FG Restructures NYSC Uniforms
The Federal Government has approved reforms for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), including a redesigned uniform and a longer, more leadership-focused orientation program. The reform aims to modernize deployment, enhance digital skills, and align primary assignments with trainees’ academic backgrounds. Cross River residents, especially graduates awaiting NYSC mobilization, should expect changes in camp standards, graduation ceremonies, and camp operations as the new framework rolls out nationwide this year.
Otu Wins MSME Award
The Executive Governor of Cross River State, Senator Prince Bassey Otu, receives the MSME-Friendly Governor award at the National MSME Awards, with a Cross River delegation led by the Commissioner for Commerce and CALCCIMA in attendance. The governor affirms renewed efforts to ease business, improve funding access, and boost micro, small, and medium enterprises across Calabar and wider Cross River. He pledges new policies and programs to support traders, artisans, and startups in the coming months.
Unicross appoints new directors
The University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) has announced the appointment of new Directors, Heads of Department, and Desk Officers across its academic and administrative units in Calabar. Appointees include Prof. Emmanuel Uttah as Director of Research and acting heads for departments such as Mathematics, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Business Administration, Physics, Chemistry, and more. The changes aim to strengthen governance and service delivery; the university community commends the merit-based selections and expects improved leadership for enhanced teaching and administration.
Councillors show chamber neglect
Yala Local Government councillors in Cross River State report that the Legislative Chamber at Okpoma is surrounded by overgrown weeds and poor working conditions. The group, photographed during a briefing with the council chairman and aides on July 2, 2026, says renovations were completed while basic facilities remain lacking, hindering daily legislative work. The council’s media team argues the image reflects ongoing discussions about funding and maintenance needed to support local governance.
SEMA, Save the Children Climate Partnership
The Cross River State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with Save the Children on the Green Climate Fund (GCF) project. During a courtesy visit to SEMA headquarters in Calabar on July 2, 2026, officials discussed strengthened collaboration for disaster risk reduction and climate resilience in Calabar South, Abi, and Ogoja Local Government Areas. The project, now in its third phase, focuses on stakeholder engagement, data-driven planning, and improved resilience for vulnerable communities across Cross River State.
Cross River bursary committee formed
Governor Bassey Otu has established a steering committee to drive Cross River State’s bursary programme, with representation from key state agencies. The team will coordinate funding, set eligibility criteria, manage applications, and oversee disbursements to eligible students across Calabar and other Cross River communities. The move aims to streamline access to scholarships and improve educational opportunities. The committee will report progress to the Governor and work with partner institutions to implement the programme in the coming academic cycle.
UNICEF Pushes Sustainable Community Healthcare
UNICEF has urged state governments to prioritise sustainable, community-driven healthcare models during a two-day zonal meeting that wrapped up at Dannic Hotel in Enugu. Participants from Cross River, Benue, and Enugu, including officials from Information and Local Government ministries, crafted Community Action Plans aimed at improving maternal health and the first 1,000 days of a child’s life. Cross River’s team led the drive, pledging timely policy formulation and local ownership to ensure broad, practical implementation.
Cross River First Lady Advocates
The Cross River State First Lady, Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, leads a state-level advocacy on sexual and gender-based violence at the Cross River Health Authority (CRHA) in Calabar on July 2, 2026. The initiative, supported by the Governor’s Office and a coalition of CSOs, aims to raise awareness, strengthen reporting channels, and promote protective measures for women and girls. Officials emphasize coordinated action across health, justice, and social services to ensure survivors receive timely support and justice through the state’s GBV framework.
Cross River at London Tech
Cross River State demonstrates a forward-looking fusion of culture, tourism and digital innovation at London Tech Week 2026. The Carnival Calabar team, in partnership with Nugi Technologies, showcases the My Cross River App and a diaspora-friendly Carnival Registration and Voting Platform at Olympia London for three days. The event highlights how digital platforms are expanding access to cultural festivals, strengthening governance and boosting tourism opportunities for Cross River residents and businesses. The conversations pave the way for continued partnerships, investment and smarter public services across the state.
WTP trains forest communities
We The People (WTP) trained members of Cross River State’s Forest Host Community Network on forest conservation, indigenous rights and community-led environmental protection in Calabar on July 2, 2026, during the Second Capacity Strengthening and Resilience Workshop. The sessions gathered representatives from mangrove, rainforest and other forest communities across Boki, Akamkpa, Ikom and beyond to build local action plans, mobilize youth and women, and reinforce community roles in protecting Cross River’s forests.
Controller Reacts to Lagos-Calabar Highway
The Federal Controller of Works in Akwa Ibom State, Engr. Vincent Okoduwa, reports steady progress on Section 3A of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway during an on-site inspection. Officials note about nine kilometres of dual carriageway using CRCP have been completed, with work now focused on median crash barriers, five per cent cement-stabilized stone base, and reinforcement along an additional five kilometres. Dredging at kilometre 34 requires sand filling before construction can continue, with sand-filling expected next week to speed delivery of this national infrastructure project.
PDP Candidate accuses tax witch-hunt
Sir Arthur Jarvis Archibong, the PDP governorship candidate in Cross River State, accuses Governor Bassey Otu’s administration of deploying tax authorities to audit his university, Arthur Jarvis University, as part of a wider clampdown on opposition. The private institution, which employs hundreds and awards scholarships, says taxes are up to date and urges fair treatment. Archibong warns he could be next in line after the Eba matter, calling the move insulting and politically charged while urging dialogue rather than punitive action.