Customs final recruitment list
The Nigeria Customs Service has released the final list of 3,852 successful candidates from its 2024/2025 recruitment exercise for the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Customs II. Across Nigeria, including Cross River indigenes, shortlisted applicants are instructed to visit the official NCS portal to confirm their status and follow the next steps. The portal for final screening updates opens soon, with candidates required to upload a medical fitness certificate from a government hospital within a one-week window. Monitor SMS and email for official notifications and deadlines.
Centre proposes NGECC for Nigeria
The Galadiman Ruwa Centre for Strategic Leadership and Communication (GCSLC/IT), led by Dr Jaafaru Sa’ad, has proposed establishing the Nigerian Green Energy and Chemicals Corporation (NGECC) to push Nigeria toward a $1 trillion economy in 60 months. In an open letter to President Tinubu, the centre argues the plan would convert coal resources into advanced materials, formalize informal traders, and expand exports. Cross River residents could gain from higher tax revenue, job creation, and broader industrial linkages if implemented. Sa’ad says the initiative aims to accelerate Nigeria’s digital and industrial transformation.
UNICAL decision on 214 LLB II
The University of Calabar management has directed 214 LLB II students who were not originally admitted into the Faculty of Law to return to their initial departments because of eligibility concerns for the Nigerian Law School. The decision was made at a meeting on Monday, August 4, 2026, with the Faculty Management and LAWSAN-UCC in attendance. Portals for affected students are temporarily locked as transfer to original departments proceeds; the university offers a full tuition refund or free tuition for 2026/2027 in their original departments.
Soldiers receive pay raise
The Federal Government has approved a new salary package for Nigerian Armed Forces, with increases ranging from 30 to 80 percent depending on rank. The plan, announced this week, will affect about 250,000 personnel across the Army, Navy, and Air Force and will take effect from September 1, 2026. The move aims to boost welfare and morale while strengthening security operations nationwide. Cross River residents and institutions linked to the military can expect gradual changes as the implementation progresses from next month.
UNICAL VC appoints new head
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar (UNICAL), Prof. Offiong Efanga Offiong, has appointed Prof. Ikutal Ajigo as Head of the Department of Agricultural Education, Faculty of Vocational and Entrepreneurial Education. The appointment takes effect from August 1, 2026, for an initial three-year term ending July 31, 2029. The university directs units to support Prof. Ajigo and for a proper handover, ensuring smooth leadership transition and continued growth for Cross River educational programs.
Rep Bassey seeks federal intervention
Rt. Hon. Joseph Bassey, representative for Akpabuyo/Bakassi/Calabar South and chair of the House Disaster Management Committee, calls for urgent federal and international support to tackle Cross River’s landslides and climate disasters. In Calabar and surrounding communities, he notes lives have been lost and property destroyed, urging NEMA and development partners to deploy resources, safety measures, and long-term resilience projects. The appeal follows briefings to President Tinubu and ongoing state-led relief efforts, with emphasis on public awareness and relocation where necessary.
CRSHIA Wins National Healthcare Award
Cross River State Health Insurance Agency (CRSHIA) has been honoured with the Outstanding Commitment to Equitable Healthcare Access Award at the 2026 Health Insurance and Managed Care National Leadership Awards of Excellence. The award was presented to CRSHIA Director General Dr. Godwin Iyala on July 30 during the national ceremony, recognizing the agency’s leadership and efforts to expand health insurance coverage and improve access to affordable care for Cross River residents, especially the poor and vulnerable. Dr. Iyala credited the Cross River State Government, Governor Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, agency staff, healthcare providers, and partners for the achievement, noting ongoing reforms to deepen enrolment and service delivery across the state.
Group endorses Otu’s re-election
The Unified Automobile Technicians Support Group in Cross River State endorses Governor Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu for re-election and seeks support from the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ededem Ani, ahead of the August 11, 2026 inauguration. The delegation’s Calabar visit centers on advancing the state’s automotive sector, including plans for a dedicated automobile market and a truck facility, and highlights the administration’s investor-friendly climate, which they say has spurred investment and growth across Cross River. The group notes achievements such as the NADDC National Retreat in the state and a new automotive training centre in Akamkpa.
NCC, REA MoU expands access
The Federal Government’s communications and energy agencies, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to broaden telecoms and electricity access in Nigeria’s rural areas. The agreement, announced on July 25, 2026, aims to accelerate deployment of networks and power solutions, leveraging public-private partnerships to reach underserved communities, including those in Cross River State. Implementation will focus on infrastructure sharing, grid expansion, and affordable service models, with communities equipped to participate in monitoring and feedback to improve service delivery.
Cross River Referee Commended AFCON
Peter Edibi, a retired FIFA referee born in Cross River, has received a commendation from the Nigeria Football Referees’ Association for his role as a referees’ assessor at AFCON U-20 qualifiers in Côte d’Ivoire. The NFRA notes his wealth of experience and ongoing work with CAF and FIFA in referee development, mentoring, and training. Acting NFRA President Kelechi Mejuobi congratulated Edibi, saying the recognition will boost officiating standards on continental stages.
UNICROSS Deepens Education Partnership
UNICROSS, the University of Cross River State, reaffirms its commitment to stronger collaboration with the Cross River State Ministry of Education and the Office of the Surveyor General. In Calabar on August 3–4, 2026, the university leadership discussed joint programs to raise academic standards, boost student development, and advance campus infrastructure, land administration, and sustainable planning through closer government partnerships. The moves aim to deliver better educational outcomes for Cross River residents and guide future growth.
Mother of Light for Commissioner
In Akpabuyo, the Traditional Rulers’ Council installed Dr. Abigail Duke Orok, Cross River State’s Commissioner for Commerce, with the title Eka Uwana Akpabuyo — translated as “Mother of Light.” The ceremony, held at the Akpabuyo Town Hall over the weekend, drew thousands of residents, officials, market leaders, and youths. Council members praised her service and pledged to support her development efforts, signaling a community-led strengthening of commerce and local leadership in Cross River State.”
Lagos-Calabar Highway Won’t Go
Donald Duke, former Cross River governor and PRP presidential candidate for 2027, says the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway will not extend beyond Epe near Ogun state. Speaking on Arise Television’s Prime Time, Duke argues the project is unaffordable and that funds should instead fix existing roads, electricity, and healthcare. He notes current budget constraints and urges a recalibration of Nigeria’s revenue and infrastructure priorities to benefit Cross River residents and national development. The remarks were reported on August 5, 2026.
Happy Leboku, New Yam
Cross River’s Yakurr people celebrate Leboku, the annual New Yam Festival, as Leboku season opens across Ugep, Idomi, Ekori, Nko, and other towns, with greetings shared from Calabar to Abuja, Lagos, and beyond. The piece emphasizes communal renewal as the new yam arrives, calling on families to reflect on harvest, gratitude, and shared responsibility. Residents engage in drumming, dancing, market activity, and traditional rites, highlighting unity after recent local tensions and inviting all Yakurr communities to participate in peace, hospitality, and celebration this season.Current date, time, and timezone (ISO): 2026-08-10T22:00:48.521+02:00