Calabar news brief for Tue 14 July 2026

Calabar is juggling new community policing patrols, digital project systems, and major roadworks while residents push for safer campuses and transparent probes after recent mob violence.

Cross River Police Youth Partnership

The Cross River State Police Command and the Cross River Youth Council have announced a new partnership on community policing in Calabar and across Cross River. The collaboration aims to boost public safety through joint patrols, youth mentorship, and community reporting channels. Officials say the partnership, announced on July 13, 2026, will involve training for youth volunteers, establishment of neighborhood watch programs, and closer feedback between residents and police. The move seeks to strengthen trust, reduce crime, and improve service delivery for Cross River residents.

Snakes find haven in Cross River

Cross River residents report snakes and other reptiles are using the overgrown bushes at Teachers Continuous Training Institute (TCTI) Biase as a safe haven. The institute has not recorded snake bites, but insiders say some reptiles have been killed on site. Officials urge keeping the area clean, with sources noting a request from the local Chief of Ibogo to clear grass during June 2026 sanitation. The story highlights management concerns and calls for improved bush clearance and ongoing maintenance to ensure safety for staff and students.

Obo Jnr Hosts Youth Congress

Comr. Daniel Obo Jnr, Vice President (South-South) of the Nigeria Youth Congress, hosts leaders from NYC, Ashiwaju Connect, and other caucus groups at his Calabar residence in Cross River State. The gathering focuses on strengthening grassroots mobilization and boosting youth participation ahead of future elections. Delegates discuss voter education, public enlightenment on APC achievements, and plans to engage young residents in governance. Obo thanks participants and reaffirms commitment to ongoing youth development and democratic participation, stressing unity among Cross River youths.

Calabar Hosts Media Convergence Week

Calabar in Cross River State will host the maiden Information, Press and Media/PRO Convergence Week 2026, a five‑day gathering for campus information directors, PROs, media advisers, and student journalists. The event runs July 27–31, 2026, at Tynawhite Eatery near the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, and will offer hybrid attendance with livestream options. Organised by CyanahPEN and partners, the programme aims to strengthen collaboration, promote credible information sharing, and address misinformation and AI’s role in media across Cross River institutions. Participation is open to Cross River teams, with free registration for verified campus PROs and student media practitioners; moderators and volunteers can still apply for breakout sessions.

Nigeria joins undersea cable initiative

Nigeria has joined a global effort to strengthen submarine internet cables, aiming to protect the backbone that carries most international data. The initiative seeks better cable maintenance, faster repairs, and coordinated investment to reduce outages. For Cross River State, this means more reliable online services for government, schools, businesses, and residents, with improved resilience against disruptions. The move positions Nigeria to work with international partners to safeguard digital infrastructure and ensure steady internet access for Calabar and surrounding communities.

SUBEB Starts Digital Project Training

Cross River State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) has begun a three-day digital project management training for its Physical Planning Department staff, in Calabar and across the state, to strengthen project monitoring and accountability. Facilitated by Neptune Apps Limited, the program introduces a centralized platform to replace manual reporting, enabling real-time tracking and quicker decision-making. Attendees heard how digital tools will improve efficiency and transparency in project supervision, with officials urging active participation.

E-procurement initiative underway

The Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) Director-General Dr. Adebowale Adedokun confirms that Nigeria is rolling out a digital, sector-based procurement framework to improve efficiency and transparency in public service delivery. The plan, announced in Abuja, includes a centralised e-procurement platform and new rules to streamline bidding across MDAs. Cross River institutions, schools, and hospitals stand to benefit from faster contracting, clearer guidelines, and reduced delays as the system goes live nationwide this year.

BPP unveils food procurement guidelines

On July 13, 2026, the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) unveiled the National Guidelines for Public Procurement of Food and Related Services to promote healthier diets and improve public health across Nigeria, including Cross River State. The policy targets public institutions such as schools, hospitals, correctional centres, and military formations, guiding procurement choices toward locally produced foods and nutrition standards. In Cross River, implementing agencies are expected to align purchasing rules with the guidelines to boost food safety, support farmers, and strengthen local supply chains.

CBM targets 10m youth votes for Tinubu

The City Boy Movement (CBM) has announced a nationwide push to mobilise 10 million youths to back President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections. The call came during the opening dinner of the 2026 CBM National Retreat in Abuja, with leaders from across the federation outlining grassroots strategies. Cross River youths, students and workers should note the plan, as the effort aims to shape political engagement and public discourse nationwide, including Cross River communities, ahead of the 2027 polls.

NEMA-ABU Disaster Partnership

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, are strengthening their collaboration to boost disaster risk management, research, capacity building and institutional resilience in Nigeria. The agreement aims to improve training, data sharing and coordinated responses across states, including Cross River. Through joint projects and capacity-building initiatives, officials say communities will benefit from better early warning, planning and emergency relief. Cross River institutions and residents should stay informed about new training opportunities and joint programs.

IFAS condemns mob justice

The Indigenous Forum for Advocacy and Security (IFAS) condemns the mob attack on two women in Calabar and calls for an independent probe. The organization emphasizes accountability and requests lawmakers, security agencies, and relevant authorities to investigate the incident and ensure justice. Residents and visitors in Cross River are reminded to report such violence to prevent further harm, with IFAS urging timely action and transparency from involved institutions.

APC Cross River Engages Media

The APC Cross River State leadership, led by State Chairman Hon. Chris Agibe Sunny Etta, holds an interactive session with journalists at the NUJ Press Centre in Calabar to discuss governance, party activities, and media relations. The meeting aims to boost information flow, address access to official responses, and foster closer ties between party officials and media workers. NUJ CRS Chair Archibong Bassey commends the move, urging continued collaboration for balanced reporting.

UNICROSS Leadership Under Bassey

Prof. Francisca Bassey leads the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) in Calabar with a renewed push on infrastructure, renewable energy and international collaboration. The administration is installing solar power at the Administrative Block to ensure reliable electricity, reduce costs, and boost campus efficiency. UNICROSS is expanding academic excellence through research and global partnerships, highlighted by the university’s participation in the IATATA Conference in Cape Verde from July 6–9, 2026. This strategy strengthens Cross River education and international engagement.

The New Face Of Calabar: A Transformation Story

The Cross River State government led by Governor Bassey Edet Otu is delivering a broad urban renewal in Calabar, with major road rehabilitation, roundabout redesigns, and upgraded public spaces. In the past year, officials say cleanliness and security have improved as the public water system was restored and streets are cleaner. Commissioner for Information Erasmus Ekpang notes a comprehensive plan to upgrade infrastructure and urban life, while Police Commissioner Gyogon Grimah highlights stronger security for residents and investors. Religious and traditional leaders acknowledge noticeable progress, predicting sustained growth if the current pace continues. Calabar’s tourism profile is expanding as the tourism bureau promotes the city, and ongoing projects are described as foundational to a more livable, safer, and aesthetically enhanced capital of Cross River State.