Cross River oil status hailed
The Cross River State Commissioner for Information, Pastor Ekpenyong Cobham, praises Governor Senator Bassey Edet Otu as the state is formally accredited as an oil-producing area. The development, announced in Calabar on August 15, 2026, unlocks 13% Derivation Fund access, raises federal intervention opportunities from NDDC, and sets up new infrastructure and job opportunities for residents as the state positions itself for expanded revenue and growth. Authorities say the move strengthens fiscal capacity for capital projects and private investment.
Jarigbe Condoles Ayade Over Brother
Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, who represents Cross River North, has sent a condolence letter to former Cross River governor Ben Ayade over the death of his elder brother, Ukandi Placidus Ugah Ogar, whose burial took place in Obudu on August 15, 2026. In the message dated August 15, 2026, Jarigbe extends sympathy to Ayade and his family, commending the late Ukandi’s contributions to the Cross River community. Cross River residents are urged to offer prayers and support to the family during this period.
UBEC Push for Left-Behind Children
The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) is renewing its commitment to ensure no Nigerian child is denied quality education because of hardship, with the Executive Secretary, Dr Aisha Garba, speaking during the commissioning of an Alternative High School for Girls in Lagos. This nationwide effort directly affects Cross River State students and schools, as UBEC aims to improve learning environments and retain vulnerable children in school. Collaboration among agencies and communities is emphasized to address dropout risks and infrastructure needs, benefiting Cross River residents across the state.
Cross River LGs funding boost
Cross River State ALGON chair, Yibala Inyang, announces that local governments across Cross River are now enjoying stronger funding and state partnerships under Governor Otu. Speaking August 13, 2026, in Calabar, he described a joint account system that ensures timely salaries and finances critical health, sanitation, security and road projects. Inyang cited completed and ongoing works in wards across Yakurr and beyond, insisting funds are being used for visible community improvements and urging critics to provide evidence.
Cross River hospital collapses
Cross River State officials confirm a hospital in Calabar has partially collapsed after a landslide triggered by days of heavy rain. The incident, which occurred near Duke Town Drive and Anansa Road in the Big Qua Town/Marina area, involves the UNICEM Clinic established to serve workers and residents connected with the United Cement Company of Nigeria. There are no reported fatalities, and state and federal emergency agencies are coordinating to assess damage and assist affected residents.
Stakeholders urge deeper Nigeria-China partnership
Stakeholders in Abuja on February 12, 2026, call for a deeper Nigeria–China partnership anchored on industrialisation, market access, and technology transfer to benefit Cross River residents and all Nigerians. The dialogue urged policies that expand youth employment, local capacity, and inclusive growth. The push emphasises people-centred development and implementing long-term frameworks that boost Nigeria’s manufacturing base, infrastructure, and digital economy, with Cross River institutions and workers set to gain from improved trade, investment, and local content initiatives.
GPI graduates 25 girls
GPI in Calabar marks International Youth Day by graduating 25 girls as certified peer educators at its 29th annual graduation and public education ceremony today, August 15, 2026, at the GPI Conference Hall, Anyamurua Estate, Atimbo Road. The graduates will serve as community ambassadors, delivering peer education on gender, health, and youth development. Comfort Ikpeme, GPI Calabar Coordinator, explains the three-level training and says graduates must complete requirements before certificates. The ceremony featured speeches by government representatives, performances, and presentation of certificates to graduates.
NAHCON Warns on Special Slots
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has warned intending pilgrims and Hajj tour operators about individuals demanding money in exchange for guaranteed or “special” slots for the 2027 pilgrimage. The agency described such requests as fraudulent and urged the public to verify slot information only through official NAHCON channels. Cross River residents and other Nigerians must be cautious, avoid unauthorised payments, and report suspicious approaches to authorities as preparations for the 2027 Hajj continue with emphasis on transparent slot allocation.
UNICROSS Main Gate Transformation Underway
UNICROSS confirms transformation at the Calabar Campus main gate as Zenith Bank partners to remodel the entrance. The initiative, highlighted in Cross River State News, involves upgrading the gate area to boost campus security, visibility, and branding while improving traffic flow for students, staff, and visitors. The project aligns with broader UNICROSS infrastructure improvements under the current administration, with works progressing as of August 2026 and ongoing coordination with the university and state authorities.
Cross River backs Ekukunela anti-drug
The Cross River State Government pledges institutional support for the Ekukunela Advancement Forum’s youth-led anti-drug campaign in Ekukunela, Ikom Local Government Area. Health Commissioner Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk announced the partnership during a Calabar visit, with the flag-off scheduled for September 18, 2026 at St. Enda’s Catholic Church. The project aims to curb drug abuse, self-medication and related crime through enlightenment in communities, schools and worship centers across Ekukunela and surrounding areas.
Cross River PDP vows single term
Arthur Jarvis Archibong, Cross River PDP governorship candidate, pledges to serve only one four-year term if elected in 2027. Speaking in Calabar with PDP stakeholders, Archibong frames the pledge as a covenant with Cross River people and God, aimed at balancing tenure across the southern senatorial district. He promises accessible governance, regular tours across local governments, oversight of projects, and inclusion for all residents, regardless of background.
Family Planning Conference targets funding
Organisers of the 9th Nigeria Family Planning Conference, led by Dr Ejike Oji, announce the event will run in Abuja from November 30 to December 4. They seek stronger domestic funding and partnerships to reduce donor dependence and close Nigeria’s unmet family planning needs, with 13 subcommittees guiding preparations. Submissions for abstracts opened July 30 and close September 30, while regional ministers and health officials from Africa will participate to push policy and implementation benefiting Cross River residents and national health outcomes.
RMAFC completes revenue formula
The Federal Government says the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission has completed reviews of the revenue allocation formula and remuneration for political, public and judicial office holders, with proposals now at advanced stages for consideration in Abuja. Cross River features in recent updates as the commission notes adjustments in oil well allocations and stronger inter-agency collaboration to ensure fair distribution of national revenues, including forthcoming legislation on salaries.
India commits to inclusive dev’t
Abuja—India’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Abhishek Singh, in an August 16, 2026 Independence Day address, signals renewed commitment to inclusive development and stronger representation for the Global South. He outlined steps toward a rules-based international order, expanded digital public infrastructure, and increased collaboration across education, healthcare, and technology. The message stresses that growth must reach all segments of society, with Nigeria and Cross River residents positioned to benefit from expanded cooperation, investment, and joint programs under a shared development agenda.Current date, time, and timezone (ISO): 2026-08-22T22:00:56.377+02:00