Calabar Student Leaders Transform Media
Student communicators from Cross River State higher institutions gather at the University of Calabar Radio Station for the Information, Press/PRO & Media Convergence. Directors of Information and Public Relations from UNICAL, UNICROSS, the College of Nursing Sciences, and the College of Health Science, Technology and Management participate to deepen collaboration and strengthen campus media. They discuss crisis reporting, trusted information, and shared branding, and plan trained campus media teams, weekly bulletins, and a cross‑institution mentorship network.
CRS Exposes Employment Scam
The Cross River State Government states that protesters in Calabar claim they were unpaid LG salaries were victims of a fraudulent employment syndicate, not a state payroll shortfall. The Local Government Service Commission chair says no legitimate local government worker is owed salaries and that investigations found forged appointment letters used by scammers. An official panel has completed its work and will publish recommendations within two weeks, while those involved will face lawful action.
Bangladesh’s agriculture lessons for Nigeria
The NAN report by Chinasa Nwankwo, published July 30, 2026, details how Bangladesh rebuilt its farms and financing to benefit smallholder farmers, a model experts say Nigeria can adapt. It highlights microfinance foundations, farmer clusters, and training to meet standards, with Bangladeshi officials noting potential gains in contract farming and blue-water economies. The piece argues Nigeria could mirror this approach to boost food security, create jobs, and improve rural livelihoods through sustainable financing and community-led development.
FCCPC, LASCOPA price labeling warning
Cross River residents should note that the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) have warned businesses to comply with price display, clear labeling, and refund policies. At a stakeholder engagement in Lagos, the FCCPC chief outlines sanctions, including possible shop sealing, for non-compliance. Businesses nationwide, including Cross River operators, must ensure price tags are transparent, labels accurate, and refund rights respected to protect consumers and sustain fair trade.
NUJ CRS Communique: Calabar Issues
The Nigeria Union of Journalists, Cross River State Council, gathered at the Ernest Etim Bassey Press Centre in Calabar for its July 2026 Congress. The delegates released a communique addressing welfare for members, environmental degradation, NEWMAP revival, waste management, road safety, and gratuity payments to retirees. They urged government agencies to enforce regulations, protect erosion-prone areas, and accelerate relief payments, stressing professional responsibility and public-interest reporting as foundational to Cross River’s development. Delegates called for prompt action and continued collaboration with stakeholders.
Fake overseas jobs alarm
Cross River residents and Nigerian youths are warned as the Global Anti-Human Trafficking Organisation raises concerns over fake overseas job offers that lure youths to Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, and Senegal. The group says many fall into debt bondage, forced labour, and exploitation after accepting travel-based promises. Calabar youths and parents are urged to verify offers, avoid upfront payments, and seek government guidance. Authorities call for stronger cross-border cooperation to protect vulnerable people.
Landslide site assessed in Calabar
NEMA and CR-SEMA have jointly assessed a major landslide along the Inland Waterways/Navy Jetty axis of Adas Junction near Marina Road, Old Town, Calabar, following heavy rains. The evaluation took place on July 28, 2026, as part of ongoing disaster risk reduction efforts. Officials noted an underground drainage collapse that created a deep gully, disrupting nearby businesses but with no reported loss of life. Residents are advised to avoid the area until engineering safety measures are in place, while the government prepares urgent interventions.
Military vows neutrality in elections
The Armed Forces of Nigeria affirm their neutrality and professionalism ahead of the 2027 General Elections, speaking at a Defence Headquarters seminar in Abuja. The Chief of Defence Staff emphasizes strict neutrality, human rights adherence, and coordination with INEC and police under ICCES to ensure peaceful polls. Cross River residents should expect continued security support that stays apolitical, with emphasis on safeguarding voters, infrastructure, and civil authorities. Security officials say lessons from Ekiti, Kano, and other states will guide future operations, focusing on joint planning, rapid response, and adherence to the Code of Conduct as elections approach in 2027.
Stronger INEC-media partnership urged
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja have urged a closer INEC-media partnership ahead of the 2027 general elections, during NAN’s Democracy Roundtable on July 30, 2026. The leaders emphasized voter education, election monitoring, and combating misinformation as essential. NAN’s management vowed continued support for credible elections, while NUJ officials highlighted transparency, timely information, and inclusive participation. Cross River residents should expect enhanced public information, clearer electoral timelines, and better access to verified results as these collaborations unfold before the 2027 polls.
Kalu: State Police Neutral
The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, says Nigeria’s move to establish state police must not be used to suppress opponents. Speaking at the 2026 South-East Regional Security Summit, he urged transparency, accountability, and professionalism in policing. He emphasized safeguards to prevent abuse and urged collaboration among federal and state authorities, security agencies, and communities. The remarks stress protecting citizens’ rights while addressing security threats, with constitutional reform offering a chance to strengthen safety nationwide.
UNICAL VC on accreditation standards
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar (UNICAL), Professor Offiong Efanga Offiong, has declared that accreditation remains non-negotiable and that the university will not compromise on academic quality. Represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research, Linkages and Collaborations), the VC spoke during the College of Education Annual Lecture Series themed “Accreditation for University Programmes.” He emphasized accreditation as a pillar of quality education, urging faculties to ensure programmes meet National Universities Commission standards for credibility and improved learning facilities for students.
Apostle Stella Archibong Emerges
Apostle Dr. Stella Archibong has emerged as the Cross River State National Democratic Congress (NDC) deputy governorship candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections. Archibong, founder of Divine Global Missions, is noted for her leadership roles in Cross River politics, including past service with the SDP and as a state party chair. Her candidacy highlights a focus on governance, women’s participation, and community empowerment through faith-based leadership; she aims to push inclusive development and public service reform in the state. Archibong’s team states she will pursue reform, accountability, and social programs if elected, with campaigning set to begin across Cross River ahead of election day.
INEC Wants Military Presence Exception
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) chair Prof. Joash Amupitan says the deployment of the Nigerian Armed Forces during elections should remain an exception, not the rule. Speaking at a seminar in Abuja, he notes the police as the lead agency for security before, during and after polls, with the military providing support only when threats exceed civil capacity. The remarks aim to keep electoral processes credible and constitutional, with ongoing discussions among security agencies to strengthen collaboration while avoiding routine military involvement.
Gov OtU Reaffirms Disaster Preparedness
Governor Otu reaffirms Cross River disaster readiness as officials conclude the cross-river flood simulation in Calabar and other communities with support from NEMA. The move strengthens local flood-response plans, evacuation protocols, and early-warning measures. Authorities say the exercise tested coordination among state agencies, communities, and responders to protect residents, infrastructure, and critical services during severe weather events, with lessons guiding ongoing preparedness efforts. Current date, time, and timezone (ISO): 2026-08-04T22:00:48.971+02:00.