Calabar news brief for Wed 26 August 2026

Governor and agencies jug land encroachments, university lawsuits, investor pitches, youth empowerment rules and a 48‑hour Guinness debate bid—Calabar feels pressured but mobilising across schools, markets and streets.

CRIRS Chair Urges Investors

The Executive Chairman of Cross River State Internal Revenue Service (CRIRS), Prince Edwin Okon, Ph.D., has called investors to explore Cross River’s opportunities at the Abuja Business & Investment Expo (ABIE) 3.0. Held recently, the expo brought together global investors and policymakers, with Okon highlighting Cross River’s assets in tourism, agriculture, and mining. He emphasized the state’s potential for sustainable growth, job creation, and revenue generation, inviting partners to consider Cross River as a prime investment destination.

MoWR Orients New CR Staff

The Cross River State Ministry of Water Resources is hosting an orientation for its newly employed staff in Calabar to reinforce discipline, integrity and effective service delivery. The session, led by a senior civil service official, explains the ministry’s structure, rules and responsibilities, and emphasizes accountability and teamwork. Participants are urged to familiarise themselves with departmental procedures and to uphold professional conduct as they contribute to Cross River’s public service goals and progressive development.

Cross River backs Treasure Antigha

The Cross River State Government is backing Treasure Antigha, a 400-level Law student at the University of Calabar, in a Guinness World Record attempt for the longest debate marathon. The endorsement came during a courtesy visit to the Commissioner for Information and Orientation in Calabar. The 48-hour event is set for the University of Calabar Conference Centre, starting October 15, 2026, with logistics and financial support from the state government. Treasure aims to inspire youth, promote public speaking, and boost Cross River’s academic profile.

Unicross land plundered, govt urged

The University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) faces an urgent land security challenge as Vice Chancellor Prof. Francisca Bassey reports that about 80 percent of the university’s land within the Calabar area has been encroached upon. Speaking during a meeting with the Surveyor-General of Cross River State on August 19, 2026, the university’s management called for swift government intervention to protect remaining land and enable expansion through new development. The discussion covered boundary clarifications for the Ogoja Campus and plans to maximise space with high-rise facilities to support growing staff, students, and academic programs.

Cross River engages federal government

The Cross River State government stresses the importance of ongoing dialogue with the federal government to drive development across the state. Speaking in Calabar, the state’s Information Commissioner said engagement is essential for securing approvals, funding, and policy support for projects that affect Cross River schools, hospitals, and infrastructure. The official, responding to recent political commentary, outlined how regular talks help align state programs with national priorities and ensure timely delivery of projects for residents starting this year and into 2027.

UNICAL students sue Law faculty

Over 200 University of Calabar (UNICAL) students in Cross River State have filed a N5 billion lawsuit against the university, its vice-chancellor, the registrar, and President Bola Tinubu over their removal from the Faculty of Law and transfer back to their former departments. The suit was lodged on August 12 at the Federal High Court in Abuja, with the students arguing that their admissions, fees, registrations, and examinations created binding contracts. The university had redirected the affected students to non-law departments, prompting the legal challenge.

IBP Summit 2026 Budget Scrutiny

The International Budget Partnership (IBP), Nigeria, led by Country Director Olayinka Babalola, announces its PULSE Summit 2026 in Abuja on September 3, focusing on turning approved budgets into actual services for Nigerians, including Cross River residents. The event connects budget data with frontline experiences to identify where releases and spending fail to reach households, with attention to marginalized groups and accountable commitments for the coming year. Citizens and media are urged to monitor budget implementation.

FG Reaffirms Veterans Welfare

The Federal Government, through the Defence Ministry in Abuja, reaffirms its commitment to addressing welfare, remuneration and pension concerns of Nigeria’s military veterans. On August 19, 2026, ministers and veterans representatives held discussions to ensure wage adjustments are properly computed, funded, and implemented. Cross River veterans and their families stand to benefit from continued engagement and updates as entitlements are reviewed, with the government stressing sustained dialogue to preserve dignity and fairness for those who served the nation.

Cross River Police Mobilises Youths

The Cross River State Police Command has called on youths to reject political and digital thuggery as it marks International Youth Day 2026. Under the direction of the Inspector-General of Police, the command will hold a Walkathon on Friday, August 21, 2026, at 7:00 a.m. starting from the Police Headquarters in Calabar, followed by a Youth-Police Security Symposium on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at the Women Development Centre in Calabar. CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue urges youths to partner with police to promote peace and security through responsible online and offline conduct.

Cross River Gov Drops Case

Cross River Governor Bassey Edet Otu has ordered his aides who had arrested and remanded Denis Odama to withdraw their complaint. The governor told his verified Facebook page that he has been briefed on the matter and directed the Attorney General to review and discontinue the case so Odama can be released from the correctional centre. The move emphasizes respect for constitutional expressions while urging responsible, constructive criticism from Cross River youths and residents.

World Humanitarian Day Urged Action

NEMA calls Nigerians to act for humanity ahead of World Humanitarian Day. The agency outlines how residents in Cross River State, and across Nigeria, can support vulnerable communities through volunteering, donations, and reporting hazards. Local authorities in Cross River are urged to strengthen disaster readiness, while schools and hospitals should review emergency plans. The initiative emphasizes protecting civilians and aid workers and invites communities to participate in readiness training and disaster risk reduction activities.

Cross River Women Entrepreneurs Boosted

Female entrepreneurs in Cross River State gain global exposure after the Africa Women in Business Expo 2026 in Calabar on August 15, 2026. The event, organized by SHE Means Business Africa with the Cross River State Ministry of Commerce, offered training on economic inclusion, financial literacy, and international trade readiness. The Commissioner for Commerce announced SME grants and free business training for 50 women, plus free CAC registrations to support growth and access to wider markets.”

Cross River Tightens Empowerment Rules

The Cross River State Youth Empowerment Scheme (YES) has issued strict eligibility and verification guidelines for the forthcoming Mass Empowerment Programme, barring serving political office holders, party officials, and recent beneficiaries from participation to ensure genuine grassroots reach. Prospective beneficiaries will be nominated through community leaders and ward officers, with a two‑week public preview of the proposed list and a window for petitions. The framework, unveiled by YES Chairman Dr. Kalita Joseph Aruku, supports Governor Otu’s People-First agenda and aims to boost fairness, transparency, and accountability in empowerment distribution.

NIPSS Delegation Commends Cross River

A 17-member delegation from Study Group Six of NIPSS SEC 48, 2026, visited Cross River State Microfinance and Enterprise Development Agency (CRSMEDA) on August 20, 2026, to assess and commend the state’s sustained support for enterprise development. Led by Professor S.Y.B. Kura, the group toured CRSMEDA facilities, heard about MSME interventions, and presented a recognition award. CRSMEDA’s Director-General Great Ogban highlighted ongoing programs to strengthen local enterprises and create more opportunities for Cross River entrepreneurs.Current date, time, and timezone (ISO): 2026-08-26T22:00:14.265+02:00