Otu commends Presbyterian Church
Cross River State Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, lauds the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria for 180 years of faith, service and community development. Speaking at the church’s 180th anniversary and 27th General Assembly in Calabar, the Governor highlights education, healthcare and youth empowerment driven by church institutions like Hope Waddell Training Institution and regional hospitals. He pledges continued state partnership to strengthen peace, development and social welfare across Cross River and Nigeria.
Cross River Security Gains Highlighted
Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu has overseen a notable improvement in security over more than three years in office, with kidnappings and communal tensions significantly reduced along major routes and in key communities. The administration cites safer waterways and fewer militia incidents as evidence of progress, stressing that a secure environment now underpins growth in transport, trade, education, and tourism. Residents, traders, and students can travel, do business, and attend institutions with greater confidence as security remains a priority.
FG launches GBV tracking platform
The Federal Government has unveiled a standardised justice-sector platform to track violence against women, announced during a five-day national validation and capacity-building workshop. The system, funded by the European Union and implemented with International IDEA, will centralise data for reporting from the point of reporting to resolution. It aims to improve prosecutions, convictions, and data reliability across Nigeria, including Cross River State, where officials and the public can report cases for follow-up and nationwide accountability.
TAJBank PBT Up 74%
TAJBank Limited reports a 74% jump in Profit Before Tax to N31.56 billion for 2025, while total assets rose to about N1.34 trillion. The bank’s MD/CEO, Mr. Hamid Joda, notes stronger earnings, higher equity, and continued investor confidence. With TAJBank recognized as Nigeria’s largest non‑interest bank by assets, the results influence Nigerian banking sector stability and service delivery for Cross River State businesses, investors, and customers as the lender expands its offerings and capital base in 2025.
C’River CP Warns Officers
Cross River State Commissioner of Police, CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, delivers a maiden directive at the Calabar command, warning officers against human rights violations and unprofessional conduct. Effective immediately, Area Commanders, DPOs and unit heads must tighten supervision and ensure actions comply with police regulations. The new policing framework, DCIIDDT, guides discipline, community policing and accountability to rebuild public trust. Citizens are encouraged to report abuses through proper channels, while supervisors face disciplinary action for lapses.
UNICROSS expands 19 new programmes
The University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) has broadened its offerings with 19 new programmes across Calabar and Okuku campuses ahead of the 2026/2027 admissions. Prospective students with UTME scores of 150 and above who choose UNICROSS as first choice can participate in the screening, which will be conducted online. Applicants may change their institution to UNICROSS via the JAMB portal. Pay a N2,000 screening fee and complete the online application at admissions.unicross.edu.ng; no physical attendance is required.
C’River BECE, SSII Results
The Cross River State Ministry of Education has announced the 2025/2026 BECE results with a 90.5% pass rate and 3.8% fail rate across the 18 local government areas, alongside an 86% pass rate in the SSII Mock Examination. The directorate highlighted improved checks in score compilation and processing, stressing accountability and transparency in Cross River’s exams. Students and parents are urged to check results online and visit schools for assistance if access is unavailable. The results reflect ongoing state education reforms and the governor’s continued support.
CRS ultimatum to roadside traders
Cross River State Government has issued a 30-day ultimatum to roadside traders in Calabar to vacate unauthorized spots, with enforcement to follow after the grace period. Commissioner for Environment Barr Bassey Mensah announced the move after a stakeholders meeting with Calabar South Local Government Council to reclaim green spaces and ensure traffic flow. The initiative targets areas like Watt Market, seeks to curb unsanitary conditions, and warns traders who operate in public spaces that penalties will apply. Local authorities will conduct demolition and recovery to restore designated areas.
Cross River Boosts Hydrocele Surgeries
The Cross River State Government, in partnership with Helen Keller International, will provide free hydrocelectomy surgeries to 100 men and boys aged 15 and above. Two hospitals, Akamkpa and Obubra, will host the procedures from August 19 to 24, 2026, as part of the fight against neglected tropical diseases. The programme aims to reduce physical and social stigma, restore dignity, and improve livelihoods; eligible patients should be identified and referred for treatment through the NTD programme.
Information Ministry Must Lead Narrative
Cross River State Commissioner for Information, Pastor Ekpenyong Cobham, directs ministry staff to shape and project government policies and achievements from the Calabar-based ministry. On August 17, 2026, he urged officers to improve writing, use social media effectively and ensure a coordinated information pool. The maiden meeting emphasized accountability, teamwork, and proactive communication to strengthen public understanding of state programmes for Cross River residents and institutions.
Insurers urged for sustainable growth
The Nigerian Insurance Industry Reform Act (NIIRA) 2025 has prompted the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) and other regulators to push recapitalised insurers toward sustainable growth. In Abuja and across Nigeria, CIS representatives and NAICOM highlight that higher capital must be paired with stronger governance, risk management, and ethical practices to protect policyholders and support long-term development. Insurers are urged to deploy capital wisely as the July 30, 2026, compliance deadline approaches, with Cross River residents expected to benefit from a more resilient insurance market.
Expert seeks more safety measures as CNG adoption expands
Experts say Nigeria’s push to expand compressed natural gas (CNG) use is accelerating, and stronger safety standards are needed to protect Cross River residents and travelers nationwide. Officials emphasize regulated conversion centers, clearer guidelines for fuel stations, and public awareness campaigns as the government and industry partners scale up CNG adoption. The discussion focuses on reducing risk while expanding cleaner energy options for vehicles and industry across Nigeria, including Cross River communities.
Inflation drops to 15.43% in July
Nigeria’s headline inflation rate declined to 15.43% in July, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. The report shows a month-on-month rise of 1.57%, with food and non-alcoholic beverages as major contributors. Cross River residents should expect continued pressure on food prices, while core inflation eased slightly. Government data indicate urban inflation at 16.12% and rural inflation at 13.77%, signaling uneven price changes across communities in Cross River and across Nigeria.
Obudu Ranch Revival Under Otu
The Cross River State Government, led by Governor Bassey Otu, is reviving the Obudu Ranch Resort and pushing all-year-round tourism. Living Curation Real Estate Limited will rehabilitate, modernize, operate and maintain the Ranch, with oversight to protect public interests. The plan includes upgrading the cable car, accommodations, and infrastructure, plus new attractions to attract domestic and international visitors year-round. The initiative will also develop nearby assets like Bebi Airstrip and Utanga Safari Lodge to boost local employment and business activity across Obanliku, Obudu and wider Cross River.