Cross River pension partnership
The Cross River State Local Government Pensions Board and the Local Government Service Commission in Calabar on July 22, 2026, reaffirmed plans to strengthen collaboration to ease retirements for local government workers and improve pensioner welfare across Cross River. A boundary-pusting liaison will be established to address retirement and pension administration issues promptly, aiming to reduce bottlenecks and ensure a dignified transition for workers leaving active service. The partners emphasize due process and continued reforms to serve Cross Riverians better.
Cross River applauds education reforms
The Cross River State Commissioner for Education, Senator Prof. Stephen Odey, announces the Otu administration’s ongoing reforms to strengthen learning in Calabar and across Cross River. During a courtesy visit by the Think Cross River Project Group to his Calabar office, Odey highlights enhanced WASSCE support, a 2:00 p.m. school closing policy, strict CAC registration for private schools, and the closure of more than 500 unapproved institutions, with ongoing annual census and the plan to establish the University of Education and Entrepreneurship to boost youth skills.
Cross River Officials Honoured
The Cross River State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Erasmus Ekpang, and the Director-General of the Cross River State Health Insurance Agency, Chief Godwin Iyala, were honoured at the Nigeria Nursing Students Olympiad (NNSO) 2026 held last Friday in Nigeria. The awards recognize their leadership in healthcare delivery and public service, including efforts to raise health awareness and expand access to health insurance for vulnerable residents. The event highlighted Cross River’s continued commitment to healthcare reform and professional development in the nursing sector.
ECN charges youths’ energy transition
The Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, tells graduates of the maiden MAELF 2026 in Abuja that Nigerian youths must lead the country’s energy shift through innovation and ethical leadership. He stresses the sector reaches beyond power infrastructure to health, education and employment opportunities. Abdullahi urges fellows to build networks, act with integrity, and apply policy to everyday life. The DAM Foundation and APC funded the programme, benefiting over 80 young Nigerians.
NERDC cuts textbook fees
The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) has approved a downward revision of textbook assessment and ranking fees as Nigeria gears up for the National Textbook Ranking System. Effective immediately, the assessment fee drops from N2,000 per page to N1,500, and the ranking fee from N1,000,000 to N750,000 per title. Cross River state schools, publishers, and authors should align payments with the new rates ahead of the September 2026 rollout, with refunds planned for those who overpaid.
CRS APC: No Political Deal
A CRS APC chieftain confirms that no binding agreement was reached between E. J. Williams and Oden Ewa after recent talks in Abuja, despite reports of settlement. The chieftain says Williams did not concede, and the matter remains in court. The update, issued July 22, 2026, stresses that discussions did not produce a final resolution and details remain sensitive as legal processes continue.
Cross River Opens Youth Opportunity
The Directorate of Information has announced a fresh empowerment and educational support program for Cross River youths and students, coordinated by the Office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Youth Development under the Ministry of Youth Development and Skill Acquisition. The state plans to sponsor 4,500 youths in vocational and technical skill programs, with a Pre-Degree Scholarship for UTME entrants who missed admission. Eligible applicants must visit the Special Adviser’s office with passport photo, NIN, and BVN to complete registration; a registration deadline is approaching to access this fully sponsored opportunity that aims to boost education, skills, and career growth across Cross River State.
UNICAL clears 13 lecturers
The University of Calabar Governing Council, in its 174th meeting, has cleared 13 lecturers formerly under investigation for alleged exam misconduct. The letters signed by the Registrar and Secretary to the Governing Council, Dr. Icha Chukwuka, communicated the exoneration. The affected staff include Professors B. E. Udoh, N. O. Chiaghanam, and N. O. Egbe, and colleagues from Radiography and Radiological Sciences and Anatomy. The council urged greater diligence in future examinations, directing proper crossing out of unused sections to strengthen transparency.
Lawmakers Move to Outlaw Same-Sex
Cross River State lawmakers on Wednesday advance a bill that would ban same-sex marriages and civil unions within the state, with the Cross River State House of Assembly moving to second reading and aiming for full passage to prohibit recognition and benefits tied to such unions. The sponsor and colleagues argue the measure aligns with local cultural norms while seeking to regulate family law and public morality. The bill targets same-sex unions, seeking to withhold legal recognition, protections, and benefits traditionally associated with marriage. If enacted, the policy would impact residents, institutions, and businesses operating in Cross River by adjusting marriage documentation, parental rights, and eligibility for related civil rights. Advocates say the proposal is meant to reinforce traditional family values, while supporters emphasize the need to clarify legal definitions and state responsibilities. The assembly notes ongoing debates about enforcement mechanisms and potential effects on residents, including couples with ties to Cross River, and calls for clear guidelines on enforcement and existing civil arrangements. The bill is part of broader discussions on family law, human rights, and social policy in Cross River, with stakeholders urged to monitor any amendments or timelines as the legislative process unfolds.
CoAS backs military families
The Chief of the Air Staff has reaffirmed support for skills acquisition and entrepreneurship programs for military families across Nigeria, including Cross River State. The initiative aims to train personnel’s spouses and dependents in practical trades, micro-businesses, and digital skills to boost household incomes. Training will be delivered through partnered agencies and military-community centers, with timelines announced in coming months. Local residents should watch for enrollment details and required documentation to access funding and mentorship opportunities.
Power reforms restore investor confidence
The Presidency says Nigeria’s power sector reforms are restoring investor confidence by converting legacy liabilities into bankable investment opportunities. In Abuja, officials outline how the Series II bond issuance and debt-reduction plan will strengthen sector cash flows and attract private capital. Cross River State residents and businesses should expect improved electricity reliability as the reforms progress, with payment discipline and liquidity easing for gas suppliers, power plants, and distributors across the country.
YOUTHCRED for Nigerian Youth
The Federal Government has launched the YOUTHCRED for Entrepreneurs initiative, targeting more than 500,000 young Nigerians, including Cross River State residents, to access affordable credit. Implemented by the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP), it offers loans from N200,000 to N2 million with no collateral, based on credit behavior and cash flow. Beneficiaries are expected to start or expand businesses, fueling jobs and growth nationwide, with ongoing outreach and digital onboarding to widen access across states like Cross River.