NCCSALW targets waterways
The National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), South-South Zone, is intensifying work along Nigeria’s waterways to curb illicit firearms. In Calabar, the Zonal Director Dr. Alex Ebimiebo leads a one-day sensitisation with the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria to mobilise vigilance and intelligence sharing. The aim is to block entry routes for illicit weapons and protect maritime operators and passengers, with a toll-free line for reports and ongoing collaboration with security agencies across Cross River and neighboring states.
Job Creation Policy for Nigeria
An Abuja-based entrepreneur, Marcus Eberechi, told NAN at the 4th Annual National Dialogue on Decent Jobs Creation that job creation is the best security policy for Nigeria. He urged localize policy and empower states like Cross River with tools, funding, and markets to create employment at scale. The discussion, held August 14, 2026 in Abuja, emphasizes practical skills, access to capital, and community-based action to reduce insecurity. Cross River residents should expect more vocational training and local job initiatives.
Jarvis vows four-year Cross River governorship
Sir Arthur Jarvis Archibong, the PDP governorship candidate in Cross River State, pledges to govern for four years if elected. He spoke in Calabar on August 14, 2026, promising not to be an absentee governor and to travel across zones to supervise projects, empower local governments, and push for ethical, transparent leadership. The plan targets broad development across Cross River, with emphasis on accountability, equal treatment of communities, and timely, standards-compliant project delivery.
Udayi affirmed as governorship candidate
The Cross River PDP faction has reaffirmed Julius Udayi as the authentic governorship candidate for Cross River State ahead of the 2027 elections. The declaration was made in Calabar this week, signaling continued party unity and a clear path for primaries and campaigns. Voters and party members are urged to follow upcoming announcements for dates and filing timelines, and to ensure their registrations and credentials are up to date for the official nomination process.
IPMAN Reaffirms Cross River Chair
The Eastern Zonal Leadership of IPMAN has reaffirmed Comrade Robert Obi as the authentic Cross River State Chairman, in a move aimed at preventing a factional crisis that could disrupt depots and tanker movements in Calabar and across Cross River. On August 12, 2026, the delegation met security chiefs in Cross River to warn against imposters and to urge authorities to maintain peace at petroleum depots. The leaders called for legal steps against any rival group and urged the government and police to monitor elections to elect a legitimate EXCO, ensuring steady fuel distribution and safety for residents and businesses. They stressed that unauthorised leadership attempts could threaten the state’s economy and public order, and asked security agencies to inform them of any future elections and formal recognitions.
Cross River strengthens donor coordination
The Cross River State Government has renewed its commitment to better coordination among development partners, aiming for more transparent and aligned interventions in Calabar and across the state. On August 14, 2026, a Development Partners Forum at the FAO office in Calabar brought together 36 partners, with officials from MIDC outlining plans to reduce duplication and match activities to state priorities, thereby improving service delivery for Cross Riverians. Participants highlighted joint planning, reporting, and resource mobilisation as keys to stronger collaboration and measurable outcomes for communities.
Cross River Schools Resume Sept 14
The Cross River State Government has set September 14, 2026, as the official resumption date for all public and private schools for the 2026/2027 academic year. The approved calendar places the first term from September 14 to December 4, 2026; the second term runs January 11 to March 25, 2027; and the third term begins April 12 and ends July 9, 2027. Parents, guardians, and school leaders should complete registrations, settle fees, and prepare learning materials for a smooth start.
FG ₦5m Business Support
The Federal Government has launched the NiYA × Cascador Founders Programme to assist young Nigerian entrepreneurs with business development training, mentorship, and access to funding. In a four-week pilot, selected early-stage founders will receive intensive instruction on fundamentals, investment readiness, and pitch preparation, with one-on-one mentorship. Beneficiaries may access up to ₦5 million in non-dilutive funding, though not all participants are guaranteed the maximum amount. Apply through official NiYA and Federal Ministry channels as they announce deadlines.
China Trade Policy Benefits Nigeria
Nigeria will tap China’s zero-tariff policy, which begins May 1, 2026, by moving from raw exports to higher-value, processed goods. The Federal Government says Nigeria must boost agro-industrial production, quality standards, and packaging to compete in the Chinese market. Opportunities lie in cocoa, sesame, ginger, cashew, cassava products, and other processed foods. Cross River farmers and exporters should prioritize value addition, meet standards, and build supply chains to access new markets.
Otu’s Second-Term Bid Crucial
Governor Bassey Edet Otu’s second-term bid is examined in Calabar, focusing on continuity of Cross River State’s development agenda. The piece highlights plans to consolidate foundations in agriculture, tourism, education, healthcare, infrastructure, and security, with agencies like the Cross River Lottery and Gaming Agency as models. It discusses upcoming projects—Bakassi Deep Seaport, improved roads and waterways, blue economy initiatives, and Tinapa repositioning—and explains how sustained policy and leadership should translate into jobs and growth for Cross River residents.
Plan International urges better youth funding
Plan International Nigeria calls for improved budgetary allocation to boost youth development, focusing on software, education and digital skills. Speaking in Abuja during a national dialogue on financing youth development, the organisation argues that current funds are not adequately concentrated in ministries that serve youth needs and that more emphasis on digital education could reduce dropout rates. With Cross River residents and other Nigerians set to benefit, the group urges data-driven budgeting and closer collaboration among government agencies to translate promises into action.
Improved data for women’s health
Stakeholders gathered in Abuja to push for better data and measurement systems for women’s health, with Veritas University leading the project in collaboration with the University of Abuja and University of Windsor. The August 14, 2026 meeting reviewed data-collection tools and ethical governance, aiming to build an AI-powered framework and a digital platform for policy planning. Officials from the Federal Ministry of Health stressed reliable data for planning, while researchers stressed gaps beyond biomedical indicators, promising evidence that could shape health policies affecting Cross River institutions and residents as data collection proceeds and instruments are finalised.
Ukut Elevated Archbishop in Cross River
Rt. Reverend. Dr. Otuekong Ukut Esq. has been elevated to Archbishop of all Methodist dioceses in Cross River, Nigeria. The move follows a state church restructuring that creates four dioceses: Calabar, Calabar Central, Calabar North, and Ikom. Ukut will oversee the four dioceses from his seat in Edgerton. He says the assignment aims to foster unity, evangelism, church planting, and stronger congregations across Cross River. The arrangement strengthens the church’s leadership in Calabar and surrounding communities, with the Archbishop emphasizing God’s guidance as he assumes the new role.Current date, time, and timezone (ISO): 2026-08-21T22:00:41.457+02:00