Cross River Govt Responds
The Cross River State Government has dismissed viral claims that the Deputy Governor, Peter Odey, was involved in a serious road crash, describing the reports as inaccurate. The incident happened on Sunday, August 9, 2026, when the deputy governor’s convoy was en route from a stakeholder engagement in Northern Cross River State about the Obudu Ranch Resort concession. A Government House bus driver lost control near an Army checkpoint, injuring a few press staff lightly while the deputy governor continued to Calabar. The government urges citizens to rely on official updates for accurate information.
Unity, Professionalism in Land Admin
The Cross River State Commissioner for Lands, Dr Erasmus Ekpang, calls for greater unity, cooperation and professionalism among the Lands Cluster at the Ministry of Lands in Calabar to strengthen land administration and boost revenue generation. Speaking during a cluster meeting, Ekpang outlines a shared direction, transparency and improved coordination as essential to delivering better land services for residents. The effort, supported by the Governor’s land-sector agenda, aims to streamline processes and ensure accountable, coordinated actions across the state. Deadline or follow-up actions will depend on ongoing cluster engagements.
Otu gains automotive support
The Cross River State Governor Bassey Edet Otu’s administration has won fresh backing from automobile technicians and allied operators across Cross River, following the launch of the Unified Automobile Technicians Support Group (UATSG) in Calabar. At the event, UATSG pledged loyalty to Governor Otu and President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections, with the governor’s aide Barr. Ekpenyong Akiba noting the state’s people‑oriented policies and inclusive governance. Leaders highlighted ongoing projects and said UATSG will mobilise grassroots support while the state provides land for an automotive centre to grow the sector.
FG, AGRA push climate-smart farming
Federal Government and AGRA have renewed their commitment to an inclusive, climate-resilient agricultural sector in Nigeria, announced at a high-level Abuja gathering on August 11, 2026. The discussion focused on rapid productivity, climate-smart farming, mechanisation, and sustainable financing, with emphasis on smallholders, women and youths in Cross River State and across the country. The partners highlighted stronger seed systems, wider input access, and better market linkages, urging Cross River farmers to engage with new programs and training to benefit from the initiative.
Ironbar backs Otu’s second term
The Cross River State Chief of Staff, Emmanuel Ironbar, welcomes the Neighbour to Neighbour group as they declare support for Governor Bassey Otu’s bid for a second term. The delegation lauded the administration’s work and urged continued grassroots engagement across the state. Ironbar emphasized inclusive governance and urged supporters to spread the administration’s progress while resisting misinformation, as Cross River residents look toward continued development under Governor Otu in 2027.
UNICAL advances NUC accreditation
UNICAL is intensifying preparations for the upcoming National Universities Commission accreditation, with Vice-Chancellor Prof. Offiong Efanga Offiong directing academic leaders to meet all standards. At a preparedness workshop at the Godswill Akpabio International Conference Centre, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Prof. Anthony Afam Okiwelu urged deans and department chairs to align programmes with NUC requirements, ensuring proper documentation, functional classrooms and laboratories, adequate learning resources, library facilities, current curricula, and qualified staff. The university aims for a strong showing across 27 programmes during the accreditation exercise.
Falcons Struggled After Exit
The Super Falcons report emotional strain after their 1-0 quarter-final defeat to Cameroon at WAFCON in Casablanca, with players openly saying they struggled to eat the following day. Uchenna Kanu’s account highlights the impact on team morale and preparation for the 2027 World Cup playoff path. Nigeria now shifts focus to regroup, training, and the remaining qualification route, aiming to secure a place at global competitions in the months ahead.
PSG vs Aston Villa: Super Cup
The Super Cup final pits Paris Saint-Germain against Aston Villa, kicking off the new European season with a clash that Calabar readers can follow closely. The match, held as the curtain-raiser for the continental campaign, showcases club stars and tactical power as both sides seek early silverware. Fans in Cross River and across Nigeria can watch how these champions translate league momentum into a high-stakes European showdown and set the tone for the coming months.
Cross River Water Supply Pledge
The Cross River State Commissioner for Water Resources, Obol Hon. Moses Osogi, announced at his inaugural meeting with ministry staff that restoring sustainable potable water across the state is his priority. He urged teamwork, punctuality, and accountability, and called for department collaboration to tackle the sector’s challenges. The move aims to boost public health, sanitation, and economic activity, with management and staff expected to drive practical programs and policy implementation under his leadership.
Group backs Otu for re-election
CODE 888 endorses Cross River State Governor Senator Bassey Edet Otu for a second term, announced in Calabar during the unveiling of the Complete the 8 Campaign. The director-general Maurice Nkong says equity, justice and fairness guide the rotational governorship tradition dating back to 1999. Officials highlight achievements in education, healthcare and infrastructure, including school and primary healthcare renovations, teacher and health-worker recruitment, and road rehabilitation across the state. The group will conduct consultations across all 18 local government areas to build public consensus and sustain peaceful democratic engagement.
Lawmaker backs West Africa petrol pricing benchmark
Rep. Ikenga Ugochinyere, the Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream), pledges legislative backing for a transparent West Africa refined fuel pricing benchmark. Speaking at the West Africa Refined Fuel Market 2026 Conference in Abuja on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, he argued for a credible regional price mechanism as West Africa expands its refining capacity. The move, driven by the NMDPRA and regional regulators, aims to replace external price signals with a locally governed benchmark that will influence pricing for Cross River State residents, businesses, and regulators through improved price transparency and compliance.
Dissent as Crime: State Bullying
The Calabar-based piece reports that Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution guarantees freedom of expression and assembly, yet authorities sometimes arrest or harass critics instead of addressing their concerns. Written by Peter Agi, the article argues that the state should separate criticism from crime, respond with data, and open channels for public feedback. It urges proper due process, improved media space, and lawful protest methods as Cross River residents approach shared governance ahead of 2027 elections.
Cross River Assembly Recess Six Weeks
The Cross River State House of Assembly has begun a six-week working recess, with lawmakers returning to their constituencies to consult residents and monitor developments. The recess, announced during the tenure of Speaker Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, runs from August 12, 2026, and ends with plenary reconvening on September 29, 2026. Members will stay accessible, gathering feedback to inform future bills, motions, and oversight while continuing official duties across Cross River State.
NYSC Alumna launches initiative
CyanahPEN, a NYSC corps member serving in Calabar and a University of Calabar alumna, unveils two new schemes to link young creators with mentors and opportunities. The first, When Creatives, Intellect & Influential Converge, offers masterclasses, networking, and a Campus Cascade Plan spanning Calabar to Port Harcourt and beyond. The second, Port Harcourt Suya Hangout, blends informal networking with substantive discussions. The projects aim to build lasting networks for Nigeria’s emerging talents right in Cross River State and across nearby cities.Current date, time, and timezone (ISO): 2026-08-18T22:01:20.041+02:00