Landslide Claims One Life
An eight-year-old girl died when a mudhouse on a hillside collapsed in Borrow Pit along Old Stream Road, Edim Otop, Calabar Municipal LGA, Cross River State, on the night of July 16, 2026, around 9:00 PM. A older sister escaped as residents and officials from the Cross River State Government and the Nigerian Red Cross assessed the scene. The incident follows six days after a previous fatal landslide in Ikot Awatim, underscoring ongoing heavy rainfall and housing risks in Calabar.
Christian Leaders Urge Tinubu Action
Christian leaders across Nigeria, led by the Organisation of African Instituted Churches in the Nigeria Region, are urging President Tinubu to withhold assent to the proposed FRSC Act amendment. They warn the measure could criminalise preaching in buses and restrict religious expression, potentially impacting Cross River residents who rely on safe public transport and religious freedom. The group calls for consultation with faith leaders and for lawmakers to balance road safety with constitutional rights.
Nigeria AI Deal Raises Hopes
Nigeria’s federal government signs a memorandum of understanding with Morocco to introduce a satellite- and AI-driven agricultural monitoring system across 15 pilot states, including Cross River. The new platform will provide real-time data on farmland, crop distribution, and yields, enabling faster policy decisions and targeted resource allocation. Cross River farmers and authorities will benefit from improved weather and pest monitoring, better disaster response, and data-driven planning for future farming programs.
Cross River Leaders Honour Adalikwu
The Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lieutenant General Emmanuel A. Undiandeye, and other dignitaries joined the Adalikwu family for an 88th birthday thanksgiving and memorial service at St. Charles Catholic Church, Obudu. Recognising the celebrant’s faith and resilience, Odey praised the late Pa Peter Adalikwu’s legacy and prayed for ongoing health and longevity for Mrs. Elizabeth Adalikwu. The event drew government officials, military officers, clergy, and community leaders from the Obudu area.
NEMA Flood Evacuation Alert
Cross River residents should note that the National Emergency Management Agency is urging early evacuation as heavy rains intensify nationwide. The agency director-general, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, says communities must heed warnings, move to higher ground when floods threaten, and avoid driving through floodwaters. NEMA will coordinate rescue operations and work with State Emergency Management Agencies to provide timely assistance. Local authorities in Cross River are advised to activate community flood awareness and evacuation plans.
Cross River Police Detain Officers
The Cross River State Police Command says its officers did not assault bus driver Mr. Imor Sam and has detained the officers involved for questions as investigations continue. The incident occurred July 18, 2026 at a stop-and-search point near Atakpa Police Station in Calabar after the driver allegedly failed to stop. Preliminary findings suggest the driver’s injuries came from a fall during a struggle, and the police warn against unverified videos while the full inquiry unfolds.
NBA Elects New President
Senior Advocate of Nigeria Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya has been elected the 33rd President of the Nigerian Bar Association at the 2026 national election in Abuja, defeating two fellow SANs. The vote, though delayed by technical glitches and a cyberattack, was announced by ECNBA chair Aham Ejelam. Badejo-Okusanya will assume office under NBA provisions and will guide reforms and lawyer welfare for the association in the coming years.
NEMA, CR-SEMA Assess Calabar Floods
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), in partnership with the Cross River State Emergency Management Agency (CR-SEMA), Nigerian Red Cross Society, and Local Emergency Management Committees, conducts a joint damage and needs assessment in Calabar on Saturday, July 18, 2026. The team visits Ekorinim 2, the Federal Housing Estate, and Satellite Town to determine losses from recent floods and a landslide in Boro Pit. Findings will guide timely government relief and highlight safety measures for residents and local authorities.
Niger Delta agri push launch
Vice President Kashim Shettima announced a new push for agricultural development in the Niger Delta, highlighting a shift from oil to farming as a driver of Nigeria’s economy. The initiative, announced during a formal launch, aims to revive soil-based livelihoods and establish the Niger Delta Agricultural Development and Investment Fund. The program targets Cross River and other Delta states, intending to boost local farming, create jobs, and reduce reliance on crude oil while expanding access to financing and infrastructure for farmers across the region.
Maritime logistics for energy growth
An energy and maritime expert, Atiemoria Ebhodaghe, says data-driven marine logistics and port reforms are essential to boost Nigeria’s upstream energy sector. Speaking in Abuja on the sidelines of the Nigeria International Energy Summit, he urges coordinated reforms across ports and logistics to reduce bottlenecks, cut costs, and improve cargo flow. The goal is to strengthen Nigeria’s energy supply chain, attract investment, and support national growth through smarter port operations and better data use.
POWA President Reaffirms Uplift
Cross River residents and readers are informed that the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA) President, Mrs Mutiat Disu, has reaffirmed the group’s commitment to uplifting members’ lives. At the Abuja grand finale of a three‑day POWA convention on July 18, 2026, she outlined ongoing efforts for economic empowerment, mental health support, skills acquisition, and aid for widows and vulnerable families. The I-G of Police and the First Lady of Nigeria attended, urging continued solidarity and action.
Nigeria’s trust crisis
Nigeria’s trust in government is the main security challenge, says Kingsley Kuku, in a valedictory lecture delivered at Oba Erediauwa College of Law, Igbinedion University, Okada, on July 19, 2026. He argues that eroded public confidence threatens constitutional governance and national safety, urging stronger institutions and accountable governance. The message matters for Cross River residents, as trust in federal and state bodies directly affects local security, judiciary, and public services. The professor also backs a state police framework with federal oversight to address security needs.
Cross River disaster assessment
Cross River State Government will conduct a statewide on-the-spot assessment of communities affected by natural disasters to map damage and guide relief. CR-SEMA Director-General Efa Nyong said the exercise will involve all 18 LGAs and aims to ensure timely support for victims. Local government emergency committees will collaborate with CR-SEMA to deliver aid and strengthen disaster response. The assessment begins soon to inform targeted interventions for affected residents.