Media Convergence Ends, Impact Begins
The maiden edition of the 5-Day Information, Press/PR & Media Convergence has closed after uniting students, media enthusiasts, and communication professionals from Cross River State and several Nigerian institutions. The hybrid event offered masterclasses, panel discussions, and workshops that covered journalism, public relations, and digital media. Convener Comr. Cynthia Maduekwe thanked speakers, partners, and participants and encouraged them to apply what they learned in campuses and communities. Plans for Convergence 2.0 are already underway.
UNICROSS VC Hails Security Reforms
Prof. Francisca Bassey, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), commends Governor Otu for restoring peace and security across Cross River. Speaking during a Calabar security summit on August 1, 2026, she says the improved security has revived academic activity, enabling teaching, learning and examinations without disruption. She credits inter-agency cooperation and state leadership for the safer environment that supports education and investment.
Obudu Chair rallies for Yam
The Obudu Local Government Council Chairman, Hon. Dr. Peter Akonfe Undiandeye, has welcomed residents to August activities and urged Cross Riverians to back the 2026 New Yam Festival, Bewhutang, slated for September 5, 2026. In a New Month message dated August 1, 2026, he emphasized unity, peace, and cultural pride, inviting locals, the diaspora, and visitors to participate. The festival aims to showcase Obudu traditions, boost tourism, and stimulate local commerce through collective effort and hospitality.
ADC chieftain urges disability inclusion
Dr Chike Okogwu, national leader of Persons with Disabilities for the African Democratic Congress, calls for urgent disability inclusion and broader national development in a statement issued in Abuja on August 1, 2026. He highlights persistent barriers in employment, healthcare, education, and public services for persons with disabilities and urges swift implementation of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act. Okogwu argues for accessible public infrastructure, healthcare facilities, and educational institutions, integrated into planning, budgeting, and policy among all government levels to advance welfare and inclusion for Cross River residents and Nigerians alike.
ECOWAS Parliament MSMEs Growth
The ECOWAS Parliament has called for harmonised regional rules to boost MSMEs across West Africa, including Cross River businesses and traders. In a Cotonou meeting, MPs urged reforms to customs procedures, taxation, and business registration, plus stronger market governance and accessible finance. The resolution aims to cut non-tariff barriers and support informal enterprises to formalize, with a focus on women and youth-led firms. Cross River residents could benefit from easier regional trade and improved market facilities as a result.
Gavi funds Nigeria immunisation
The Vaccine Network for Disease Control (VNDC) commends Gavi for approving nearly 500 million dollars to strengthen Nigeria’s immunisation programme and primary healthcare over the next five years. The funds will support routine vaccines, HPV expansion, polio eradication, and vaccine financing across the country, including Cross River-based health facilities. Officials say the five-year framework enables better planning, cold-chain upgrades, and last‑mile delivery, aiming to reach more children who have yet to receive vaccines.
Bekwarra Stakeholders Take Bold Step
Bagori Care Foundation (BCAF) convened a stakeholders’ training in Bekwarra LGA, Cross River State, on July 20, 2026, to curb child marriage and harmful traditional practices. The workshop gathered community leaders, traditional rulers, religious figures, and youths to discuss legal protections under the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act and the Child Rights Act, and to plan stronger community actions. Participants explored root causes, shared case studies, and outlined practical steps to protect adolescent girls and strengthen referral and response systems.
Foundation seeks safe schools partnership
An NGO, Lola Cater Foundation, is calling for stronger collaboration with stakeholders nationwide to advance the National Safe Schools Project, promoting youth participation in school safety and civic engagement. The announcement came during the DreamRise Fest–Young Leaders Assembly in Abuja, with the foundation’s Executive Director, Ololade Ogunnubi, and the NSCDC National Headquarters visit highlighted as a platform for closer ties. The initiative will involve sessions on safe schools, peacebuilding, and responsible citizenship, as officials emphasize that every Nigerian child deserves a safe learning environment and that joint efforts are essential to this goal.
Cross River Youths Skills Training
The Cross River State Government, under Governor Bassey Otu, has announced the first batch of youths selected for the Youth Skills Acquisition Programme and the Prince Otu Pre-Degree Scholarship. Training runs across three senatorial districts, with venues in Ogoja, Ikom, and Calabar, starting August 3, 2026. Beneficiaries will learn digital marketing, welding, fashion design, programming, drone technology, and more to boost employability, entrepreneurship, and economic growth in Cross River State.
Open University accreditation debate
Education stakeholders in Nigeria are demanding a retraction and apology from the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, over remarks on online university accreditation. In Abuja, they argue that seven Open Universities and 34 Distance Learning Centres are licensed nationwide and should be recognised for delivering accredited programs. The call comes after the minister’s interview prompted concerns about the Open, Distance and Online Learning system. Cross River residents and students who pursue ODL programs could be affected; officials urge the ministry to publish an up-to-date register of approved institutions and ensure the Education Support Services Portal reflects all licensed universities. The groups want a clear public clarification to prevent misinformation and maintain trust in Nigeria’s ODL framework.
Cross River Breastfeeding Gains Rise
Cross River State has improved exclusive breastfeeding, rising from 7% in 2021 to 22% in 2024, disclosed at a two-day Media Dialogue on Breastfeeding Advocacy in Enugu ahead of World Breastfeeding Week 2026. UNICEF Nutrition Specialist Dr. Ngozi Onuora presented state data and warned that many babies are not exclusively breastfed nationwide. She noted factors like misinformation and workplace challenges. She urged mothers to breastfeed exclusively for six months, continue up to two years, and for journalists to report evidence-based stories to boost practice.
Otu Launches Youth Empowerment Summit
Cross River State Governor Senator Prince Bassey Otu announces the Cross River State Youth Development Summit and Empowerment 2026 to train 4,500 young people across 18 local government areas. The program, led by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant on Youth Development, provides skills in digital marketing, welding, tourism, programming, robotics, and more. Beneficiaries will receive practical training and empowerment packages starting this August, with partners from national agencies and international groups supporting the initiative to boost livelihoods and local entrepreneurship.
NMA inaugurates Cross River Exco
Cross River State Governor Otu, Deputy Governor Odey, Chief of Staff Ironbar, and Health Commissioner Dr. Henry Ayuk were honoured by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Cross River State Chapter, as the association inaugurated its new executive committee for 2026–2028. The investiture took place on August 1, 2026, at Hogis Royale, Calabar, with officials from the Health Ministry and the CRSPHCDA in attendance. The event highlighted ongoing health-sector reforms and collaboration between government and medical professionals to boost service delivery in Cross River.