NUJ, Chevron train journalists
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council, in partnership with Chevron Nigeria Ltd., trains journalists on data accuracy and the use of Artificial Intelligence in energy reporting in Abuja as part of the 2026 Chevron Media Capacity Building Programme for Energy Correspondents. The programme aims to deepen accuracy, context and credibility in reporting Nigeria’s energy sector, and to equip reporters with AI tools while stressing verification against primary sources. It reflects Chevron’s commitment to journalism development across Nigeria.
UNICROSS invites PG programmes 2026/27
Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for admission into postgraduate diplomas, master’s degrees and doctor of philosophy programmes for the 2026/2027 academic year at the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), Calabar and Okuku campuses. The offerings span faculties including Agriculture and Forestry, Architecture, Communication Technology, Education, Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Management Sciences, Biological Sciences, Physical Sciences and more, with options across PGD, MSc, MPhil/PhD, and professional master’s degrees. Prospective students should consult the Calitown article for specific departments, entry requirements and the official application procedures to ensure timely submission.
Cross River Health Quackery Law
The Cross River State House of Assembly passes the Health Quackery (Prohibition) Bill, 2026, to curb unqualified medical practitioners and strengthen healthcare oversight. The bill, sponsored by the Deputy Leader of the House, moves through a public hearing and was read for the third time before being sent to the Governor for assent. It creates the Health Monitoring Task Force, expands to fifteen sections, and aligns enforcement with national medical laws to safeguard Cross River residents and improve care.
Cross River Health Digitisation Initiative
Governor Bassey Edet Otu in Cross River State announces a digital health transformation aimed at modernising public healthcare. The initiative centres on establishing the Universal Health Coverage Coordination Centre at Calabar General Hospital and deploying a computer-based hospital automation system via a public-private partnership. Implementation is rolling out from Calabar to other public facilities, improving patient records, service delivery, and governance. The program seeks faster care, better data, and expanded telemedicine to reach rural communities across Cross River State.
Ayuk assumes tourism office
Hon. Ambassador Obi Ayuk Afor has formally assumed duty as Cross River State’s Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture on July 29, 2026. He is welcomed at the Ministry of Tourism, where he pledged collaborative leadership and unity across departments to push Cross River’s tourism and cultural initiatives. The new commissioner met with staff, received briefings on ongoing programs, and outlined his plan to build on past achievements while fostering open communication with the ministry’s teams.
NYSC Plans Local Fabric Uniform
The National Youth Service Corps is proposing to replace its iconic khaki uniform with locally produced fabric, drawing mixed reactions from corps members and stakeholders nationwide, including Calabar residents. The move aims to boost Nigeria’s textile industry, create local jobs, and cut import costs. Critics warn about fabric quality, consistency, and cost, while supporters say a Nigerian-made uniform could reflect the country’s culture and reduce dependence on imports. The proposal is being reviewed by the minister and NYSC leadership, with policy details and implementation timelines to be announced.
UNICAL Reaffirms NUC Compliance
The University of Calabar (UNICAL) confirms it remains compliant as the National Universities Commission (NUC) launches its post-matriculation monitoring exercise nationwide. Located in Cross River State, UNICAL notes readiness to cooperate with inspectors and provide required records for verification. The exercise, starting this month, aims to ensure programs meet national standards and that campus practices align with regulatory guidelines. Students, staff, and partners should anticipate NUC visits and respond to requests promptly.
Cross River Police Interagency Collaboration
The Cross River State Police Command has delivered a lecture at the Naval War College, Nigeria, reinforcing interagency collaboration for maritime security and disaster response. Acting Commissioner of Police, DCP Etim Godwin Effanga, spoke on behalf of the Commissioner, highlighting the police’s role in disaster preparedness, intelligence sharing, and coordinated operations. The Naval Warfare Course 10 gathers 34 participants from the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, and officers from Cameroon, Liberia, and Ghana, with the Cross River focus on safeguarding lives and critical assets through partnership across agencies.
Cross River Mudslide: FG Aid
The Cross River State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, reports a severe mudslide at Diamond Hill near the Calabar Jetty, following heavy rainfall. He urges urgent intervention from the Federal Government, citing the need for technical support and ecological resources to prevent disaster to lives and critical infrastructure. Officials from NEMA are already on-site, and the state will mobilise emergency works while federal engagement continues for permanent erosion-control solutions.
UNICROSS VC lauds reforms
Prof. Francisca Bassey, Vice Chancellor of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), commends Governor Bassey Edet Otu for sustained educational reforms and calls for stronger stakeholder partnership. Speaking at the 2026 Cross River Political Advocacy Summit in Calabar on July 29, 2026, she highlighted gains from the governor’s policy, including ASUU engagements, campus road upgrades, and NUC accreditation successes. She urges collaboration among government, institutions, communities, alumni, civil society, and private sector to deepen progress and sustain reform efforts.
CRIRS-Police Tax Enforcement
The Cross River Internal Revenue Service (CRIRS) and the Cross River State Police Command deepen their collaboration on taxpayer education, tax law enforcement, and revenue generation to support Cross River State development. On July 29, 2026, CRIRS Executive Chairman Prince Edwin Okon and ASP Sunday Eitokpah Akata reaffirmed their joint commitment and agreed to regular stakeholder engagements, with emphasis on harmonising tax laws and boosting compliance across Calabar and other Cross River communities.
Cross River workers protest salaries
Local government workers from the 18 council areas of Cross River State staged a peaceful protest over 11 months of unpaid salaries. The newly employed staff under the Cross River State Unified Local Government Service Commission say they have not been paid since April 2025 and are not yet on the state payroll. They appealed to Governor Bassey Otu for intervention, noting that the delay has strained families and hindered basic needs like feeding and schooling. Government officials say they are addressing the payroll issues and will place genuinely employed workers on the payroll after final verification. The demonstration underscores ongoing payroll challenges at the grassroots level and the need for timely salary payments.
Almajiri Children Out-of-School
A former Inspector-General of Police, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar, has urged the Almajiri Commission and state governors to tackle the growing number of out-of-school and Almajiri children in Nigeria. Speaking at Abuja during a graduation and prize-giving for 21 youths trained in digital and technical skills, Abubakar called for stronger collaboration and scaling up programs that help Cross River residents access education and practical skills. The event highlighted the national scope of the challenge and the need for immediate government action, with additional support from private groups.
UNICEF, Nigerian military protect children
The Nigerian military and UNICEF have intensified efforts to strengthen protection for children encountered during operations, through a three-day Validation and Institutionalisation Workshop in Abuja. The event, led by UNICEF Nigeria and the Defence Ministry, aims to validate the Early Warning System, Standard Operating Procedures, and Reporting and Monitoring Toolkit under the 2024–2027 plan to implement the Handover Protocol signed in 2022. Cross River residents are expected to benefit from clearer procedures for safe handover and care for children during conflicts and humanitarian crises.
NAPTIP vows stronger collaboration
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthen collaboration with law enforcement, the judiciary, civil society and international partners to dismantle human trafficking networks. Speaking in Abuja on July 29, 2026 during a World Day Against Trafficking in Persons awareness walk, the agency urged parents, teachers and community leaders in Cross River to stay vigilant and report suspicious activities via the 627 hotline to protect vulnerable residents and victims. The DG highlighted protection, rehabilitation and justice as ongoing priorities.Current date, time, and timezone (ISO): 2026-08-03T22:00:45.668+02:00