Aviation Secrecy Breach Warned
The Cross River State Aviation Commissioner, Capt. Inah Eno Utum (Rtd), addresses newly employed staff at a training program in Calabar on August 26, 2026. He warns that breaching the oath of secrecy could lead to dismissal from public service, stressing strict confidentiality across operations, documents, and information. The training at the ministry’s Ekorinim headquarters is part of an Office of the Head of Service directive to improve professionalism and security. Attendees heard lectures on workplace security and governance, with officials detailing financial regulations and due process to reinforce responsible public administration.
Okon Hails Elders Council Stability
The Cross River State House of Assembly Service Commission Chairman, Hon. Ntufam Victor Okon, congratulates the Cross River State Elders Advisory Council and the Cross River State Consultative Forum at their inaugural meeting in Calabar. The gathering, chaired by Chief Clement Ebri, reviews eight-point resolutions aimed at reducing conflicts and boosting unity, stability and inclusive development across the state; Okon says the bodies will provide counsel to the Governor and strengthen governance for Cross River residents.
Cobham: SUGs Lead Fight
The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Pastor (Hon.) Ekpenyong Ene Cobham, has charged Student Union Government leaders across Cross River State’s tertiary institutions to spearhead the campaign against drug abuse on campuses. Speaking during the 14th Senate sitting of the NANS Joint Campus Council at the University of Cross River State in Calabar, Cobham emphasized a drug-free learning environment and urged youths to drive peer education and awareness. The initiative, supported by the state government, aims for a united, student-led effort to protect health and academic performance, with ongoing collaboration among students, campus authorities, and government agencies.
UNICROSS VC Seeks Flood Relief
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), Prof. Francisca Bassey, is seeking urgent relief and rehabilitation support for 24 staff families displaced by recent flooding on the Calabar Campus. In a dated August 12, 2026 appeal to the South-South Development Commission (SSDC) in Uyo, she describes the situation as a humanitarian crisis and requests emergency relief materials, temporary shelter, and financial assistance. The university reports losses to residences, offices, and equipment, with overall damages running into billions of naira. The governor has already deployed intervention, and the UNICROSS management continues to coordinate on-site assessments and security repairs. This affects Cross River residents connected to UNICROSS and underscores ongoing flood-relief needs in Calabar.
CRSHIA trains new staff ethics
The Cross River State Health Insurance Agency (CRSHIA) conducted a two‑day orientation for newly employed civil servants, held August 19–20, 2026 at the Agency’s Conference Hall. The session, led by the Director of Administration and guest speakers, covered Civil Service rules, ethics, discipline and professional conduct. Participants, recruited between 2019 and 2026, learned about probation, transfers, promotions and proper communication. The programme aims to strengthen integrity, accountability and service delivery within Cross River public service.
Nigeria’s diversity not a curse
NAN reports that the World Council of Churches’ general secretary, Jerry Pillay, has urged Nigerians to reject divisive narratives and promote peaceful coexistence ahead of the 2027 general elections. Speaking in Abuja on a platform involving ecumenical and interfaith leaders, Pillay framed Nigeria’s cultural and religious plurality as a strength rather than a curse, calling for unity and justice. The message underscores the need for peaceful engagement among all Nigerians, including Cross River residents, to safeguard social harmony, electoral integrity, and inclusive development in the coming years.
FG Sets Aside Laureate Prize
The Federal Government has set aside a N365 million annual National Laureate Prize to recognise outstanding academic research and innovation across Nigeria’s tertiary institutions, announced by the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, in Abuja on August 26, 2026. The scheme, open to universities, polytechnics, monotechnics and colleges of education regardless of ownership, aims to reward dissertations and theses with strong industrial and developmental applications. A National Laureate Prize Committee will oversee transparent selection, aligned with the Nigerian Education Repository and Databank (NERD).
