Health Experts Seek Lawmakers’ Collaboration
Public health experts in Nigeria are pushing for a stronger alliance with lawmakers to improve healthcare delivery nationwide. At the sixth SPHPN and 37th PAPHNON joint conference in Abuja on August 26, 2026, SPHPN Secretary-General Prof. Arinola Joda urged closer engagement with the National Assembly to shape laws guiding health practice. The conference, themed Public Health in a Changing World, aims to outline actionable strategies for better health outcomes, including support for rural areas such as Cross River communities and retention of skilled professionals through improved conditions and targeted training.
Cross River 2027 Debate Accepts
Sir Arthur Jarvis Archibong, the PDP governorship candidate in Cross River State, accepts a debate challenge from Governor Bassey Otu, to be held at a venue and time of the governor’s choosing, with the condition that the governor attends in person. Archibong spoke to journalists in Calabar on Tuesday, August 26, 2026, saying the people deserve to hear directly from the contenders. He emphasizes accountability, readiness, and calls for focus on state issues like education, security, and infrastructure, while addressing university concerns and local crises in Calabar and Akpabuyo areas.
FAAN Reinstates Bolt at Airports
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has cleared Bolt to resume operations at FAAN-managed airports, ending a disruption that affected travelers. Announced on August 27, 2026, the decision follows engagements that produced a framework addressing safety, security, and passenger experience, including the Airport Car Hire Rank Management System (ACHRAMS). The move means Bolt can operate again immediately, while FAAN continues talks with other e-hailing providers to meet regulatory requirements and improve coordination for Cross River travellers using these airports.
CRSMEDA screens insurers
Cross River State’s Microfinance and Enterprise Development Agency (CRSMEDA) is reviewing leading insurance firms to safeguard MSMEs against disaster losses, following a recent devastating fire. The exercise, led by CRSMEDA’s Director-General, aims to identify affordable, comprehensive coverage from underwriters such as Fortis Global Insurance, Leadway Assurance, AXA Mansard, and IEI Plc. Eligible small businesses may access selected schemes at no cost, strengthening resilience and stabilising Cross River’s enterprise ecosystem. The process prioritises coverage, affordability, and responsiveness, with final selections announced soon.
Cross River Partners Estate Surveyors
The Cross River State Government says it will deepen land administration through stronger collaboration with the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV). In Calabar, the Commissioner for Lands, Dr. Erasmus Ekpang, welcomes the Cross River State chapter of NIESV led by ESV. Edet Okon on a courtesy visit, outlining plans to digitise land records, improve valuation, and address compensation for acquired properties to boost transparency and government planning.
Odey urges ASUU UEE shelve strike
Cross River State Commissioner for Education, Sen. Prof. Stephen Odey, Esq., calls on ASUU-UEE to suspend its planned strike and engage in dialogue. Speaking in Calabar after a meeting with university management and ASUU-UEE leaders, Odey pledges government intervention to resolve outstanding demands and protect ongoing academic programmes. The move aims to prevent disruption of classes, safeguard accreditation progress, and ensure the state’s education sector continues to advance for students and staff alike, with government follow-up promised in the coming days.
NLC General Secretary Dies
Emmanuel Ugboaja, General Secretary of the Nigeria Labour Congress, dies at 60 after a prolonged illness. The development was announced during a meeting of the NLC’s National Executive Council in Enugu on Thursday, August 27, 2026, with a family letter read to delegates. Ugboaja, a Calabar-born lawyer and veteran unionist, led the NLC Secretariat since 2019 after his appointment was ratified in Kano. His passing marks a significant moment for Nigeria’s workers and the country’s labour movement. He previously played a key role in wage negotiations and industrial relations nationwide.
Pastor launches matchmaking platform
Relationship coach and Calabar-based pastor Kingsley Okonkwo has launched a Christian matchmaking platform named Mentor To Marry, offering eight weeks of mentoring, assessments and guided preparation before matches. The platform currently offers Regular (N70,000 yearly), Premium (N350,000 yearly) and VIP (N700,000 yearly) memberships, with a free community option as well. Operated by Love, Dating and Marriage Ministries, the service targets Christians aged 25 and above in Nigeria, including Cross River residents seeking faith-centered relationships.
Archibong Urges Vote Competence
Sir Arthur Jarvis Archibong, the PDP governorship candidate for Cross River, calls on Cross Riverians to vote competence, accountability, and effective governance in the 2027 elections. Speaking after the recent SPAR fire in Calabar and other disasters, he says the state’s disaster response has weakened and deserves leadership with a clear plan. Voters are urged to weigh candidates beyond party lines, ensure inclusive development, and hold leaders to high standards as the 2027 poll approaches.
Calabar Fashion Week 2026
Calabar Fashion Week 2026 visits the Cross River State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Chief Amb. Obi Ayuk Afor, as part of preparations for the November 7–8, 2026 event. The gathering, led by Phronesis Fashion World President Jude Attah, outlines plans to host international designers from the United States and Cameroon alongside Nigerian participants under the theme “Where Culture Meets Couture.” The Commissioner pledges ministry support to advance Cross River’s culture, tourism attractions, and hospitality sectors through the festival.
Otu’s Performance for Second Term
Dr. Bobby Ekpenyong, Director-General of Neighbour2Neighbour, describes Governor Bassey Otu’s three-year record in Cross River State as the strongest case for a 2027 re‑election. He notes improved security, steady salary payments, road建设 across districts, and revived investment as signs of durable progress. Ekpenyong highlights agriculture, the Bakassi Deep Seaport prospects, and ongoing infrastructure as foundations for growth, urging residents to support continuity to sustain gains and attract further investment. The call comes as the state positions itself for continued development.
Biase VC hails sanitation drive
Biase State University’s Vice Chancellor commends Governor Otun’s sanitation drive in Calabar and Cross River, citing a recent journal study on improved hygiene. The program, rolled out across campuses and public spaces in the state, aims to reduce disease transmission and promote clean environments. Officials say the initiative, supported by local health departments, integrates waste management and community education, with ongoing monitoring to measure health gains and ensure sustained compliance from students and residents.
NCC seeks tech for PWDs
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is calling for increased investment in locally developed accessible technologies to bridge digital exclusion and unlock opportunities for millions of Nigerians, including persons with disabilities in Cross River State. At the NCC Hackathon Live Show 2026, executives highlighted AI-powered speech-to-text tools, real-time sign-language translation, voice-enabled platforms, and accessible USSD services as priority solutions. With 20 contestants presenting concepts and five advancing to the finale, officials emphasise industry partnerships to bring these ideas to government agencies, schools, and employers across Nigeria, including Cross River communities.