Calabar news brief for Sat 05 September 2026

Across August, Cross River saw moves to export creative and tech talent, boost power and school leadership, advance gorilla research and confront violent crime—change arriving unevenly, urgently.

Cross River Talents Global Access

Cross River State’s Microfinance and Enterprise Development Agency (CRSMEDA) teams up with the National Talent Export Programme (NATEP) to expand Cross River talents’ reach into international service markets. In Abuja, the partners outline frameworks to connect local creators and tech professionals with CANEX in November 2026 and the Hire from Nigeria Campaign, creating new jobs and business links for Cross River residents. This collaboration aims to unlock funding, align state policies with national export strategies, and open global opportunities for Cross River MSMEs and skilled workers, boosting employment and enterprise growth.

Conservation Foundation UniCal grads

The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) and the University of Calabar (UniCal) report that four postgraduate graduands have emerged from their five-year collaboration to study saving the Cross River Gorilla. The project PAC meeting in Calabar in June 2026 noted that two additional postgraduate scholars on the Calgary Zoo-supported program will finish this year, with three graduands attaining distinctions. The collaboration underscores Cross River’s leading role in wildlife conservation and higher education partnerships serving the region.

65,000 Suspected Cholera Cases

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) Director-General, Dr. Jide Idris, announced that Nigeria has recorded more than 65,000 suspected cholera cases across 35 states and about 195 Local Government Areas. He spoke at a news conference in Abuja on Friday, August 28, 2026, warning that transmission remains active as the rainy season and flooding could contaminate water sources and stress sanitation systems. Authorities say improved outcomes come from closer-to-community treatment, vaccination where applicable, water chlorination, and ongoing public health interventions to reduce waterborne transmission in affected communities.

TCN capacity to wheel 8700MW

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has confirmed that the national transmission network can wheel up to 8,700 megawatts of bulk electricity, a capacity figure highlighted by the agency as it expands infrastructure nationwide. Officials say the figure reflects simulated capacity now available to move power from generation plants to distribution companies, with Cross River State residents poised to benefit as more reliable energy evacuation is added through upgraded substations and transformers. The development aims to improve grid reliability and reduce outages across the country, including southern Nigeria where Cross River communities rely on steady supply for homes and businesses.

Cross River Filmmaker Leads TEF

Cross River-born filmmaker and journalist Obaji Akpet has emerged as a Tony Elumelu Foundation alumni hub lead, a development announced in August 2026. Akpet, known for documentary work and storytelling rooted in Cross River stories, will oversee alumni engagement and hub activities within the TEF network. The appointment supports TEF’s regional engagement across Nigeria and aligns with Cross River’s growing creative sector. Local institutions, aspiring TEF applicants, and young creatives in Calabar and the state can expect new mentorship opportunities, events, and collaboration pipelines unfolding through the hub in the coming months.

Man Arrested for Stepdaughter Killing

The Cross River State Police Command has arrested 29-year-old Saviour Otu Adim in Bakassi Local Government Area in connection with the alleged murder of his six-year-old stepdaughter, Goodness Ekpo Okon. The incident was reported at about 8:30 a.m. on Friday, August 28, 2026, by the child’s mother, Mrs Itoro Udofia, who said the suspect assaulted the child, leading to her death. Autopsy has been ordered and the case forwarded to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Calabar for further investigation, with authorities urging guardians to protect children and report abuse promptly.

ARD-UCTH visits Cross River Health

The ARD-UCTH delegation led by Dr Ofem Ofem visits Cross River State Health Commissioner Dr Henry Egbe Ayuk on Friday, August 28, 2026, to seek support for the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors AGM 2026 in Calabar. The meeting highlights welfare measures, including a 100% revised CONMESS salary scale, recruitment of 40 doctors, and retirement age extension to 65. Officials discuss governance reforms, hospital boards, and security for health workers ahead of the September AGM, with the Commissioner pledging support.

Peter Akpanke Three Years Service

Rt. Hon. Peter Akpanke is the representative for Obudu, Obanliku and Bekwarra in Cross River’s House of Representatives. Over the past three years, he has driven education, healthcare, water access, roads and empowerment programs across the constituency. The deputy-proclaimed “Captain Courageous” has backed classroom blocks, medical outreach, solar lighting, and employment opportunities, benefiting communities in Obudu, Obanliku and Bekwarra. The three-year scorecard includes 51+ completed projects, JAMB support for 900 students, and scholarships for dozens of learners, reflecting a people-focused approach to development.

FG Cross River 110 Leaders

The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and Cross River SUBEB have trained 110 head teachers and principals on quality assurance to strengthen school administration and improve learning outcomes across Cross River. The four‑day workshop, organised by SUBEB’s Monitoring and Evaluation unit, focuses on practical skills in quality assurance, school supervision, accountability, and compliance with standards. Certificates were issued at the end, underscoring renewed commitment to better education in Cross River’s public basic schools.

DNA Linkages Hold Key

Prof. Hannah Edim Etta, a genetics and biotechnology professor at the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), delivered the institution’s 12th inaugural lecture on August 27, 2026, at UNICROSS. Speaking on “Links, Linkages and the Missing Link,” she argued that society thrives when institutions, values and social structures form strong connections, drawing parallels with the DNA backbone. She highlighted biotechnology’s role in agriculture, healthcare and the bioeconomy, urging broader access to scientific knowledge and innovation to boost livelihoods in Cross River State.

Cross River Govt Deepens Wellness Drive

The Cross River State Government, through the Office of the Head of Service, continues its Monthly Aerobics and Medical Checks programme, held this time at the U.J. Esuene Stadium in Calabar. On August 28, 2026, civil and public servants from Ministries, Departments and Agencies participate in aerobic exercises, health screening and recreational activities, with officials stressing preventive care, teamwork and improved wellbeing. The initiative aims to boost productivity and public-service delivery, encouraging workers to regularly engage in exercise and monitor their health for lasting workforce strength.

Odey Inspects Obubra College

Cross River State Commissioner for Education, Senator Professor Stephen Odey, visits Government Technical College, Obubra, to assess urgent infrastructure needs and plan government action. The on-the-ground review, conducted en route to Yala on August 28, 2026, aims to feed a comprehensive needs assessment into the Science and Technical Education Board’s draft for the 2027 budget. Officials including the Executive Secretary of STEDB pledge timely engagement with relevant agencies, ensuring due process while prioritising interventions for the college and its students.

NMA Urges 65-Year Retirement

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has urged the Federal Government to urgently implement a retirement age of 65 years for clinical health workers. Speaking at a news conference in Abuja after the association’s 2026 NEC meeting, NMA President Prof. Afekhide-Ernest Omoti said the move would help curb healthcare workforce shortages and reduce brain drain. The call highlights the need to retain experienced clinicians to improve health services, with Cross River State residents expected to benefit from steadier access to skilled professionals and better delivery of care in both urban and rural facilities.

Cross River backs FRSC

Cross River State Commissioner for Transportation, Hon. Kingsley Egumi, reaffirms the Otu administration’s commitment to road safety. Speaking at the FRSC decoration ceremony for newly promoted officers at the Sector Command in Calabar on August 27, 2026, he urged officers to uphold professionalism and deepen public education on safe driving. The ministry pledged ongoing support to FRSC and other security agencies to improve road safety across Cross River, reinforcing the state’s transport strategy and citizen welfare.Current date, time, and timezone (ISO): 2026-09-05T22:00:28.568+02:00