Otu Deploys Swamp Buggy
Governor Bassey Otu directs Cross River State to tackle flooding at UNICROSS staff quarters in Calabar. A high-capacity swamp buggy is on site to clear blocked waterways, desilt drainage channels, and widen passages to restore stormwater flow after heavy rains. UNICROSS Vice Chancellor Prof. Francisca Bassey visits the affected area to assess damage and coordinate relief with university management. Residents report damaged homes, and authorities emphasize ongoing drainage maintenance ahead of the rainy season.
Ayuk, Eyet Deepen Grassroots Support
The Cross River State Government reports that Health Commissioner Dr. Henry Ebge Ayuk and Special Adviser Pedro Eyet are intensifying grassroots mobilization for Governor Bassey Otu in Ikom and Etung. On August 8, 2026, they held engagements with traditional rulers, ward leaders, youths and women to consolidate support and improve public participation in policies. The meetings also highlight ongoing infrastructure monitoring, including the Ikom General Hospital, and call for stronger unity to advance development across Cross River.
NIA strategy to boost insurance
The Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA) unveils a five-year plan, the ACE agenda, to lift Nigeria’s insurance penetration. Chairwoman Ebelechukwu Nwachukwu spoke in Abuja on August 10, 2026, detailing three pillars: awareness campaigns, capacity building, and enforcement of compulsory policies, including buildings under construction and public liability. The initiative expands distribution, enhances digital services, and uses recapitalisation funds to improve underwriting. Stronger enforcement, prompt claims, and fraud reduction are expected to boost public confidence and increase participation for Cross River residents.
NAPTIP secures 20 SGBV convictions
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) reports that from January 2026 to now, it has secured more than 20 convictions for Sexual and Gender-Based Violence offences and rescued over 3,000 people nationwide, including cross-border regions. Three of the convictions result in life imprisonment, with rape cases highlighting the trend. The agency is strengthening ties with police and other agencies, training frontline responders, and urging reporters to cover outcomes with victim dignity in mind to improve prevention and reporting.
NANS reacts to UNICAL order
The National Association of Nigerian Students, Joint Campus Council (CRS Axis), reacts to UNICAL’s directive that 214 Law students revert to their original departments and restart from Year One. The statement, dated August 10, 2026, demands regularisation of admissions with the NUC and the Council of Legal Education, preservation of credits, and priority readmission into Law for affected students. It calls for transparency on who approved transfers and urges dialogue with UNICAL management to protect the students’ academic records and future careers.
Leboku 2026 New Yam Festival
The Yakurr Nation celebrates Leboku International New Yam Festival 2026 under the governorship of Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu. The event takes place Monday, August 24, 2026, at Yakurr Peace Stadium, Ugep, starting 9:00 AM. The theme is “Rooted in Culture, Growing in Prosperity.” The Cross River State Government partners with Yakurr communities to showcase culture, music, dance, and hospitality, while highlighting farming and local prosperity. Attendees should expect cultural pageantry and traditional rites as part of this annual celebration.
Muslims Laud Tinubu’s Peaceful Coexistence
The Secretary General of the Muslim World League, Sheikh Mohammed Al-Issa, commends President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to foster peaceful coexistence between Muslims and non-Muslims in Nigeria. Speaking at the inauguration of the Muslim World League Mosque in Abuja, Al-Issa emphasized peace as essential to national unity and regional stability. The event, ahead of the Abuja security conference from August 11–12, brings religious and community leaders together to promote dialogue, mutual understanding, and cooperative development across the country.
Customs reforms praised
The Revenue Monitoring Group of Nigeria (RMGN) praises Nigeria Customs Service reforms in trade facilitation, border security, and technology. In a statement issued on Monday, August 10, 2026, RMGN notes the Unified Customs Management System (UCMS) and the B’Odogwu platform reduce human interference and improve cargo clearance, boosting efficiency. The group commends stronger collaboration with security agencies and highlights the re-election of CGC Bashir Adeniyi as World Customs Organisation Council chair as a sign of Nigeria’s rising influence.
Tinubu: Livestock can drive Africa
Cross River readers should note that Nigeria’s president says Africa’s livestock sector can boost food security, jobs, and industrial growth. Speaking in Abuja at the All-Africa Conference on Animal Agriculture, Tinubu highlighted reforms under the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy and the 2024 Federal Ministry of Livestock Development. The policy aims to modernise production, strengthen value chains, and attract investment, with expected benefits for Cross River farmers, ranchers, and rural communities as reforms roll out across the country.
Cross River Education Pledges Support
The Cross River State Commissioner for Education, Sen. Prof. Stephen A. Odey, hosts officials from the National Commission for Nomadic Education at the Ministry of Education Headquarters in Calabar on August 11, 2026. The NCNE team outlines its house-to-house mapping to identify and enrol out-of-school children from nomadic communities and to pilot learning centres under the Accelerated Basic Education Programme. Odey welcomes collaboration, data-driven planning, and a wider rollout across Cross River State to expand access to education for every child. The team will formally present its findings and recommendations to the state government for immediate partnership and action.
Cross River Revenue Collaboration
The Cross River State Ministry of Local Government Affairs and the Nigeria Revenue Service pledge stronger collaboration to boost revenue mobilisation and remittances to local councils. On August 11, 2026, the Permanent Secretary Ntunkae Offiong Ani Offiong notes 100 percent compliance in revenue reporting and timely remittances as priorities, while Dr. Mustapha Akaje of the Abuja delegation calls for continued cooperation to improve tax remittance from contractors and service providers. The ministry will invite NRS representatives to future meetings to ensure direct interface with local government executives and enhance revenue collection across Cross River councils.
Ekpang Sets Repositioning Agenda
Cross River State Commissioner for Lands Dr. Erasmus Ekpang outlines a repositioning agenda for the Lands Ministry in Cross River during his maiden management meeting with Heads of Departments and senior staff in Calabar on August 11, 2026. He urges renewed professionalism, discipline and strict adherence to laws and procedures to restore public confidence. The plan focuses on strengthening land administration, planning, documentation and surveying with clear, properly documented decisions across the state.
FG Fixes Nigeria Creative Economy
The Federal Government is moving to address funding and structural challenges facing Nigeria’s creative economy through the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) Programme. National Coordinator Ife Adebayo disclosed this at the QEDNG Creative Powerhouse Summit 2.0 in Lagos, noting that access to capital, skills, infrastructure, and business support are key. iDICE, implemented by the Bank of Industry, is funded by the federal government and partners to help young Nigerians, including Cross River residents, turn ideas into scalable ventures and create jobs. The initiative will provide financing, capacity development, and ecosystem support to boost entrepreneurship across the country.
Obudu New Yam Festival 2026
The Executive Chairman of Obudu Local Government Council, Hon. Dr. Peter Akonfe Undiandeye, invites residents of Obudu, Cross River State, and visitors to the Obudu New Yam Festival 2026 on September 4, 2026. Under the theme “Honoring Our Roots, Celebrating Our Heritage,” the event will boost culture, unity, and community pride, with activities kicking off during a Power Week from September 1 and including the 13th Comrade Adamade Football Competition to engage youths and sports lovers.Current date, time, and timezone (ISO): 2026-08-16T22:00:55.143+02:00