Calabar news in brief for January 7: Wednesday’s top headlines

Governor Otu Honors Peacekeepers

Governor Bassey Otu recently hosted an “Evening of Honour” to celebrate and recognize individuals dedicated to maintaining peace and security within Cross River State. The event, held to acknowledge the tireless efforts of these peacekeepers, underscored the administration’s commitment to encouraging a safe and secure environment for all residents. This initiative highlights the governor’s appreciation for the often-unseen work that contributes to the state’s stability and well-being. The gathering served as a platform to express gratitude and reinforce the importance of their roles in safeguarding the state’s tranquility. Source

Naira Gains Against Dollar

The Nigerian naira opened the trading week with a gain of N1.54 against the United States dollar. The local currency traded at N1,540.00 to a dollar at the parallel market on Monday, compared to N1,541.54 recorded on Friday. This appreciation signifies a positive start to the week for the naira. Traders observed that the demand for foreign exchange remained high, but the supply also saw an increase, contributing to the naira’s improved performance. This development is a welcome sign for businesses and individuals in Cross River State who rely on foreign exchange for imports and other transactions. The parallel market rate is a key indicator of forex availability and stability, and this gain suggests a temporary easing of pressure on the naira. Source

FG Curbs Examination Malpractices

The Federal Government has introduced new measures to combat examination malpractices across the nation. These directives aim to uphold the integrity of the examination system, affecting students, teachers, and examination bodies. Specific details on the new regulations and their enforcement mechanisms are being rolled out to ensure compliance. Educational institutions in Cross River State are expected to adhere to these federal guidelines, which will effect upcoming examinations. Further announcements will clarify the scope and implementation timeline for these measures. Source

New Police Spokesman Appointed

The Cross River State Police Command has a new Public Relations Officer, SP Irene Ugbo, who has taken over the role. She replaces DSP Irene Ugbo, indicating a transition in leadership for the command’s communication efforts. This change aims to enhance how the police communicate with the public and media within Cross River State. The command anticipates that the new spokesperson will continue to encourage transparency and provide timely information regarding police activities and public safety initiatives across the state. This appointment is a standard procedure within the Nigeria Police Force to ensure effective public engagement and information dissemination. Source

Pension Reforms Boost Confidence

The Federal Government has implemented significant reforms aimed at strengthening the pension industry and enhancing retiree confidence. These new measures are designed to ensure the stability and growth of pension funds, providing a more secure future for retirees across the nation. The reforms focus on improving regulatory oversight, increasing transparency in fund management, and introducing measures to boost investment returns while managing risks effectively. These initiatives are expected to encourage greater trust in the pension system, encouraging more individuals to participate and plan adequately for their retirement. Cross River State residents and institutions involved in pension management will be directly affected by these federal directives, requiring adherence to the updated regulations and benefiting from the enhanced security and potential growth of pension assets. The government’s objective is to create a strong pension framework that supports financial stability and improves the quality of life for senior citizens. Source

Yakurr LG Chairman Hails Governor’s Leadership

Yakurr Local Government Chairman, Mr. Yibala Inyang, has concluded a festive tour across the council’s wards, commending Governor Otu’s people-focused leadership. The tour, which coincided with the distribution of N10 million worth of rice, aimed to engage with grassroots communities and assess their needs. Chairman Inyang highlighted the governor’s commitment to inclusive governance and development, stating that the rice distribution was a direct manifestation of this commitment. He expressed optimism that such initiatives would encourage stronger relationships between the government and the people, ensuring that development reaches every segment of the Cross River State population. The chairman urged residents to continue supporting the state government’s vision for progress and unity. Source