery. By week’s end, the plan will reach the Governor for final approval and rollout planning.
RMAFC Praises Cross River Health
The Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) commends Cross River State for its healthcare transformation, noting high facility standards and improved services during a national data verification visit in Calabar on June 18, 2026. The delegation, led by Dr. Henry Mbukpa, applauds upgraded infrastructure, new oxygen centers, and digital units, confirming a strong reform trajectory under Governor Bassey Otu. Cross River officials say the oversight validates ongoing reforms and targeted investments to deliver quality, accessible care to residents.
Cross River Education Records Verification
A Cross River State Education Commissioner, Senator Professor Stephen Adi Odey, leads a nationwide data verification by a Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) team to validate student enrollment records in Cross River. The on-site checks at WAPI, St. Augustine Primary School, and NYSC Model Secondary School, alongside the State Accountant-General, aim to reconcile current statistics and ensure accurate records for planning, budgeting, and policy decisions across the state. Administrators report cooperation to provide required documents for transparent data management.
National Boy Child Policy Validated
The Federal Government, led by the Gender Ministry, has validated more than 40 social protection frameworks, including the National Boy Child Policy, at a four‑day Abuja review and validation exercise concluded on June 18, 2026. Minister Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim explains the reforms aim to strengthen child protection, family welfare, and service delivery across all states. Cross River residents will benefit through improved safeguards for boys, coordinated care, adoption, and victims of gender‑based violence, with implementation monitored by MDAs and partners.
NCoS inaugurates 2nd PPP
The Nigerian Correctional Service has inaugurated its second Public-Private Partnership Project Delivery Committee to oversee major infrastructure and rehabilitation efforts nationwide, including a Correctional Farm Centre in Adim, Cross River State. The ceremony in Abuja placed emphasis on private-sector expertise to improve facilities, staff welfare, and inmate rehabilitation. Committee members, led by the Controller-General of Corrections, will supervise partnerships under the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission framework, aiming for transparent delivery and tangible benefits for host communities and personnel, with follow-up oversight ongoing.
DSO Implementation Commitment Reaffirmed
Stakeholders in Nigeria’s Digital Switch Over (DSO) programme met in Abuja on June 18, 2026, and issued a communique reaffirming their full support for the nationwide migration to digital broadcasting. The document, read by Clementine Usman-Wamba of the NBC, emphasizes continuing Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT), adopting a hybrid model with DTT, DTH, and digital apps, and reconstituting the Digiteam to guide rollout. NBC will protect investments by set‑top box makers and expand local content, with quarterly stakeholder meetings to ensure transparency and practical delivery for Cross River residents and broadcasters nationwide.
Nigeria Security Reforms Move Forward
The Speaker of the House, Rep. Abbas Tajudeen, says Nigeria must strengthen intelligence and security as it faces evolving threats. At a public hearing in Abuja on June 19, 2026, lawmakers consider three bills creating a Department of State Services Trust Fund, a Strategic Intelligence Management Institute and a DSS Research and Development Institute. The package aims to improve data gathering, analysis and coordinated deployment of intelligence, with cross‑cutting implications for Cross River State residents, businesses and institutions seeking safer operation and growth.
Tax reform gains support
Cross River business owners, workers, and students should note that Nigeria’s tax reform is drawing wide backing from chambers and industry groups. The policy harmonises several tax laws to simplify administration and reduce burdens on small and informal sectors. A June 19, 2026 seminar in Ile-Ife highlighted benefits for national revenue and fairer taxation. Cross River residents may see changes in compliance requirements and public awareness campaigns as the reforms roll out nationwide in coming months.
Prince Edwin Okon Revenue Record
Prince Edwin Okon, a former banker, leads a public-sector revenue drive in Cross River State from Calabar. Over three years, his team implements streamlined collection, digital payments, and stronger compliance to boost local government revenues while ensuring transparency. The Cross River finance department reports steady gains from 2023 through 2025, enabling more funds for health, education, and infrastructure. Stakeholders note reduced leakage, faster refunds, and improved citizen access to essential services.
Cross River Trains ICT Teachers
The Cross River State SUBEB, in collaboration with UBEC, is conducting a two-day ICT and Artificial Intelligence training workshop for teachers across the state’s three senatorial districts. The program, organized by SUBEB’s Data, Digital Platform and Analytics department, aims to equip educators with modern digital skills and enable them to integrate technology into classroom instruction. The opening ceremony in Calabar featured remarks from the SUBEB Chairman, who highlighted ongoing ICT investments and the state’s push for digital transformation in education.
Cross River Revives Abandoned Hospital
The Akpabuyo community commends Governor Bassey Otu for plans to revive the long-abandoned general hospital in Akpabuyo, Cross River State. The initiative aims to restore medical services for residents, upgrade facilities, and improve access to primary and secondary care. Local leaders say the project will create jobs, boost health outcomes, and strengthen government support for rural communities in the state. Details on timelines and funding will be released by state officials.
NADF Targets Higher Food Production
The National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) says its renewed support programmes, including fertiliser distribution and farmer assistance, are lifting food production nationwide, including Cross River State. Executive Secretary Muhammed Ibrahim reports that the Renewed Hope Farm Input Support Programme (RH-FISP) currently delivers 515,720 bags of fertiliser to about 128,930 smallholder farmers across 25 states and the Federal Capital Territory. The initiative also promotes modern farming practices, aiming to strengthen value chains and improve farmers’ livelihoods for Cross River residents.