Connectivity Drives Nigeria’s Economy
Minister Sunday Dare says reliable telecommunications and data services are critical to Nigeria’s economic growth, productivity and social inclusion. Speaking in Abuja at the National Civil Society Dialogue on Telecommunication and Data Service Provisions in Nigeria, he notes that every sector now depends on connectivity—from farmers accessing market information to small businesses transacting digitally, students learning online, and hospitals relying on digital communications. Cross River residents and institutions will benefit from expanded broadband, better service quality, and broader rural coverage as regulators, operators, and civil society work together to extend affordable connectivity to underserved communities across the state.
HIV insurance coverage push
Cross River residents should note that Nigeria’s HIV expert, Prof. Prosper Okonkwo, calls for sustainable domestic financing, linking HIV services with health insurance and protecting Nigeria’s laboratory network. Speaking at Bingham University in Nasarawa State on August 27, 2026, he warned that external funding alone is insufficient and urged quick steps to integrate HIV care into primary health care, widen health insurance coverage, and secure laboratories as national assets for future emergencies.
FG urged to embrace AI
The Federal Government is urged to embrace Artificial Intelligence and boost domestic funding for health research as donor support tightens. Speaking in Abuja ahead of the IRCE Annual Scientific Symposium to run from August 31 to September 1, Prof. Alash’le Abimiku calls for sustained investment to protect Nigeria’s public health system. The plan highlights AI’s role in speeding data analysis and decision-making, with Cross River institutions and residents set to benefit from stronger local funding and more efficient health research initiatives.
Otu’s Three-Year Cross River Recovery
Archbishop Josef Bassey, Territorial Archbishop of Calabar, declared that Governor Bassey Edet Otu’s three years in office have brought Cross River State back from deep fiscal and infrastructural challenges. Speaking at a world press conference this week, he highlighted debt reduction from about N204.05 billion in 2023 to around N132.30 billion by March 2026, rising IGR, and the recovery of assets like Tinapa. He cited progress in public infrastructure, civil service reform, and new economic projects such as cocoa, coffee, oil palm initiatives, the Bakassi Deep Seaport, tourism, and aviation, stressing that delivery must now move from recovery to development. Archbishop Bassey urged strategic appointments and stronger governance to translate gains into lasting benefits for Cross River residents.
Gov Otu nominates Ekpang Advisory
CODE 888, a political advocacy group in Cross River State, backs Governor Bassey Otu’s administration and nominates Lands Commissioner Erasmus Ekpang to its Advisory Council, while unveiling the Complete the Eight campaign ahead of the 2027 political season. On August 28, 2026 in Calabar, group director-general Maurice Nkong says the move aims to deepen political fairness and continuity, praising Otu’s security, road, healthcare and environmental efforts and promising Ekpang’s seasoned guidance within his official duties.
UNICROSS HODs Tasked to Raise Standards
The University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) Vice Chancellor Prof. Francisca Bassey has charged Heads of Departments to raise academic standards, uphold discipline and drive the university’s transformation through hard work and accountability. In an interactive meeting at the Conference Room, she outlined plans for expanded staff training and exchange programs, improved infrastructure, and timely submission of results. Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) Prof. Stella Maris-Okey and other leaders backed the drive, stressing due process and a harmonious working environment for Cross River State’s premier university.
Mother of NGE Publicity Secretary
The CrossRiverWatch report states that Mma Rosaline Kalu, mother of Charles Kalu, the Nigerian Guild of Editors’ Publicity Secretary, began her final journey home in Asaga Ohafia, Abia State, on August 28, 2026, after passing away on May 22, 2026 at age 85. A Service of Songs drew family, friends and community members who celebrated her faith, service and mentorship of younger women. Funeral arrangements are being coordinated by the family and local churches.
JAMB Admission 2026: Steps After Offer
Candidates offered admission for the 2026/2027 academic session should log in to the JAMB CAPS portal to accept or reject the offer. The Board advises candidates to regularly check their CAPS profile for any new admissions and to ensure any offer is processed through the official system. After accepting, students can print their admission letter and access related services. Offers made outside CAPS are not recognized by JAMB, so timely action is required.
NDC issues notice to Akpanke
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) Bekwarra Chapter has issued a formal political notice to Hon. Peter Akpanke, urging the BOO Federal Constituency representative to prepare to relinquish his mandate at the 2027 general election. Dated August 27, 2026, the statement cites accountability, transparency, and responsive leadership as reasons for new directions and a credible alternative for Bekwarra, Obanliku and Obudu residents seeking improved representation and better use of public resources. Constituents are urged to engage peacefully as the electoral process approaches.
Cross River Daily News 24/7
The Cross River State Ministry of Information announces the Cross River State Daily News Channel 24/7, updated this morning in Calabar on August 28, 2026 at 6:30 AM. The channel provides official updates on governance, education, and development for residents and institutions in Cross River. Today’s highlights include Governor Otu’s three-year progress and the Complete the Eight initiative, with UniCross leaders tasked to raise standards. Daily briefs help Cross River residents stay informed and engaged on local affairs.
Cross River Lawmaker Urges Stronger Laws
Martins Archadu, a Cross River State House of Assembly member and Chairman of the Education Committee, says at COP17 in Mongolia that Nigeria needs stronger land and wildlife laws. He notes gaps in current policies that threaten degraded landscapes and biodiversity, especially with Nigeria’s rainfall and flood risks, and urges harsher enforcement and clearer mining and agricultural project approvals. The Cross River case matters for residents, biodiversity, and land restoration, and he stresses state-level engagement to curb exploitative practices and protect communities.
COREN audits MDAs nationwide
The Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) has approved a nationwide compliance audit of ministries, departments and agencies to assess how the enhanced entry-point policy for engineers in the public service is being implemented. The move, announced at COREN’s 190th Ordinary Council Meeting in Abuja, includes renewed engagement with the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation. Cross River institutions, workers, and engineers in MDAs across the state will be directly affected as COREN strengthens enforcement to raise professional standards and public safety. The audit aims to ensure engineers are properly admitted at entry, registered, and deployed in public works, with follow-up actions and monitoring ongoing nationwide.
Subsidy removal frees headroom
The Information Minister, Mohammed Idris, says Nigeria’s fuel subsidy removal has created fiscal headroom for development nationwide. Speaking in Jalingo on August 27, 2026, during Taraba State’s 35th anniversary, he notes the Tinubu administration’s reforms, including subsidy removal and foreign exchange unification, have allowed more resources for infrastructure and key programs like the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND). Cross River State residents could benefit from improved funding for projects and support for students through national education initiatives. The minister emphasizes ongoing efforts to translate reforms into tangible development across states.
Calabar landslide kills two
Two people were killed when a landslide struck a building in Ikot Effanga, Calabar Municipality, in Cross River State in the early hours of Friday, August 28, 2026. The earth cutting into a hillside collapsed onto the structure, trapping the occupants inside. Community youths retrieved the bodies and took them to the mortuary, while residents warned of ongoing erosion and repeated calls for government intervention. The tragedy follows years of rising gully erosion in the area and highlights urgent disaster response needs.
Career Madness: Genetics Alarm
Professor Hannah Edim Etta, a Genetics and Biotechnology chair at the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), warns Nigerian parents about what she calls career madness and its impact on family life. Speaking at UNICROSS’s 12th inaugural lecture on August 27, 2026, she notes that the push for promotions and multiple jobs is widening gaps at home, reducing guidance and emotional support for children. She urges work-life balance policies and active parental involvement to restore family cohesion.Current date, time, and timezone (ISO): 2026-09-04T22:00:51.017+02:00