UNICAL Breaks Silence on Appointment
UNICAL says the Acting Head of the Department of Science Laboratory Technology was chosen after due process and institutional regulations. The university addressed circulating social media claims about a July 31, 2026 letter and stressed grievances should be handled through official channels. Management explained the appointment received Vice-Chancellor approval, aims to ensure continuity, and does not affect curriculum or teaching. Students, staff, and alumni are urged to use formal platforms for any concerns.
Odey inspects Ikom Hospital
Dr. Odey today visits Ikom General Hospital project in Cross River State, confirming the government’s commitment to improved healthcare delivery. The inspection reviews construction progress, equipment procurement, and staffing plans, with completion targeted for late 2026 and handover followed by expanded services in Calabar and nearby communities. The visit ensures safety standards, reliable power, and timely medication supply, so residents and health workers will benefit from upgraded wards, new theatres, and enhanced emergency care as the project advances.
Anom Hails Federal Facility Jobs
The Etung Local Government Council Chairman, Hon. Henry Njar Anom, hails the commissioning of the permanent Federal Livestock Quarantine Office at Mfum-Ajassor as a boost to food security and local livelihoods in Cross River State. At the August 7, 2026 event, the Minister of Livestock Development, Hon. Idi Mukhtar Maiha, and other officials confirmed the facility will regulate cross-border livestock movement and support disease-free trade, with Anom urging that qualified Etung indigenes be considered for available jobs to deepen local participation.
Cross River HIV funding plan
Cross River State stakeholders at the HIV Interventions Quarterly Roundtable in Calabar call for stronger local financing and new partnerships to sustain HIV prevention, treatment and care programs as donor funding declines globally. The Cross River State Agency for the Control of AIDS (SACA) and partners outline strategies, including domestic resource mobilisation, AI-enabled self-testing, and drone delivery of HIV commodities, with Governor Bassey Otu approving expanded Health Insurance for 2,000 people living with HIV to ensure continued access to services. The meeting emphasises community-led actions and better data systems to keep HIV gains on track across all 18 LGAs.
Cross River Town Planner Partnership
Cross River State Government reaffirms its partnership with the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP), Cross River State Chapter, to deepen sustainable urban development, improve land administration and promote orderly growth across the state. The strategic engagement in Calabar on August 7, 2026, hosted by the Cross River Geographic Information Agency, featured the Commissioner for Lands, Dr. Erasmus Ekpang, stressing stronger collaboration among government bodies and professional bodies to deliver well-planned, investment-friendly communities. The meeting ended with renewed commitments to use modern planning standards and technology-driven land management for the benefit of Cross River residents.
DICON Act: Defence Self-Reliance
A former Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) director-general, Maj.-Gen. Bankole Ogunkale, has urged the Federal Government to speed up implementing the DICON Act in Abuja. He says full adoption will boost Nigeria’s defence-industrial capacity, reduce import dependence, and save foreign exchange. Ogunkale argues that locally produced ammunition and equipment would better suit Nigeria’s terrain, with better supply and tailoring to national security needs, including a proposed Nigerian Military-Industrial Complex to coordinate efforts.
Cross River teachers’ pay reversal
The Cross River State Government, through the Local Government Affairs Commission, explains a reversal of an upward salary adjustment for local government teachers. Commissioner Victor Felix Idem says the move fixes payroll irregularities and restores equity with state-employed teachers. The reform, announced in Calabar, aims to harmonise pay across Local Government and State Public Service with labour consultations ongoing to implement a uniform salary framework for teachers.
RMAFC strengthens revenue monitoring
The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) is pursuing reforms to improve revenue monitoring, transparency and fiscal governance in Nigeria. Chairman Dr Mohammed Shehu shared plans in Abuja, highlighting monthly FAAC reconciliations, electronic monitoring, and capacity building to ensure every kobo is accounted for. The reforms include digitalisation, better data systems, and staff expansion. Cross River State residents stand to benefit from stronger oversight, improved budgeting, and more reliable federal allocations going to state projects and services. The work is ongoing, with digital tools shaping near real-time monitoring and reporting.
Staff Audit Assures Labour
Cross River State’s Head of Service has told labour leaders that the ongoing UNICROSS staff audit and verification exercise is designed to cleanse the payroll system without victimising workers. The exercise, which began in Calabar and is set to move to Ogoja, aims to identify ghost workers, fake credentials, and other irregularities. Officials say it will run through the year with transparency and continuous dialogue with unions to safeguard workers’ welfare while improving public service administration across Cross River State.
Obudu Ranch Concession Transforms Obanliku
The Cross River State Government, led by Governor Otu, says the Obudu Ranch concession will deliver jobs and boost tourism for Obanliku and other Cross River communities. At a Sankwalla, Obanliku Local Government engagement, officials outlined rehabilitation of the cable car, upgrade of accommodation and roads, and the redevelopment of Utanga Safari Lodge into a conservation and education center. The concessionaire, Living Curation Real Estate Limited, aims to attract investment, create employment for artisans, drivers, and farmers, and improve access via the Bebi Airstrip. The deal preserves state ownership and ensures ongoing oversight through a Project Advisory Committee.
KSM honours Agbor adviser
Barr. Gilbert Agbor, Special Adviser to the Cross River State Governor on Asset Management and Recovery, has been named Best Performing Adviser by the Knights of St. Mulumba Obubra Sub-Council. The award was presented during the launch of the second phase of the KSM Obubra Secretariat Project on August 8, 2026. Agbor dedicates the honour to Governor Bassey Edet Otu, praising his service, accountability and leadership for Cross River communities.