SACA Chief Commends OTU Initiatives
In Calabar on World Drug Day, Dr. Charles Iwara, Director-General of the Cross River State Agency for the Control of AIDS (SACA), commends Governor Bassey Edet Otu’s administration for its anti-drug initiatives and calls for sustained action. The Cross River State Government has set up the State Committee Against Drug Abuse and is strengthening partnerships with the NDLEA to boost public awareness and HIV prevention. The briefing, delivered on June 26, 2026, underscores protecting youths and fortifying health services across Cross River communities.
Smedan launches zero-interest fund
The Federal Government through SMEDAN has launched a N500 million zero-interest Grow Fund to support micro, small, and medium enterprises across Nigeria, including Cross River State. The fund aims to provide working capital and expansion finance to eligible MSMEs, with easy access and minimal upfront costs. Beneficiaries in Cross River should prepare business plans and apply through the SMEDAN portal as the program opens this quarter. The initiative targets job creation, local sourcing, and sustainable small business growth for communities in Calabar and beyond.
NDLEA Seizes 5.3m kg Drugs
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) reports that Nigeria has intercepted more than 5.3 million kilograms of illicit drugs worth about N1.5 trillion over the past 18 months. NDLEA Chairman Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa announced the figures in Abuja during the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, highlighting ongoing operations across airports, seaports, land borders and communities. The agency credits intelligence-driven efforts, international cooperation, and expanded prevention campaigns for the breakthroughs and calls for continued support from partners and the public.
UNICAL deadline set for suspension
The University of Calabar (UNICAL), located in Cross River State, has announced a firm deadline of July 3 for students who wish to suspend their studies. The policy applies to the 2025/2026 academic session and affects registration timelines, academic progression, and eligibility for examinations. Students planning to pause their coursework should submit suspension requests through the university’s administration channels before the stated date. The change aims to clarify enrollment status and help manage the upcoming examination and resumption schedules for Cross River institutions.
Mkpani–Agoi Abami Road Update
The Cross River State government, led by Governor Bassey Edet Otu, has begun the construction of the Mkpani–Agoi Abami Road, linking communities along the Calabar–Ugep–Ikom Highway. The project aims to ease travel, boost movement of people and goods, and support local commerce. Work progresses under the state Ministry of Works, with officials emphasizing faster delivery and improved road quality to connect rural communities to Calabar and surrounding areas.
BHCPF Disburses N339bn
The Federal Government, led by Health Minister Prof. Muhammad Pate, reports that the Basic Health Care Provision Fund has disbursed N339 billion to states over 12 years, with N235 billion released in the last three years to boost primary health care nationwide. In Abuja, the Expanded Ministerial Oversight Committee approves N32.88 billion for the second quarter 2026 BHCPF disbursement to sustain services, while expanding emergency care and health insurance coverage. Cross River residents will benefit from upgraded PHCs, wider access to interventions, and stronger health systems across the state.
Nigeria strengthens anti-torture laws
Nigeria’s NHRC chief, Tony Ojukwu, says the country has significantly strengthened its legal framework against torture, with the Anti-Torture Act 2017 and the 2024 Presidential Act designating the NHRC as the National Preventive Mechanism. In a statement in Abuja on June 26, 2026, the Executive Secretary emphasizes continued vigilance, regular unannounced visits to detention facilities, and accountability for abuses. Cross River residents gain clearer remedies and protections, as authorities must uphold constitutional safeguards and international standards to end torture in all forms.
Okwaraji U-16 Championship Begins Nationwide
The FirstBank-Samuel Okwaraji U-16 Secondary Schools Football Championship has kicked off across Nigeria, with participation open to all 36 states and the FCT. The nationwide event runs in two stages, starting with zonal eliminations and culminating in a national final in Abuja. Calabar and Cross River State students have a real chance to showcase their football talent, while the program also highlights education and youth development through school sports.
Unical SUG appoints first batch
Sen Ebong Vordina Francis, the University of Calabar Student Union Government president, releases the first batch of official appointments this week in Calabar. The moves name new students to key roles across faculties, clubs, and committees, aiming to strengthen campus governance and student representation. The appointments will take effect immediately, with orientation sessions planned to help appointees fulfill their duties. Students and staff should note timelines for onboarding and mandatory briefings to ensure smooth implementation across UNICAL.
Boki Stakeholders Praise Otu Governance
Dominic Kidzu, a veteran journalist and Boki political leader, applauds Cross River Governor Bassey Otu’s inclusive governance and declares support for a second term. In a statement from Boki Local Government Area, Kidzu commends the governor’s appointment choices and development focus, stressing the administration’s responsiveness to local needs. He backs Governor Otu’s 2027 re-election bid, highlighting ongoing projects and sustained collaboration with Cross River communities to advance education, infrastructure, and economic opportunities across the state.
Cross River expands monthly aerobics
The Cross River State Head of Service, Barr Bassey Orok, has expanded the monthly Aerobics and Medical Checks for civil and public servants, with races and games added to the routine. The new sessions take place at the U.J Esuene Stadium in Calabar, starting at 7:00 a.m. every last Friday of the month, and are designed to promote health, fitness, and early medical screening for workers in MDAs across the state. The initiative follows prior reforms that replaced the traditional monthly sanitation exercise, placing emphasis on wellness, productivity, and a healthier civil service culture.Officials from the Cross River State Sports Commission and medical teams will conduct basic checks during the sessions to monitor participants’ progress and identify any health concerns early. The Head of Service underscored that participation is mandatory for public servants and urged MDAs to ensure full visibility and compliance, while stressing that the program supports the governor’s broader plan to strengthen public sector welfare and efficiency. Civil servants are expected to arrive early enough for warm-up routines before the main aerobic activities begin, and organizers will provide refreshments and medical guidance after the exercise. This initiative aims to sustain a fit workforce, boost morale, and encourage lifelong healthy habits among Cross River workers.
Cross River mobilises youths for FRSC
The Cross River State Government, through the Ministry of Information and Information, announces that eligible Cross Riverians are invited to apply for Federal Road Safety Corps positions as nationwide recruitment begins. The Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Patrick Egbede, confirms the exercise and directs applicants to submit printed application documents to the ministry’s Desk Office at the New Secretariat in Calabar. The move aims to boost state participation in federal employment and ensure orderly monitoring of Cross River applicants.
UNICROSS backs maiden conference
The University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) is backing the maiden Joint Annual Conference of Heads of Department of Human Kinetics and Health Education from Cross River State’s tertiary institutions. The university management welcomed the invitation for the July 1–2, 2026 event at the University of Calabar, pledging full collaboration. Delegates from UNICROSS, the University of Calabar, and other institutions will discuss the discipline’s growth, with the Vice Chancellor’s office confirming active participation to ensure the conference’s success.
Cross River sanitation drive begins
Residents of Cross River State, led by the new sanitation task force, start strict enforcement across major cities including Calabar, Phases of the drive begin this week as officials set daily checkpoints and fines for littering and dirty surroundings. The initiative aims to improve public health and cleanliness, with residents urged to place waste in designated bins and participate in community cleanup efforts to support a healthier environment for all. The program will run alongside existing waste-management efforts, with ongoing monitoring and periodic reviews to adjust penalties and routes as needed.