Lebuku: Gov’t nearly withdrew support
Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu, represented by his deputy Peter Odey, used the Leboku New Yam festival in Ugep, Yakurr LGA, to condemn recent inter-communal clashes that claimed lives in the area. The state considered pulling support to protect peace, but the government ultimately retained backing to preserve the festival’s aim of promoting peace, unity and dialogue among Yakurr communities. The decision reaffirms commitment to Leboku’s cultural role while urging leaders to maintain stability in the region.
Cobham Preaches Unity and Peace
The Cross River State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Pastor (Hon.) Ekpenyong Ene Cobham, has joined Muslim faithful nationwide in Eid-el-Maulud celebrations. Speaking on behalf of Governor Otu, Cobham commended the values of compassion, humility, justice, and service, urging residents to embrace unity across faiths. He reassured ongoing government support for Muslim communities and called for prayers for lasting peace and security as Nigeria nears electioneering activities, noting Cross River State belongs to all residents regardless of religion.
FG trains vets to eradicate PPR
The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development is training over 60 veterinarians to eradicate Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) in sheep and goats by 2030, aiming to secure farmer livelihoods, boost national revenue, and strengthen food security. The two-day workshop in Nasarawa State covers standardized field methods, data capture, and biosafety to ensure consistent surveillance nationwide. For Cross River residents and livestock businesses, this program promises improved animal health and better disease control across state borders as vaccines and monitoring scale up.
Unical Journalism Admission Opens
The University of Calabar’s Department of Journalism and Media Studies has opened admission for qualified UTME and Direct Entry applicants into its four-year degree programme. Prospective students from Cross River State and across Nigeria should apply through the JAMB portal, selecting the University of Calabar as their first choice. UTME candidates must score at least 150 and have five credit passes, including English and Mathematics. Direct Entry entrants with ND, IJMB, or JUPEB qualifications are also welcome. The department aims to train media professionals with ethical training for societal development.
Cross River trains filmmakers
The Cross River State Government, through the Youth Empowerment Scheme in partnership with the Callywood Department, hosts a masterclass for filmmakers and aspiring creatives in Calabar to grow the state’s creative economy. On August 25, 2026, the event, led by the Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment and the Special Adviser on Callywood, aims to equip participants with practical skills, boost local employment, and promote Cross River culture to wider audiences, positioning the state as a hub for film production and storytelling.
ADC Unveils Recovery Plan
The African Democratic Congress announces its 2027 campaign agenda in Calabar, Cross River State, outlining economic recovery, political restructuring and security reforms. The event on August 25, 2026 features Cross River governorship candidate Amb. Nkoyo Toyo presenting a production‑driven economy plan, with emphasis on local manufacturing, job creation and fiscal federalism. Residents, businesses and students in Cross River will see policy proposals aimed at reducing living costs and expanding local industry, as ADC mobilizes communities to support its national and state campaigns.
Jarvis dares Otu to debate
Arthur Jarvis, a gubernatorial challenger in Cross River, calls on Governor Bassey Otu to participate in an open debate ahead of the 2027 elections. The challenge, issued this week in Calabar, aims to put policy plans and governance priorities on public record. Jarvis says the debate should cover security, jobs, and development strategies for Cross River, with moderators and clear time limits. Otu’s team has not yet confirmed participation, and organizers plan to host the event in Calabar if both camps agree on format and venue within the coming weeks.
Muslim Youth Aid Calabar
The Bogobiri Muslim Youth visited Calabar General Hospital in Calabar, Cross River State, on August 25, 2026, donating cash gifts to 30 patients to help cover medical bills and medications. Secretary-General Hassan Aliyu said the outreach celebrated Eid-el-Maulud and aimed to support the vulnerable regardless of faith. The group’s coordinator, Shaaban Abdullahi Yarima, described the gesture as a practical expression of care aligned with Governor Otu’s People First philosophy. Medical Superintendent Dr. Kenneth Takim welcomed the visit, calling it humanity in action.
PGF, Stakeholders Push Cooperative Autonomy
Cross River residents could see closer, more accountable governance as the Progressive Governors Forum urges state governments and local councils to embrace cooperative autonomy. Speaking in Abuja on August 25, 2026, the PGF director-general outlined how shared responsibility between state and local authorities can improve basic services, transparent budgeting, and community development. The call emphasizes alignment of local plans with state development while preserving council discretion, aiming to boost service delivery for Cross River communities and foster inclusive progress across Nigeria.
US Pause Immigrant Visas Worldwide
The United States has temporarily paused immigrant visa appointments worldwide as part of a global training initiative to help consular officers assess applicants more thoroughly. Since August, some interview slots have been canceled or postponed, with affected applicants awaiting new dates. The State Department says appointments will be rescheduled as the training progresses, and applicants should await further guidance from the relevant embassy or consulate. Cross River residents planning immigrant visa interviews should monitor notices for updated scheduling information.
Captain Cassandra Idagbo: Cross River’s Aviation Pioneer and Cally Air’s Legacy
Captain Cassandra Idagbo, Cross River State’s first female pilot, is highlighted as the state advances its aviation narrative with Cally Air. The piece traces her journey from cabin crew to pilot and notes how her example informs Cross River’s plans to expand aviation training, mentorship, and capacity-building. As Cally Air grows, the article calls for ongoing support for local pilots and educational programs to inspire the next generation in Cross River.
FG Reviews Foreign Scholarships
The Federal Government, led by Education Minister Dr Tunji Alausa, is reviewing foreign scholarship and Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) to cut costs and strengthen Nigerian tertiary institutions. The policy shifts focus from sponsoring students abroad to opportunities at Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. In May 2026, the government pledged about N8 billion to clear backlogs for affected beneficiaries, aiming to boost local capacity for Cross River and other states.
ICPC Raises ₦1.3bn Allocation
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has questioned the Budget Office of the Federation over the inclusion of a non-existent body, the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), in the 2026 Appropriation Act. An ICPC report reveals the council was allocated about ₦1.3 billion, with ₦803 million for personnel, ₦200 million for overhead, and ₦300 million for capital expenditure, yet no disbursement was recorded. The investigation notes gaps in documentation and financial controls, and the Presidency has described PFIPC as fictitious, prompting ongoing probes into the matter and calls for clearer verification of budget allocations.
Otu Launches Calabar Stadium Transformation
Governor Otu has launched a plan to transform the Calabar Sports Stadium into a dual physical-and-virtual sports, tourism and creative economy hub. The initiative, unveiled in Cross River State, follows a two-day Abuja engagement and targets AfCFTA trade opportunities to boost youth empowerment, investment, and local talent markets. The project, endorsed by state officials, includes a roadmap for implementation, a coordination committee, and a national unveiling in Abuja before full rollout in Cross River.