Sheba Wins Head of House
Faith Gamde, known as Sheba, rises as Week 2 Head of House in BBNaija Season 11, making history as the first female HoH of the week. The Calabar-linked contestant defeats rivals in a series of tasks to claim the title, earning access to the HoH lounge and leadership privileges for the week. The victory, announced on Monday night, sets the tone for strategic moves and alliances inside the house, with fans watching how leadership shapes the game ahead.
Navy dismantles militants’ hideout
The Nigerian Navy Ship VICTORY raided the Ine Ikoridung coastal settlement in Cross River State, dismantling a militants’ hideout. Spokesman Sulaiman Bala said troops stormed the settlement, cordoned the area, and searched huts identified by intelligence. Although no arrests were made, five empty cartridges, camouflage vests, a notebook, and other items were recovered. The operation, part of ongoing maritime security drives along the Dayspring axis, was aimed at denying militants safe havens and restoring coastal security.
NERDC disowns fake funding request
The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) says a fake document was circulated to solicit funds for the Revised Basic Education Curriculum for 2026/2027. Executive Secretary Prof. Salisu Shehu states the letter is unauthorised and that authentic funding arrangements already exist via federal and state education authorities. The clarification, issued in Abuja on August 3, 2026, urges institutions and partners to ignore the fake appeal and rely on official NERDC channels for updates, ensuring Cross River schools align with approved national processes.
Nigeria must lead energy security
Premium Times reports that Nigeria must lead global energy security, a message highlighted by Seplat Energy’s chief executive officer during a Lagos event on June 9, 2026. The CEO emphasizes Nigeria’s gas resources and domestic energy potential as central to stabilizing power, boosting industrial growth, and strengthening national security. He calls for increased domestic gas development and strategic investments to secure reliable electricity for Cross River State and the wider region, aligning Nigeria’s energy stance with global demands.
Afegbua Assumes Zone 6 AIG
AIG Rashid Bello Afegbua has officially assumed duty as the 34th Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 6 Headquarters, Calabar, on August 3, 2026, according to a press release from the Zonal Public Relations Office. The move aims to strengthen security, deepen community policing, and foster better inter-agency collaboration across Akwa Ibom and Cross River States. Afegbua, a seasoned police officer and legal professional, takes over with a mandate to enhance policing effectiveness in the zone.
UNICROSS Partners on Campus Infrastructure
The University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) and Cross River State authorities announce a collaboration with the Surveyor-General to advance planned infrastructure across UNICROSS campuses, including Calabar and Obubra. The initiative, unveiled this year, aims to standardize campus projects, speed up site surveys, and ensure quality construction of hostels, lecture blocks, and roads to support expanded programs. Work will proceed in phases, with close oversight by UNICROSS management to meet defined timelines and improve student welfare and learning environments.
FG Urges Breastfeeding Code Enforcement
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare is directing stakeholders nationwide, including Cross River State, to enforce the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes to strengthen breastfeeding and improve child nutrition. In Abuja during World Breastfeeding Week 2026, the Coordinating Minister of Health announced the First 1,000 Days Life Nutrition SBC Campaign, underscoring exclusive breastfeeding and nutrition in the first 1,000 days. For Cross River families, this means greater support from health services, communities, and workplaces to help mothers initiate breastfeeding early and sustain exclusive feeding for six months, with ongoing benefits for child growth and development.
BPP Urges SSDC on Procurement
Dr Adebowale Adedokun, Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement, told the South-South Development Commission in Abuja on August 3, 2026, to strictly comply with the Public Procurement Act 2007. He highlighted transparency, fairness, and value for money as guiding principles, and urged adherence to procurement plans coordinated by the Procurement Department and reviewed by the Procurement Planning Committee. The talk also referenced Finance Act amendments, open bidding as the default method, and the use of the Nigeria Open Contracting Portal for approvals. Cross River institutions should align their processes to these standards to safeguard public resources and accelerate infrastructure, education, and tourism projects in the state.
Rights Lawyer Urges DSS Compensation
Human rights lawyer Hamza Dantani has urged Nigeria’s security agencies to adopt a DSS-style compensation policy for innocent people wrongfully arrested, detained, or injured during operations. Speaking in Abuja on August 4, 2026, he praised the DSS initiative as a standard for accountability and rights protection, citing cases of individuals exonerated after wrongful actions. He urged reforms across police, army, and other agencies to prevent errors and ensure independent review of complaints, aligning security with constitutional rights.
Calls for Niger Delta Probe
Ambassador Charles Omini, Special Envoy to West Africa for the International Human Rights Protection Service, is calling for a comprehensive investigation into HYPREP, the NDDC, and oil companies operating in the Niger Delta. During a two-day visit to the region, he highlights ongoing hardship among host communities despite intervention funds and questions the management of development projects. He urges security and anti-corruption agencies to scrutinize resource use and ensure communities benefit from oil and gas activities, with ongoing monitoring to promote transparency and accountability.
UNICAL Graduate’s Next Big Journey
A former aide to the University of Calabar (UNICAL) Students’ Union Government, CyanahPEN, calls on well-wishers, UNICAL alumni, corporate partners, and philanthropists to support Gloria, the department of Chemical Engineering’s Best Graduating Student. Gloria has secured a Master’s place in Green Engineering abroad, but visa, travel, housing, and relocation costs remain barriers. The Gloria’s Fund initiative seeks funding to cover these expenses so she can begin her postgraduate studies and contribute to Cross River’s academic excellence. Contact 0816 755 5230 for inquiries and donations.
Cross River Assures Teachers
The Cross River State Government assures teachers, organized labour and education stakeholders of a fair, transparent review of the new retirement age policy for teachers. Speaking during a stakeholders’ engagement on August 3, 2026, Deputy Governor Peter Odey said the administration is carefully addressing concerns to ensure the process follows the law and serves teachers and the education sector. Labour unions urged dialogue over policy details, while the state reiterated commitment to an equitable, legally sound outcome.
SUBEB trains safeguards for schools
SUBEB, with support from the Cross River State Government, opens a two-day capacity-building workshop in Calabar to teach environmental and social safeguard best practices for basic education infrastructure. Education officers and other stakeholders from 18 local government areas participate as the training progresses across the state’s districts, aiming to ensure school construction and rehabilitation protect host communities and promote safe, inclusive learning environments for pupils.
Cobham Pledges Info Revamp
Pastor Ekpenyong Cobham, the new Cross River State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, pledges to transform the Ministry of Information from Calabar through proactive, transparent governance communication. Speaking at the official handover from Dr. Erasmus Ekpang, Cobham outlines plans to use digital platforms, community engagement, and partnerships to disseminate policies and programmes. The pledge follows Governor Otu’s People First agenda, with staff urged to unite, stay professional, and deliver better service.
Oil Leaders Back Local Content
Nigeria’s oil and gas leaders say policy stability, investment incentives and stronger local content implementation are driving growth. Speaking on Tuesday in Lagos at a Society of Petroleum Engineers panel, executives from Chevron, TotalEnergies, NETCO and NNPC emphasized that indigenous participation and capacity development are essential for sustained progress. The remarks, while focused on reforms, highlight Cross River State’s potential gains through broader Nigerian content participation and local partnerships in upcoming projects and investments.