Calabar market leaders back crackdown
Cross River State Government says roadside trading in Calabar metropolis must end within 30 days, as announced by Environment Commissioner Barr Bassey Mensah. The move, aimed at reclaiming green spaces and improving market access, will see traders relocated to designated stalls and markets. Market leaders in Calabar have aligned with the policy, pledging cooperation to ensure orderly trade, cleanliness, and safer streets. Enforcement will be stepped up if traders fail to relocate by the deadline, with authorities prioritizing residents and visitors’ safety and town planning goals.
Scrap Dealers Endorse Gov Otu
In Calabar on August 20, 2026, members of Cross River State’s Scrap Dealers Association staged a rally to endorse Governor Bassey Otu for a second term, citing peace and a business-friendly climate. The event drew hundreds of dealers from all 18 local government areas and was led by the Scrap Dealers Support Group for President Tinubu and Governor Otu 2027. The leaders described inclusive governance and ongoing development as reasons for backing the administration, signaling continued stability and opportunities for Cross River communities and local businesses.
NDDC begins welfare talks
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has inaugurated a committee at its Port Harcourt headquarters to review conditions of service for its employees, aiming to improve staff welfare and ensure better service delivery across the Niger Delta region. The move, announced by the commission’s Executive Director of Finance and Administration, Boma Iyaye, on Wednesday, brings together directors from Administration, Finance, Internal Audit, Planning, and Legal Services, plus representatives from the NDDC Staff Union. The committee will study existing clauses, benchmark against other agencies, and advise on balanced policies that align with government regulations while serving Cross River indigenes and other regional staff.
FG rolls out 90,000km fibre
The Federal Government has launched a nationwide 90,000-kilometre fibre-optic backbone under Project BRIDGE to boost Nigeria’s digital economy. Across Cross River State, the open-access network will connect towns, schools, clinics, and businesses, improving broadband access for residents and local institutions. The initiative, supported by international partners, aims to create new jobs and enable online learning and telemedicine. Cross River authorities will collaborate with the SPV guiding the rollout to maximize local benefits and ensure faster connectivity for communities.
NITDA Innovation Framework Growth
The Director-General of NITDA, Mallam Kashifu Inuwa, announces the National Innovation Hub Standards Framework (NIHSF) to decentralise Nigeria’s digital innovation landscape. Speaking in Abuja at a stakeholder validation meeting, he explains the framework will expand opportunities beyond Lagos and Abuja, assessing hubs across seven dimensions to guide growth from training centres to sector-specific incubators. For Cross River residents, this means Calabar’s local hubs can access structured support, training, and funding pathways without relocating far from home. The rollout emphasizes collaboration with education and industry to tailor solutions for local needs.
Foundation Brings Fresh Hope for Cross River Pupils
The Joseph Ogogo Foundation has donated books, school bags and other learning materials to pupils in Obanliku Local Government Area, Cross River State, as part of efforts to reduce poverty-related barriers to education. The empowerment programme was held on Thursday, with the foundation explaining that the intervention targets vulnerable children and expands access to educational resources. The initiative also includes tuition relief and broader community support to improve living conditions for Cross River residents.
CRS Official Refutes Obubra Reports
The Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Chief Victor-Felix Idem, announces that investigations found the circulating claims about the Obubra Local Government Council to be false. Speaking in Calabar, he notes the reports describing the council as dirty and neglected are unfounded. The statement, issued on August 21, 2026, urges residents to disregard the rumors and rely on official updates from the ministry and the council. It underscores continued oversight of local government administration across Cross River State and calls for verifiable information from credible authorities.
BPP seeks CSO procurement participation
The Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) says civil society organisations (CSOs) should play a stronger role in watching Nigeria’s public procurement system. At the Abuja event launching the Advocate for the Promotion of Transparent Procurement Initiative (APTPI), the BPP Director-General urged CSOs to observe processes, document findings, and submit credible observations to authorities. The move aims to secure value for money, promote competition, and reduce waste, with open planning and price intelligence highlighted as key tools. Cross River institutions and residents stand to benefit from greater procurement integrity and improved project outcomes.
RWVL-N reaches 22,634 beneficiaries
The Renewed Women’s Voice and Leadership Nigeria (RWVL-N) Project, funded by Global Affairs Canada and implemented by ActionAid Nigeria, has reached 22,634 beneficiaries across nine states in four months, including Cross River, as part of its five-year drive to boost women’s rights, economic empowerment, and leadership. The initiative supports women’s groups, financial inclusion, and GBV prevention through training, advocacy, and capacity-building, aiming to strengthen local Organisations for sustained impact across communities.
Cross River trains registry staff
The Cross River State Government has concluded a two-day capacity-building workshop for registry and records management staff, held April 27–28, 2026, at the College of Health Sciences multipurpose conference hall in Calabar. Led by the Ministry of Establishments, Training and Pensions, the event emphasized proper record-keeping, security, and efficient filing. Participants engaged in sessions on registry organization, classification, and governance ethics, with closing recommendations aimed at improving service delivery across MDAs in Cross River State.
Cobham directs corrections at CRNCS
The Cross River State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Pastor Ene Cobham, has directed the immediate correction of defects identified at the State Newspaper Corporation premises, following an inspection with the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary. The tour covered The Nigerian Chronicle, State Printing Press, and related facilities in Marian, with Cobham warning that no payment will be made until faults are addressed. Work continues to ensure all sites operate effectively for residents and state communications.
CUDA Boss Urges Env Protection
The CUDA Executive Secretary, Chief Elder Ayi Etim Effiong, calls on Cross River communities to reinforce environmental protection, stressing that indiscriminate tree felling and blocked drainage threaten urban life. Speaking at a reception for the Faculty of Environmental Sciences, University of Calabar, on August 21, 2026, he emphasizes collective responsibility and ongoing support for environmental awareness. CUDA will continue integrating green spaces, air quality improvements, and professional development to safeguard Cross River’s urban future.
Parents Must Get Involved
Cross River parents must take an active role in their children’s education as schools prepare to resume on September 14, 2026. The article urges families to review notebooks, monitor assignments, attend open days, and participate in PTA activities to support teachers and school leaders. It also cautions against overreliance on AI and private lessons, emphasizing emotional guidance, discipline, and consistent engagement at home and in classrooms across Calabar and the wider Cross River State.
Manchester United Agree Deal for Baleba
Manchester United have reached a verbal agreement to sign Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba, with a deal expected to be completed this weekend at Old Trafford. The clubs are finalizing personal terms after United improved their initial £65 million bid, and Baleba has indicated Manchester United is his preferred destination. The transfer aims to strengthen United’s midfield ahead of the new season, with a public announcement anticipated once all contractual details are settled and the player agrees to terms.
Ogogo’s Health Sparks Support
Nollywood actors and filmmakers in Yoruba cinema rally around veteran Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, as he battles health challenges. A video shows respected colleagues praying for his strength and recovery, including Jide Kosoko, Fausat Balogun, Yinka Quadri, Rotimi Salami and others. His daughters say the actor is facing stage-four cancer and seek medical guidance. Kosoko notes hundreds offered help, but relocating Ogogo for treatment poses a logistical challenge.Current date, time, and timezone (ISO): 2026-08-28T22:00:21.212+02:00