NCC hackathon targets digital inclusion
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) hosts its fourth edition of the NCC Hackathon Live Show 2026 in Abuja under the theme “Technology without Barriers.” Twenty contestants took part, with five advancing to the grand finale scheduled for Thursday, August 27, 2026. The event focuses on inclusive digital innovations for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), exploring AI, assistive tech, sign-language tools, and accessible services to widen Nigerian participation in the digital economy, benefiting underserved communities nationwide including Cross River residents.
MDAs owe electricity debts
The Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors (ANED) says government MDAs owe outstanding electricity bills, a situation discussed in Abuja and highlighted on August 26, 2026. DisCos warn that delayed payments strain supply and demand stronger budget treatment to settle debts. The group urges the federal government to classify MDA charges as a first-line budget item and even consider disconnections for non-payment, with improved metering and financing to stabilise power for Cross River residents and other Nigerians.
Cross River Police Screening Date
Cross River State Government has fixed September 10, 2026, for screening indigenes who applied for admission into the Nigeria Police Academy 13th Regular Course. The exercise will be held at the Nigeria Police Academy in Wudil, Kano, with candidates arriving a day earlier and accommodation provided. Applicants should print their slips from August 25 to September 8, 2026, and bring originals and photocopies of WAEC/NECO results, JAMB slip, birth certificates, LGA origin, NIN, medical certificate, four photos, guarantor form, and acknowledgement slip. Dress code is all white.
CR-SUBEB flags REACH programme
The Cross River State Universal Basic Education Board (CR-SUBEB), with UBEC, has flagged off the REACH (Result in Education for All Children) programme in Calabar to bring out-of-school children back to classrooms. The initiative will identify learners, mobilise communities, and provide learning materials and support. SUBEB’s leadership urged parents to enroll children, emphasized free basic education at the primary level, and pledged continued provision of textbooks, uniforms, and learning aids across all 18 Local Government Areas to improve outcomes and attendance.
Cross River Trains 1,021 Youths
Cross River State started the LIFE-ND orientation, training 1,021 youths as agribusiness entrepreneurs across Calabar, Ugep, Ogoja, and Obudu on August 26, 2026. The program, a joint effort of the Federal Government, NDDC, and IFAD, equips incubatees with hands-on skills in rice, cassava, fish, and poultry value chains, plus financial management and ICT-driven farming. Beneficiaries were selected from 100 communities, with mentors and incubators guiding them toward viable, job-creating enterprises to strengthen local food security.
Cross River targets 10 movies
The Cross River State Government aims to produce up to 10 entertaining and educative movies by December and create 15 jobs under its Callywood initiative, part of efforts to grow the state’s creative economy and empower young people. The plan was announced at the closing ceremony of a three-day filmmaking masterclass organized by CRS-YES in partnership with the Callywood Department, and seeks stronger partnerships with churches, universities, and other groups to open more opportunities in Cross River’s creative sector.
Maulud Imam Urges Peace
The Chief Imam of the Central Mosque in Calabar, Imam Kabeer Olowolayemo, urges Muslims and Christians to uphold love, kindness and peaceful coexistence during Eid-el-Maulud at the Central Mosque, Calabar. Speaking under the theme Islam and Neighbourhood, he highlights Prophet Muhammad’s lessons on respect and care for all. Commissioner Erasmus Ekpang confirms ongoing Cross River State government support for the Muslim community, mentions potential land for a cemetery, and emphasizes inclusivity and harmony across faiths in Cross River State.
NFF Trains Referees on Changes
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Referees Commission is rolling out training for referees and clubs nationwide on 11 changes to the Laws of the Game ahead of the 2026/27 season, with Cross River State included. Led by Chukwudi C. Chukwujekwu and supported by the NFF Development Committee, the program addresses substitutions, time-wasting, and denial of obvious goal-scoring opportunities. The aim is to curb delays and ensure consistent officiating through fitness, classroom, and on-field practice as competitions resume.