Cross River Hails Solar Donation
The Cross River State Government congratulates the Excellence Community Education Welfare Scheme (ECEWS) for donating solar power systems to health facilities supporting HIV services across the state. The presentation was made by the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, on July 1, 2026, in Calabar. The initiative provides 60 solar panels and related equipment to boost electricity supply for diagnostics, drug storage, and patient care. The Ministry of Health will supervise deployment and maintenance to ensure lasting impact for residents.
Cross River integrates digital education
Cross River’s Education Commissioner Odey joins Abuja stakeholders to unveil the Digital National Education Management Information System (NEMS). In Abuja, officials announced that all public and private schools nationwide will begin integrating NEMS to streamline enrollment, attendance, assessment, and funding data. For Cross River residents, the move promises faster verification of student records, easier transfer processes, and improved planning for schools and local councils. Schools in Cross River should prepare for phased implementation starting in the coming quarter, with training sessions and offline data migration scheduled by the education ministry.
Cross River Housing Gap: Build Systems
Cross River State Government has urged housing developers nationwide to shift from single estates to scalable systems under Governor Otu’s People First agenda. At Calabar’s Prince Bassey Otu Hall, the two-day AHCN workshop heard that Cross River is piloting a Public-Private-Community Partnership model and planning a 500-unit Okuni Housing Estate in the Central Senatorial District, with a groundbreaking set for Saturday, July 4, 2026. A separate 50-unit free housing project for indigent women is about 80% complete, with replication across districts planned.
Cross River Assembly backs SGBV
The Cross River State House of Assembly has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthen the legal and institutional framework against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV). Speaker Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem announced the move during a July 1, 2026 advocacy visit by the First Lady, Bishop Dr. Mrs. Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, and partners to review laws, boost oversight, and support survivor programs. The delegation urged improved funding, accountability, and implementation to protect women and children across Cross River State.
Rotary District 9127 funding
Rotary District 9127 in Nigeria announces plans to increase foundation funding for humanitarian projects across the region, with emphasis on Cross River communities. The district says more grants will support health clinics, clean water, education, and disaster relief. Local clubs in Calabar and Akamkpa are invited to submit proposals by the upcoming deadline in July 2026, detailing how funds will reach vulnerable families. The move aims to broaden community service and sustainable development while maintaining transparency and impact measurement.
Nigeria, World Bank deepen partnership
The Federal Government and the World Bank have intensified their collaboration to expand safe water access and strengthen food security across Nigeria. The partnership supports irrigation development, dam safety, and water resources management under the SPIN program, with Cross River communities set to benefit from modern irrigation and cleaner water supply. Local farmers will gain better access to reliable irrigation and markets, while residents will see improved dam safety and water distribution as SPIN rolls out nationwide, with state governments coordinating implementation.
China delivers cassava mechanisation
Nigeria receives full-cycle cassava mechanisation equipment from China to boost farming across the country, including Cross River State. The delivery to the National Root Crops Research Institute in Umudike, Abia, arrives June 17 and supports land prep, planting, and harvesting with four machine sets. Farmers in Cross River can expect reduced manual labour and higher yields as the Africa Cassava Yield Doubling Initiative expands local capacity and food security efforts. The initiative runs under the China–Africa cooperation framework and aims to double cassava output by 2027.
Cross River Police Promotions
The Police Service Commission has approved the promotion of 93 senior police officers to higher ranks, including 13 Commissioners of Police elevated to Assistant Inspector General of Police. Cross River State’s own CP Rashid B. Afegbua is listed among those promoted to AIG, along with several other officers advancing to CP, DCP, ACP, and CSP roles. The plenary decision, announced in Abuja on July 2, 2026, outlines staff moves aimed at strengthening security leadership nationwide, with Cross River officials and residents expected to benefit from enhanced policing oversight and capabilities.
Cross River North Chiefs Trusted
High Chief Higgins Peters continues to support Cross River North traditional rulers by paying three months’ stipends in arrears to 128 clan heads and five paramount rulers for May, June and July. The gesture underscores his commitment to the traditional institutions across the Northern Senatorial District, with praise from leaders who describe him as a man of integrity and care for his people. The payments reinforce stability in Cross River North and strengthen local governance.
Tourism cluster condolence visit
The Cross River State Tourism Bureau’s cluster visits the family of the late MD Prince Ojoi Ekpenyong in Calabar to offer condolences and solidarity. The delegation, led by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, includes heads of tourism agencies and private sector partners. The visit underscores the sector’s commitment to standards, recovery support for hospitality businesses, and ongoing collaboration with local communities and stakeholders amid the loss.
UNICROSS scholars win TETFund grants
The University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) reports that three scholars have secured TETFund National Research Fund grants. Professors Emmanuel Uttah and George Iniodu of the Department of Animal and Environmental Biology are Principal Investigators on Project 66, while Engr. Professor Joseph Onah Ukpata of Civil Engineering is Co-Researcher on Project 107, led by Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai. The awards address malaria and groundwater safety, with benefits for Cross River residents through health improvements and local economic activity.
Gov. Otu Inspects Projects
Governor Bassey Otu directs contractors in Calabar to accelerate road and drainage works despite heavy rains, as part of ongoing Cross River infrastructure. During an on-site review of the Parliamentary Extension road and the Cultural Centre, officials confirm progress and a plan to mobilize teams next week to maintain quality. The governor notes climate change is shortening construction windows but commits to durable, flood-resilient roads and timely project delivery for Calabar residents and businesses.