Calabar news brief for Sat 18 July 2026

From an ICPC probe into alleged double pay to a fatal unsafe abortion, university strike talks and maternal‑health drives, Calabar’s week has been a test of public accountability and services.

Cross River Assemblyman Double Salary

A civil society group in Cross River State has dragged a Cross River State House of Assembly member to the ICPC over allegations of receiving double salaries. The move, reported from Calabar, alleges the lawmaker earned salaries from both the Federal Government through a university appointment and the state government, in violation of anti‑corruption provisions. The group says the complaint seeks accountability and restitution; ICPC is reviewing the matter and may summon the lawmaker. Residents are urged to follow developments.

Otu meets UniCross ASUU

Governor Ben Ayade’s successor in Cross River State meets with UniCross management and ASUU leadership to push for an end to ongoing strikes. The meeting, held in Calabar on July 16, 2026, aims to restore academic activities and ensure students return to classes without delay. Officials discuss timelines for resuming lectures, payment of outstanding allowances, and measures to safeguard university operations. The talks focus on collaborative steps to resolve disagreements and maintain campus stability for Cross River institutions.

Cross River Preeclampsia Week

The Cross River State Chapter of the Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria (SOGON) has launched a week-long campaign to combat preeclampsia and reduce maternal deaths in Cross River. The event runs from July 13 to July 18, 2026, in Calabar and brings together medical experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to strengthen emergency obstetric care, improve health facilities, and deploy digital health management to safeguard mothers and newborns across all 18 local government areas. Leaders, including the Health Commissioner Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, outline reforms and collaborations driving policy actions and public awareness.

FG seeks African telecom co-op

The Federal Government has urged African nations to collaborate in bridging the mobile connectivity gap, noting that nearly one billion people in Africa still lack mobile internet access. Speaking in Abuja on July 16, 2026 at the African Telecommunications Union session, Permanent Secretary Nadungu Gagare highlighted the need for regional cooperation to expand digital infrastructure, improve skills, and strengthen cyber security. The move is expected to boost connectivity, benefiting Cross River residents through better public services and educational opportunities as digital public infrastructure grows across the continent.

Morphy High Academy Graduation

Morphy High Academy in Calabar, Cross River State, will hold its second graduation ceremony on Friday, July 18, 2026, starting at 10:00am. The event takes place at the school’s campus, opposite Winners Chapel Headquarters, Winners Way by Axari Hotel Junction, Calabar. The program includes speeches, prize presentations, and recognition of student achievement, with celebrations to inspire both pupils and staff. The day emphasises excellence and community pride in Cross River’s educational sphere.

Cross River Women Trained

In Calabar, Cross River State, no fewer than 100 aspiring female leaders took part in a one-day capacity-building workshop organized by Gender and Development Action (GADA), as part of its Women Voice and Leadership project. The session, held to strengthen women’s voices in political leadership and governance, equips participants with knowledge, confidence and practical skills for the 2027 general elections. Acting Executive Director Nnenna Ugbor, APC chair Christopher Etta, and Women Affairs Commissioner Edema Irom spoke on mentorship, party participation and governance, with ongoing mentorship and follow-up promised to sustain progress.

Cross River abortion death

A young woman from Apiapum Community in Obubra Local Government Area of Cross River State died after attempting to terminate a five-month pregnancy using unprescribed pills and herbal remedies. The incident, reported by CrossRiverWatch on July 16, 2026, occurred after her partner reportedly refused support. She was rushed to Ekana’s Hospital in critical condition, where she died following severe complications. Medical workers warn that unsafe and hidden abortions can cause life-threatening bleeding, infections, and infertility. Family and health workers are calling for open discussion and better support for young women facing unwanted pregnancies.

CODE 888 backs Governor Otu

CODE 888, a Cross River-based advocacy group, endorses Governor Bassey Otu and Deputy Peter Odey for a second term and launches the Complete the 8 Campaign across Cross River State. The press conference signals support for rotational leadership, citing security improvements, waste management, road and public facility rehabilitation, MSME funding, and health-sector reforms. The group plans statewide consultations with traditional rulers, youth groups, and community leaders to sustain peace and equity, while urging peaceful civic engagement.

Cross River Hosts Defence Attaches

The Cross River State government, led by Hon. Undiandeye and Deputy Governor Rt. Hon. Dr. Peter Odey, welcomes foreign defence advisers attached to Obudu Ranch Resort for geographical and cultural engagements. The delegation engages with local officials in Calabar to discuss security cooperation, tourism collaboration, and community outreach. Officials outline planned tours of Cross River sites and training discussions that will involve residents and Cross River institutions in upcoming exchanges and capacity-building programs.

FG reforms boost housing

The Federal Government is prioritising land administration reforms to widen access to affordable housing for low-income earners and informal workers, a move that will directly affect Cross River households. At the ongoing Africa International Housing Show, the Housing and Urban Development Minister outlined plans to simplify land processes, expand land registration, and digitise records, with expected reductions in costs and delays. Cross River residents should expect easier title acquisition and enhanced access to housing finance as the reform unfolds nationwide, including serviceable land and clearer documentation.

ITF, NBTE harmonise mandates

The Industrial Training Fund (ITF) and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) have formalised a shared framework to boost skills development nationwide, announced at a joint Abuja briefing on July 16, 2026. The arrangement assigns formal technical training to NBTE and informal, apprenticeship-based programs to ITF, with NBTE regulating polytechnics and technical colleges while ITF builds a national artisan database. Cross River residents and students stand to gain clearer pathways to certified skills, improved job matching, and strengthened local industry linkages as the new scheme aligns with the Nigerian Skills Qualification Framework and industrial growth goals.

Teacher training on child protection

The Forum of African Women Educationists (FAWE) Nigeria has urged teachers to receive formal training to strengthen child protection and safeguarding in schools nationwide, including Cross River State institutions. At a two-day session organized with the FCT Universal Basic Education Board and supported by Echidna Giving, trainers introduced the Tuseme model and clubs to empower learners, especially girls, with leadership and safe spaces while sharpening teachers’ ability to respond to safeguarding concerns.

The initiative emphasizes teachers’ role in identifying distress signals, fostering inclusive classrooms, and implementing practical planning tools to sustain safer learning environments. Local education leaders highlight that expanding such training could enhance student confidence and ensure responsive support across Nigerian schools, potentially benefiting Cross River educators and learners through future workshops and broader adoption of Tuseme concepts.

NCC Revises MVNO Rules

The Nigerian Communications Commission is reviewing MVNO business rules to deepen competition and expand telecom access across Nigeria, announced at a one-day MVNO Business Rule Stakeholders Forum in Abuja on July 16, 2026. The NCC Executive Vice-Chairman, Dr Aminu Maida, said the update aims to boost regulatory clarity, foster innovation, and ensure consumer protection while accommodating different MVNO models that use host networks. Cross River residents can benefit from broader access and improved service options as the rules evolve.

NANS Reacts On NYCN Action

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) says the death of Mary Habila is a grievous national matter that must not be used for vendettas or political gain. NANS notes that Minister of Works Dave Umahi has called for an autopsy to determine the cause of death and supports an impartial investigation. The group questions the seven‑day ultimatum issued by the Northern Youth Council, urging restraint while the investigation proceeds and urging authorities to ensure transparency.