Calabar news brief for Wed 24 June 2026

Across June, Cross River saw data-classification talks for local clouds, a police-UCTH security pact, school safe-space planning, and statewide coffee seedling training — officials pushing practical steps residents can test.

DSN identifies data sovereignty priority

The Data Science Nigeria (DSN) chief executive officer, Dr Olubayo Adekanmbi, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on June 23, 2026 that data classification should be the starting point for Nigeria’s data sovereignty drive. He explains that categorising data by sensitivity guides what must stay in Nigeria and what can be hosted abroad, with national security and certain health data often kept in-country. The approach could boost Cross River institutions through local cloud options and strengthen digital security for residents and businesses.

Safe Spaces for School Violence

Experts in Nigeria’s education and justice sectors call for safe spaces in schools as a key strategy to address bullying, abuse, and other forms of school-related gender-based violence. The three-day Abuja workshop, organized under the EU ESGBV Programme, strengthens procedures for prosecuting perpetrators and clarifies the roles of teachers, counselors, police, and health workers. Participants stress that safe environments encourage students to report abuse and that coordinated action will reduce dropout rates and improve learning outcomes across Cross River institutions and other communities.

UNICAL Free Lecture Date

UNICAL management has announced a free lecture as part of its Sports for All program, scheduled for Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at Hogan Bassey Car Park Open Pavilion opposite Medical Centre, starting at 1:30 p.m. The event, organized to support readiness for the forthcoming NUGA Games, invites all staff and students to attend, with Deans, HODs, and Unit Heads directed to ensure full participation. The gathering aims to showcase university-wide engagement and promote physical education across campus.

Cross River Health Security Pact

The Cross River State Police Command and the Association of Resident Doctors at University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) in Calabar have formalized a partnership to strengthen healthcare security. On June 23, 2026, leaders met to improve communication, emergency response, and safety for staff, patients, and facilities amid rising security concerns. Police reaffirmed support, while ARD urged sustained collaboration to ensure effective healthcare delivery across Cross River State. The move aims to protect medical personnel and secure health facilities.

Gov. Otu set for award

Governor Bassey Otu is set to be honored at the 2026 National MSME Awards, scheduled for Saturday, June 27, 2026, at the Conference Centre, State House, Abuja. The event, organized by the Office of the Vice-President, will spotlight a compendium of MSME activities under the Renewed Hope Agenda. Cross River State officials say the nomination recognizes the governor’s efforts to empower local entrepreneurs and boost small business growth through CRSMEDA and state-led programs benefiting residents and enterprises in Cross River.

CIPMN Enforces PM Licensing

The Chartered Institute of Project Managers of Nigeria (CIPMN) has begun full enforcement of its mandatory project management licensing nationwide, with penalties for unlicensed practice. Cross River residents and firms should ensure their project managers hold a valid CIPMN license to operate legally. Employers and individuals must confirm licensing status, complete required training, and obtain certification as the institute expands oversight across sectors. The enforcement timeline began earlier this year, with licensed practitioners able to continue work while non‑compliant operators face potential penalties.

NRGI seeks methane rule enforcement

The Natural Resources Governance Institute (NRGI) calls for stronger enforcement of methane emission rules across Nigeria’s oil sector, with a focus on the Niger Delta and Cross River areas. At a June 24, 2026 webinar, NRGI urged stricter compliance by companies operating in the region, stressing the need for a credible baseline, robust measurement, and independent verification. The event accompanied the documentary The Human Cost of Methane Emissions and underscores transparent reporting that leads to real reductions for affected communities.

BPP backs renewable energy partnership

The Federal Government-led collaboration between NASENI and the Rural Electrification Agency is backed by the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) to domesticate renewable energy equipment and expand electricity access nationwide. Signed in Abuja on June 24, 2026, the MoU aims to boost local production, strengthen procurement oversight, and ensure quality while addressing supply chain gaps. For Cross River State residents, the move promises greater power reliability and local industry growth through expanded mini-grid and solar manufacturing capacity.

Pastor Joshua Bassey Eyo leads Calabar gospel big red carpet

Pastor Joshua Bassey Eyo, the chairman of the Cross River State chapter of the Fellowship of Gospel Music Ministers of Nigeria (FOGMMON), drives the Calabar Gospel Music Big Red Carpet initiative. The event, anchored in Calabar, seeks to elevate Cross River’s gospel ministers to national and international platforms through focused events, media reach, and collaborations. Eyo emphasizes intentionality, excellence, and world exposure for Cross River talent, with plans to feature local ministers on major stages and digital platforms to broaden visibility and impact.

Cross River confirms nominee

The Cross River State House of Assembly has confirmed the governor’s nominee for Commissioner and EXCO member. The confirmation occurred this week at the Assembly chambers in Calabar, with the nominee presenting credentials amid standard parliamentary scrutiny. The decision directly affects state governance, as the appointee will oversee a key ministry and contribute to policy implementation, budgeting, and public service delivery. Residents should expect formal swearing-in procedures and subsequent briefings on the nominee’s plans and oversight measures.

Cross River begins seedling training

The Cross River State government today launches statewide training for farmers and extension staff ahead of the July 1 distribution of coffee seedlings. Officials say the program aims to equip participants with best practices in nursery management, land preparation, and seedling care to ensure successful planting across communities. Training centers will operate in local government areas, with field demonstrations and follow-up visits to monitor adoption and impact on local farms and livelihoods.