NAICOM unveils ISSP for insurance
The National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) unveils the Insurance Sector Strengthening Programme (ISSP) in Abuja on September 3, 2026, to widen insurance access, boost financial inclusion, and drive innovation. The plan emphasizes capacity building, gender inclusion, youth engagement, and support for MSMEs. For Cross River residents and institutions, ISSP could expand affordable coverage, improve consumer protection, and deepen insurance services in local businesses and public projects. Implementation includes training and closer collaboration among regulators, insurers, and partners, with a goal to raise penetration and trust in the sector.
Psychiatrist Urges Healthier Workplace
Health expert Dr Maymunah Kadiri, Medical Director of Pinnacle Medical Service, has urged Nigerian health workers to prioritise mental health and well-being. Speaking at the 2026 Ordinary General Meeting and Scientific Conference of ARD-LUTH at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Kadiri highlighted long hours, high workload and emotional strain as drivers of burnout. She called for psychologically safe workplaces, reduced workloads and accessible mental-health services, noting these changes will strengthen Nigeria’s health system and benefit Cross River health facilities and staff as part of nationwide reforms.
Africa’s 10-year dementia drive
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Africa launches a 10-year plan to tackle dementia, with a continental strategy led by Dementia Africa and stakeholders from across the continent. The Dementia Africa Vision 2036 focuses on five pillars: awareness, research, education, policy, and care. By 2036, Cross River State residents should see dementia strategies integrated into national health budgets; a new Data Bank and workforce training will support local healthcare, research, and policy development.
Cross River Chronicle Reopens
Cross River State’s information sector marks a renewal as the Cross River State Newspaper Corporation reopens its remodeled facility at Barracks Road, Calabar, on September 3, 2026. The government-led renovation—tied to restoring public access to reliable reporting—includes upgraded printing equipment and refreshed office blocks. Governor Bassey Otu leads the commissioning, emphasizing strengthened information flow between the state and citizens. Staff appointments were announced, with 30 Ad-hoc and 25 permanent positions, reflecting renewed commitment to credible, professional journalism across Cross River.
City Boys Rally Supports Tinubu
The City Boys Movement led by Dr. Martha Agba held a rally in the Obudu-Bekwarra-Obanliku (OBO) Federal Constituency on September 3, 2026, drawing leaders, supporters and party members from across the three local government areas. The event reaffirmed support for President Tinubu and his administration, highlighting sustained grassroots engagement and participation in governance. Attendees included Hon. Peter Akpanke and other officials who urged residents to rely on Tinubu’s programs for development in Cross River and northern districts.
Procurement System Set for Change
The Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) announces a major reform programme to modernise Nigeria’s procurement system, unveiled at the 2026 BAVCCA/BPP Procurement Performance Conference in Abuja. The reforms center on digitalisation, stronger compliance, and professional standards, with the Electronic Government Procurement (e-GP) system expected to automate key stages across government agencies. The initiative aims to boost transparency, real-time monitoring, and local content in line with the Nigeria First policy, benefiting Cross River institutions through improved spending tracking and opportunities for local businesses.
Otu signs Health Quackery Prohibition
Governor Bassey Otu signs into law the Health Quackery (Prohibition) Bill along with other bills and a supplementary budget at the Governor’s Office in Calabar. The package includes the Health Quackery Prohibition Law, the Cross River State Social Investment and Protection Law, and the 2026 Supplementary Appropriation Law. The actions strengthen health regulation, establish a Health Monitoring Task Force, and expand funding for public services. The measures aim to protect residents from unqualified practitioners and improve healthcare delivery across Cross River State.
FG unveils 14 HND programmes
The Federal Government has unveiled 14 Higher National Diploma curricula for Environmental Health Technology, Public Health Technology, and Epidemiology and Disease Control Technology, announced by EHCON and NBTE in Abuja on September 3, 2026. The move aims to strengthen specialised, competency‑based training and improve workforce capacity nationwide. Cross River State institutions, including polytechnics and colleges of health sciences, will implement the new curricula, with funding, equipment upgrades, and lecturer capacity building required for rollout in Cross River and beyond.
NCWS to Hold Aerobics Sessions
The National Council of Women Societies (NCWS) announces quarterly aerobics sessions to promote healthy living and physical activity among Nigerian women. National President Princess Edna Azura disclosed the plan in Abuja, saying the program will run every three months to encourage regular exercise. The initiative targets women nationwide, including Cross River residents, and aims to improve wellness while fostering community participation through guided workouts and health awareness. The first session is scheduled soon, with organizers inviting affiliated groups to participate and share further event details.
FG unveils plastic pollution regs
The Federal Government has unveiled the National Environmental (Plastic Waste Control) Regulations 2026 in Abuja, outlining responsibility along the plastics value chain and mandating compliant recycling facilities. The regulations aim to reduce plastic waste, curb pollution of waterways and drainages, and advance Nigeria’s circular economy. Cross River residents, businesses, and institutions will be affected as producers, retailers, and waste managers must meet new standards and reporting requirements. Enforcement begins this year, with penalties for non-compliance and opportunities for public-private collaboration across communities.
PULSE Summit 2026: Delivering Budgets
Stakeholders at the PULSE Summit 2026 in Abuja urge stronger institutional and accountability bridges to ensure approved budgets translate into real services for Nigerians, including Cross River residents. The event, organized by IBP Nigeria, highlights the need to move from budget approval to actual release, procurement, and delivery, so primary health centres, schools, and water projects reach the last mile on time and effectively. The discussions emphasize citizen participation and oversight to improve public finance outcomes in the Cross River region and nationwide.
FG expands medical education
The Association of Presidents and Proprietors of Higher Institutions in Nigeria (APPHIN) hails the Federal Government’s plan to expand medical education and raise training capacity to private universities, aiming to train 20,000 medical students annually. In Abuja, the group urged full integration of private institutions into the implementation framework, with clear guidelines on access to accredited simulation centres. The move affects Cross River residents by expanding local healthcare training and potential workforce, while calls for transparent, inclusive collaboration remain essential.
FG backs sustainable mechanisation
The Federal Government has praised the National Agricultural Development Fund for strengthening Nigeria’s mechanisation drive through targeted skills training and financing. At the Africa Food Systems Forum in Rwanda, Agriculture Minister Sen. Abubakar Kyari announced that about 4,000 tractor operators and mechanics have been trained, and more than 2,000 tractors plus thousands of implements are being deployed under a service‑provider model. Cross River farmers stand to gain from improved access, productivity, and job opportunities as the program expands nationwide.
Tinubu commissions TETFUND ICT center
The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, visits the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) in Calabar on Friday, September 4, 2026, to commission the TETFUND ICT Experience Center. The center, funded to boost digital access, will give students laptops, desktops, and other digital resources to bridge the digital divide and prepare learners for a technology-driven future. Tinubu is accompanied by Cross River Governor Bassey Otu and other officials; UNICROSS Vice Chancellor Professor Francisca Bassey oversees the event as part of the Renewed Hope initiative.Current date, time, and timezone (ISO): 2026-09-12T22:00:27.127+02:00