Carnival fitness for Calabar 2026
The Cross River State Carnival Commission calls on ministries, civil servants, and the public to join regular physical exercise as part of healthy living and Carnival Calabar 2026 preparations, highlighted during the Carnival Fitness Jam in Calabar. Commissioner Effiom Bassey Effiom notes the program, running from June to December since 2025, aims to reduce fatigue during dry runs and the main carnival, bringing together marshals, band leaders, revellers, and fitness instructors. Officials promise a bigger, better 2026 edition with surprises, inviting residents and visitors to participate.
Cross River, BOA deepen talks
The Cross River State Government, led by the Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Dodeye Arikpo, has opened discussions with the Bank of Agriculture in Abuja to expand agricultural financing and mechanisation across the state’s value chain. The talks focus on improved access to finance, hybrid seeds, farming implements, and lease-to-own options for tractors and equipment. A follow-up technical session will identify priority opportunities and measurable outcomes for Cross River farmers, youth, and women.
UBEC HOPE-EDU Implementation
The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has urged education stakeholders to strengthen HOPE EDU implementation to improve basic education learning outcomes. UBEC’s Executive Secretary, Dr Aisha Garba, led a regional workshop for SUBEB directors and support officers from the South-West and North-Central zones in Ikeja, August 16–26. The focus is on Result Area 1, including the Structured Pedagogy Package and Book Supply Chain. States must demonstrate readiness by November 15 to unlock the first disbursement, directly impacting Cross River State’s schools and funding arrangements.
UNICROSS Announces 2027 Screening
The University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) in Calabar has announced its 2027 First Choice Admission Screening Exercise, informing prospective UTME candidates who scored at least 150 and selected UNICROSS as their first choice, as well as those who did not, that they can apply for screening. The notice lists 19 new academic programmes and directs applicants to the UNICROSS online portal admissions.unicross.edu.ng to register, pay a ₦2,000 screening fee, and upload required documents for the screening process.
Cross River CP Warn Officers
Cross River State Commissioner of Police, CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, has warned officers against unlawful detention, abuse of power, and other misconduct across the state. Speaking at his maiden lecture at the Cross River State Police Command headquarters on August 17, 2026, he directed commanders to tighten supervision and ensure operations follow the law and professional standards. The message, released via a Police Public Relations Officer statement, notes rising complaints of human rights violations and commits to disciplinary action for offenders while encouraging the public to report genuine cases.
Cross River slashes transport charges
Cross River State Governor Bassey Edet Otu announces a major reduction in inter-city transport ticket charges across the state, aiming to ease the cost burden for residents and operators. The government says ticket prices and related fines are being cut by more than 40 percent, with enforcement procedures streamlined and reassessed. The Cross River State Transport Regulatory Agency will implement the new rates immediately, while officials say the reform prioritizes affordability for Calabar commuters and other Cross River communities.
NIC unveils caregiving professionalisation
Cross River residents will benefit as Nigeria rolls out a national project to professionalise caregiving. The National Institute of Caregivers (NIC) announced the initiative in Abuja on August 18, 2026, led by Director-General Olusan Victor. The plan follows the 2026 Year of Social Development and Families and a national care agenda, with nationwide training and certification in childcare, geriatric care, and community caregiving. The program aims to establish standards, improve quality, and create employment opportunities across Cross River and beyond.
Igali seeks devolution powers
Godknows Igali, National Chairman of PANDEF, calls for true fiscal federalism at the Concerned Citizens Assembly in Abuja on August 18, 2026. He argues Nigeria’s over-centralised system weakens productivity, security, and accountability, and urges constitutional amendments to devolve powers, strengthen regional autonomy, and boost local government capacity. The push, supported by other advocates, aims to reframe governance so Cross River State and other regions can pursue tailored development while keeping national unity intact.
Obudu Memorial Palace Launch
The Obudu Traditional Rulers’ Council is set to launch a ₦300 million Uti JD Agba Memorial Palace in Obudu Local Government Area, Cross River State. The ceremony starts at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, September 4, 2026, with Utsu Felix Okudare as Chief Host and Senator Musa Adede as Chairman. The project will serve as the Paramount Ruler’s official residence and provide facilities for the council as they carry out traditional duties, inviting indigenes and residents to participate in fundraising and the official launch.
Romanus begins 2027 consultations
Richard Romanus, the APC flag bearer, has kicked off consultations across Cross River State ahead of the 2027 elections. He meets party stakeholders in Calabar, Ogoja, and Obudu to discuss policy directions, campaign structure, and grassroots outreach. The conversations aim to build a broad support base and refine his development blueprint for infrastructure, youth opportunities, and job creation. Officials say the exercise will inform the campaign plan and strengthen party unity as primaries approach. The outreach continues in the weeks ahead to secure Cross River residents’ backing for 2027 elections.
UNICEF backs Cross River health
The Cross River State government, led by SMOTEC, is teaming up with UNICEF to boost maternal and child health in Cross River. The campaign, launched in Odukpani Local Government Area at the Efut Ibonda Community Primary Health Center on August 17, 2026, focuses on antenatal care, birth registration, exclusive breastfeeding, immunization, and ending open defecation. Officials report an 84 percent improvement in community participation this year, with a push to reach 100 percent toilet coverage and safe sanitation across 22 villages. Residents are urged to maintain and extend these practices to protect mothers and children.
Cross River Police, PHED Pact
The Cross River State Police Command and PHED Calabar Region have strengthened their security partnership to safeguard electricity personnel, facilities and critical infrastructure across Cross River. On Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at the Command Headquarters in Calabar, CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue welcomed the PHED management led by Regional Manager Engr. Dr. Gabriel Modukpe. The alliance aims to boost safety, improve information sharing and coordinate preventive measures, ensuring reliable power delivery for residents and businesses.
Open Letter to APC Candidates
Elijah Ugani writes from Ukwortung Hills, addressing APC ticket holders and candidates in Cross River State. He notes grievances within the party over candidate selection and urges inclusive reconciliation, greater grassroots engagement, and honesty with voters. He cites the 2026 Osun governorship as a warning that structures alone do not win elections; candidates must connect with markets, traders, students, and religious leaders, listen to concerns about rising living costs, and demonstrate transparency before the 2027 elections. The piece encourages actions now to broaden the political tent and earn voter trust.
Cross River Road Urges Action
Residents of Efut Ibonda in Odukpani Local Government Area report years of neglected road infrastructure that hinders farming, education, and access to basic services. Farmers say poor roads raise transport costs and damage produce, while teachers and pupils struggle to reach the community’s only secondary school. Citizens are calling on Governor Bassey Otu and Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong to intervene with urgent road construction, improved drainage, and water access, reassuring that better roads will boost livelihoods, schooling, and health in Cross River State.
UNICAL Nursing Students Shine
Two UNICAL nursing students, Odidi Ewuwuni Ogar and Theresa Obguokiri Obianuju, lead the university’s Enactus team as they win second place at the Enactus Nigeria National Competition held at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, in 2026. Their project, FORTIBITES, uses locally sourced ingredients such as orange-fleshed sweet potato to develop a nutritious, affordable food for tackling child malnutrition. The achievement underscores Cross River’s growing role in health-focused student entrepreneurship and practical innovation.Current date, time, and timezone (ISO): 2026-08-24T22:01:37.986+02:00