Shun Japa, Stay to Work
New doctors entering Nigeria are urged by the Nigerian Medical Association and medical councils to remain and serve at home. The directive, issued nationwide this week in Abuja, calls on graduates to contribute to Nigeria’s health system rather than seeking opportunities abroad. In Cross River State, hospital authorities say retaining fresh physicians will support patient care, reduce waiting times, and strengthen local training programs. The message arrives as concerns about brain drain persist, with officials outlining plans to improve pay, facilities, and career pathways to encourage staying and serving communities across the country.
ZIPs commitment affirmed
The Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs announces that the Federal Government will continue to implement Zonal Intervention Projects and Constituency Projects across the nation, including Cross River State. On June 30, 2026, in Abuja, the ministry reiterated its pledge during the 2nd Quarter Stakeholders Interactive and Citizens Engagement Forum, underscoring President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The minister noted the creation of a nationwide ZIPs/CPs compendium and a GIS-PMIS platform to improve project verification, tracking, and reporting. Cross River residents can expect enhanced oversight, timely execution, and better alignment with local development needs as MDAs, CSOs, and communities cooperate to sustain delivery.
Akpanke, Obanliku visit CRiver Governor
Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu receives Akpanke and Obanliku stakeholders who travelled to Calabar to discuss development in Obanliku and surrounding communities. The delegation thanks the governor for ongoing projects and pledges continued support for the PeoplesFirst agenda. The governor affirms readiness to coordinate resources, urges proper oversight, and asks the group to identify high-impact areas—from roads to healthcare—where collaboration will deliver tangible benefits to local residents.
Ikom Court Renovation Crowdfunded
Cross River’s Ikom Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association and the state judiciary are funding a renovation of High Court II Ikom through community contributions. The project, commissioned by Chief Judge Justice Akon Bassey Ikpeme on June 27, 2026, involved donations from business owners, lawyers, and residents who sought to address years of neglected court facilities. The N18 million work covers roofing, furniture, solar power, windows, and judges’ chambers, with officials urging ongoing public support to sustain the improvements for Cross River residents and the local legal community.
ASUU threatens indefinite strike
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Calabar Zone, says it may embark on a total, comprehensive and indefinite strike across Cross River State universities, including UNICROSS in Calabar, if the government fails to fully implement the 2025 FGN/ASUU agreement. ASUU notes funds have been released for arrears in federal universities, but Cross River institutions still lag. Members demand immediate payment of salary arrears, allowances, and deductions; the union warns action could begin if settlement does not come promptly. Cross River residents, students, and families could feel disruptions in academic activities if negotiations stall.
Obubra APC Peace Committee Inaugurated
The APC in Obubra Local Government Area has formed a Peace and Reconciliation Committee ahead of elections. Chaired by Elder John Agbor and with Lt. Col. Francis Oyom (Rtd.) as secretary, the panel aims to resolve internal disputes, foster dialogue, and unite party members. Inauguration on June 30, 2026, was led by Obubra Chapter Chairman Hon. Lucky Nicolas Okpechi, who urged swift, fair work and timely reporting within 10 days to strengthen party cohesion.
UNICAL SUG Appoints Judiciary Panel
The University of Calabar Students’ Union Government (SUG), led by Sen. Ebong Vordina Francis, announces the formation of a five-member Judiciary Screening Committee. The panel, unveiled July 1, 2026, will screen candidates for the SUG Judiciary, ensuring a transparent and credible appointment process. Members named are Kekayo Joseph Odum (Chairman), lAntingha Daniel (Secretary), Obasi George Uchechukwuv, Elim Miracle Esu, and Racheal Edem. The committee’s work aims to strengthen student governance at Calabar and safeguard fairness in the Union.”
Surefoot Class of 2026 Graduates
Surefoot International School in Calabar graduates its Class of 2026, capping 18 years of academic excellence and leadership development. The ceremony at SIS celebrated students who completed Cambridge IGCSE and WASSCE with sustained high performance, and presentations included board awards for character and leadership. Founder Mrs. Obioma Liyel Imoke highlighted education beyond the classroom, while Senator Liyel Imoke urged graduates to lead with integrity and service. The event drew parents, alumni, and Cross River education stakeholders.
Obudu LGA chair extends goodwill
The Executive Chairman of Obudu Local Government Area, Hon. Dr. Peter Akonfe Undiandeye, today issues a goodwill message to the people of Obudu as July begins. In the statement, he thanks God for the new month and reaffirms the council’s commitment to infrastructure renewal, youth and women empowerment, improved public service delivery, and security collaboration. He urges residents across all wards to stay united, law-abiding, and supportive of government programs designed to raise living standards and deliver sustainable development. The message is signed by Press Secretary Ikwen Atuaka and dated July 1, 2026.
Court deregisters five parties
The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party, Action Alliance (AA), Action Peoples Party (APP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP). The ruling, delivered on June 15, 2026, hinges on alleged constitutional breaches. If enforced, Cross River residents could see changes in party participation ahead of the 2027 general elections, with INEC asked to remove the parties from the register immediately.
Cross River Demolishes APC Chairman’s Home
The Cross River State Planning and Development Control Taskforce has issued a demolition notice for Alphonsus Eba’s property in the Water Board Estate, Calabar, citing ongoing violations of Cross River planning laws. Pasted notices reference CRS/PDCT/043, ordering all work to stop and preparations for demolition to commence in the public interest. The action underscores the state’s enforcement of development laws to protect residents and urban safety, with officials detailing compliance steps and timelines.
Cross River-born Ewah promoted
Cross River-born CP Bassey Samuel Ewah has been promoted to Assistant Inspector General of Police, according to CrossRiverWatch on July 1, 2026. The Etung native, who has served as Commissioner of Police in Plateau State since February 2026, now joins Nigeria’s top police leadership. The promotion follows more than three decades of service across Lagos, Rivers, Anambra, Enugu, Taraba, and postings at the Police Staff College, Jos, and the Nigeria Police Academy. This development strengthens national security leadership linked to Cross River through an indigenes in a senior federal role.
Governor inspects cultural centre
Cross River State Governor Apostle Prince Bassey Edet Otu today leads an inspection of the ongoing Cultural Centre project in Calabar, with the Deputy Governor by his side. The contractor reports steady progress and says completion could come within 90 days if all obligations are met promptly. The governor reiterates that the facility will host modern conferencing, event, recreational, and cultural amenities to serve residents and visitors, with commissioning scheduled once final works are completed.
Obubra Council Secretariat Facelift
Hon. Kingsley Ibon Arikpo, the Executive Chairman of Obubra Local Government Area, leads ongoing renovation and reconstruction of the Obubra Council Secretariat to improve public service delivery and working conditions for staff. The facelift, aligned with Governor Otu’s administration, aims to restore the council’s functionality and welcoming environment for residents and visitors. Work focuses on strategic sections to create a modern, more efficient local government workplace and enhance public access to services.