IGP Disu urges police-media engagement
In a nationwide directive, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, charges Commissioners of Police to be proactive, dominate media space, and strengthen public trust through clear communication and partnerships with journalists. The move aims to boost visibility, transparency, and accountable policing. Cross River residents should expect more accessible updates on security operations and community safety efforts as police work with media houses to explain actions and counter misinformation.
Cross River Gets 14 A/Cs
The Excellence Community Education Welfare Scheme (ECEWS) has donated 14 units of 1HP Panasonic inverter air conditioners to public health facilities across Cross River State to improve pharmaceutical storage, laboratory operations, and overall healthcare delivery. The donation, announced at the Health Ministry in Calabar, will equip Obanliku General Hospital, Okundi Cottage Hospital, Ogoja General Hospital, Akamkpa General Hospital, Ogoja Comprehensive Medical Centre, Eja Memorial Hospital Abi, and General Hospital Calabar. Officials say the project strengthens the state’s integrated health system and mandates proper records and security for the equipment.
Flood Simulation Exercise in Calabar South
NEMA and CR-SEMA mobilise key stakeholders for a three-day flood simulation in Calabar South LGA. The meeting, held July 21, 2026, in Calabar, brings together security agencies, emergency responders, humanitarian groups, government bodies and development partners to sharpen disaster response plans. The exercise starts at the community level with divers, Red Cross volunteers and other responders, followed by two days of training and a final field drill to improve coordination during floods and protect lives and property.
Otu Restores Cross River Tradition
Governor Otu in Cross River State has renewed the dignity of the traditional institution by elevating its role in governance and community peace. The move, announced this week, sees closer collaboration between the administration and traditional rulers, enhanced cultural observances such as the New Yam festival, and sustained dialogue to resolve disputes. This approach strengthens trust between government and communities, supports local development, and positions Cross River as a peaceful, culture-forward state where traditional leadership operates as a practical partner in public service and security across communities.
NAPTIP warns on online scams
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) warns that cyber-enabled fraud and online job offers are increasingly used to recruit trafficking victims. In Abuja on July 23, 2026, the agency’s director-general highlighted that 300 victims were rescued in 2025 from neighbouring countries and that 156 more were rescued in early 2026. Residents should verify overseas offers, avoid unofficial recruitment avenues, and report suspicious activity to authorities to curb trafficking linked to online scams.
FG unveils plant disease platform
The Federal Government, led by the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, unveiled the Central and West African Virus Epidemiology (WAVE) digital platform in Abuja on July 23, 2026. The system aims to strengthen early detection and surveillance of transboundary plant diseases across West and Central Africa, enabling faster, evidence-based responses. Nigeria will host the demonstration, with Cross River farmers and communities set to benefit from improved plant health, data-driven decisions, and targeted interventions to protect food security.
Bouillon fortification plan
Nigeria is rolling out a bouillon fortification strategy to tackle hidden hunger across the country. Federal health officials highlight that micronutrient deficiencies affect mothers and children, and that fortified bouillon could deliver iron, zinc, folic acid, and other nutrients through a product found in most Nigerian homes. A trial supports mandatory standards, with Cross River residents expected to benefit from improved nutrition as policies advance and implementation begins in urban and rural communities.
Tech Impacts Reading at Universities
Cross River State university students report mixed effects from digital tools today as CrossRiverWatch notes in this July 23, 2026 feature by Christiana Uka. The piece documents how smartphones, laptops, and online resources facilitate research and online classes but also compete with long-form reading, with students citing distractions from social media and AI-powered assistants. The report draws on interviews from UNICROSS and other local campuses, outlining how discipline and guided use of tech can support reading while preserving focus for deep study.
NASME visits MEDA for MSMEs
A Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME) delegation visited the Cross River State Microfinance and Enterprise Development Agency (MEDA) in Calabar to discuss a strategic collaboration. The meeting aims to boost MSME support by expanding access to funding, markets, and capacity building for Cross River entrepreneurs. NASME Chair Declan Ogar and MEDA Director-General Great Ogban described the partnership as timely for strengthening Cross River’s small business sector and local livelihoods.
CRIRS, Tax Ombud Alliance
The Cross River Internal Revenue Service (CRIRS) and the Office of the Tax Ombud have formalised an alliance to strengthen tax administration across Nigeria, with the South-South regional office positioned to serve Cross River taxpayers more effectively. On July 23, 2026, CRIRS Executive Chairman Prince Edwin Okon met with Dr. John Nwabueze, CEO/Tax Ombud, in Abuja to deepen collaboration, boost taxpayer protection, and enhance transparency. The agreement aligns with the federal tax reform agenda to improve efficiency and fairness for Cross River residents and businesses.
Cross River extends scrap suspension
The Cross River State Government has extended the suspension of all scrap-related operations for another month, from July 23, 2026 to August 23, 2026, to strengthen regulation and protect public infrastructure. The extension, announced in a press release signed by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ededem Charles Ani, follows an earlier 2026 suspension on February 23. Officials say the move will help review laws and oversight, ensure only legitimate operators work, and prevent criminal elements from infiltrating the sector. Residents are urged to cooperate with authorities and report violations to safeguard public assets.
NNSS Calabar marks 20th anniversary
The Cross River State NNSS in Calabar marks its 20th anniversary today as the Commandant charges graduates to uphold discipline and patriotism. In Calabar, officials say the milestone demonstrates the agency’s ongoing commitment to public safety and security training. The Commandant emphasizes that graduates will serve the state and nation with integrity, with programs that stress community collaboration, ethical conduct, and professional readiness. The event highlights local engagement and capacity building within Cross River institutions.
Atlas Network for African Languages
Dr Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, announces the Atlas Network in Abuja during the Ordinary Session of the Conference of Plenipotentiaries by the African Telecommunications Union. The continental AI initiative aims to develop locally relevant language models across Africa, building on Nigeria’s Atlas project. Atlas Mojo, showcased by Awari and partners, will enable African developers to build AI tools using indigenous languages, reducing reliance on foreign systems. Cross River schools and institutions can benefit as more apps support local languages and digital inclusion expands nationwide.
Nigeria, ITU seek digital governance
Nigeria and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) are urging African nations to unite on global digital governance at the opening of the ATU Ordinary Session in Abuja on July 23, 2026. They call for a common regional position ahead of the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference in Doha, focusing on expanding broadband, AI governance, cybersecurity, and interoperable standards. For Cross River residents, this means stronger digital infrastructure, better connectivity for schools and businesses, and coordinated policies to protect data and promote inclusion.
UNICAL Campus Lighting Restored
The University of Calabar Students’ Union Government has restored lighting at Pavilions 2 and 3 on the main campus to address safety and evening study concerns. The SUG President, Sen. Ebong Vordina Francis, announced that faulty bulbs were replaced after sustained engagement with university management and the Directorate of Works. The move aims to improve visibility, security, and a conducive learning environment, with ongoing follow-up to tackle other facilities issues on campus.