SPAR Mall Reopens in Calabar
SPAR management confirms the Calabar branch will reopen on Monday, August 24, 2026, after a recent fire incident damaged parts of the mall. The reopening, announced by Cross River authorities, allows shoppers to access the store and its services once more, with safety checks completed and security upgrades in place. Customers are advised to follow posted guidelines at entry points and expect limited disruptions during the first hours of operation.
Adeniyi bags lifetime award
The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Dr Bashir Adeniyi, has received the Lifetime Achievement in Customs Administration Award for technology-driven reforms that repositioned the service. NAN reports the recognition came at the 2026 Nigeria Most Influential Awards in Abuja, highlighting trade facilitation, border security, and digital operations. Adeniyi says the award reflects ongoing efforts to improve customs administration and urges continued progress in revenue generation and public service. The ceremony included other notable Nigerians.
Inflation decline, food prices linger
An economist, Ephraim Audu, explains that Nigeria’s headline inflation eased slightly to 15.43 percent in July, but food inflation still rose month‑over‑month, keeping pressure on Nigerian households. The report from NAN in Abuja quotes Audu and notes higher costs for staples such as rice, tomatoes, onions, and garri. Cross River residents should monitor food prices and inflation actions, as farmers face rising input and transport costs, with calls for targeted agricultural support and storage improvements.
Maradona Ball Sells for €2.8m
The football used during Diego Maradona’s Hand of God moment is sold at auction for €2.8 million, with the bid culminating in a high-value purchase in Mexico City where Argentina faced England in the 1986 World Cup quarter-final. The sale highlights the enduring appeal of historic World Cup memorabilia and its significance for fans, collectors, and sports institutions. Details of the buyer remain undisclosed, and the item’s provenance is confirmed by the auction house.
Otu Revives Egbe Mbube PHC
The Cross River State Government is closing a rural healthcare gap by reconstructing and rehabilitating the abandoned Egbe Mbube Primary Health Centre in Ogoja LGA. Commissioner for Health Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk reports work began about eight weeks ago and is about 85 percent complete, with a completion window of the next few days. The solar-powered facility will include wards, an accident and emergency unit, and proper sanitation, improving local access to essential health services.
C’RIVER, NOA Strengthen Information Dissemination
Cross River State Government and the National Orientation Agency (NOA) will deepen collaboration to boost government information dissemination, public enlightenment, and grassroots mobilisation across Cross River. The agreement followed a courtesy visit by NOA State Director John Asanye to the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Pastor Ekpenyong Ene Cobham, at CRBC in Calabar on August 24, 2026. NOA outlines a mandate for awareness creation and feedback from communities, with emphasis on flood awareness and participation in national programmes to advance governance at the local level.
Arrest of 68-Year-Old Men
The Cross River State Police Command has arrested two suspects, Moris Monday (68) and Asuquo Effiom (70), in Calabar in connection with an alleged attempted rape of a 12-year-old girl. Police say the arrests were made on August 23, 2026, after the victim’s father reported the incident. Investigators recovered the suspects at Hokins Road and transferred the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department for discreet inquiries and potential legal action. The public will be updated as the investigation progresses.
Otu approves N50m for Ugep
Governor Bassey Otu has approved N50 million for the renovation of the Ugep Peace Stadium, announced during the Leboku International New Yam Festival at Ugep, Yakurr Local Government Area, on August 24, 2026. The funding will upgrade stadium facilities to support sports, culture, and tourism in Cross River State. Local leaders had petitioned for the project, and the governor’s pledge aims to boost local employment and community infrastructure as Leboku continues to grow the Yakurr economy.
Otu Threatens Rulers Over Violence
Cross River State Governor Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu has warned traditional rulers across the state that they risk losing their certificates of recognition if they allow violence to persist. Speaking at the Leboku International New Yam Festival in Ugep, Yakurr LGA, on August 24, 2026, he condemned the Ugep-Idumi clashes and urged leaders to maintain peace to safeguard tourism, investment, and development. The governor also cautioned authorities not to recognise rival camps in Agoi Ibami until disputes are resolved.
Tinubu pushes grassroots equity
President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigeria’s 774 Local Government Chairmen to promote equity and inclusion in grassroots governance at a two‑day Abuja workshop organized by the Federal Character Commission. Speaking on August 24, 2026, through the SGF, Tinubu emphasized fair representation and transparent administration to strengthen national unity. The policy aims to ensure balanced opportunities across cultures and regions, with Local Government Councils as the frontline. The guidance directly impacts Cross River residents by shaping local governance practices and resource distribution at the council level.