Cross River Flags Off Curriculum
The Cross River State Universal Basic Education Board flags off the distribution of revised curriculum materials, instructional resources, sports equipment, and sanitation facilities to 1,084 public primary schools across all 18 Local Government Areas. The initiative, backed by the state education team and partners, aims to improve teaching and learning. The exercise starts this week in Calabar Municipal and will extend until all public primary schools receive the printed materials and teaching aids.
Odey Orders NAPTAN Elections
The Cross River State Commissioner for Education, Professor Stephen Odey, has directed the National Parent-Teacher Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN) to conduct immediate elections in the state chapter and to accelerate completion of ICT centres in selected schools. The directive, issued in Calabar on July 7, 2026, aims to improve transparency and strengthen collaboration between government and education partners. NAPTAN will follow constitutional procedures to transition leadership, while government officials urge faster work on the ICT projects to enhance digital learning for students.
O’ben-Etchi to Chair Ofu Oban
The Cross River State Forestry Commission Chairman, Rt. Hon. Dr. George O’ben-Etchi, accepts an invitation to chair the Ofu Oban Cultural Festival, set for November 7, 2026. A delegation from the Ejagham nation, led by Leo Ndifon, formally handed him the role during a courtesy visit to his office. The move aligns with Governor Otu’s cultural-preservation drive and aims to boost community ties, youth empowerment, and local development across Cross River communities. Dr. O’ben-Etchi’s acceptance emphasizes unity, Ubuntu values, and the festival’s role in showcasing Oban’s rich heritage while fostering collaborative progress across the state.
Rev. Eze celebrates widows
Rev. Dr. Nicholas Ogbonaya Eze, General Overseer of Christ for the World Mission Incorporated, marked his 79th birthday by hosting widows at the Calabar-based State Ministry of Women Affairs multipurpose hall. He spoke about his personal commitment to supporting widows and urged the community to stand with them. The Cross River Commissioner for Women Affairs led a GBV awareness segment, and donors provided bags of rice, beans, and cash. The celebration also featured a novelty football match and a thanksgiving service at the church.
Cross River NADDC Automotive Deepen
The Cross River State Government and the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) are expanding collaboration to boost Nigeria’s automotive sector from Calabar. On July 7, 2026, during a courtesy visit to NADDC in Abuja, state officials pressed for a vehicle assembly plant in Calabar, a regional spare-parts hub, and an Automotive Training Centre to build local skills. NADDC reiterated support for local content, EV maintenance training, and a pilot electric bus scheme to accelerate Cross River’s move toward increased manufacturing and job opportunities.
C’River Health Commissioner NMA Nomination
Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, Cross River State Commissioner for Health, has been nominated for the Nigerian Medical Association’s Distinguished Service Award by the Cross River NMA chapter. The nomination was formally presented at his Calabar office on Monday by NMA state chairman Dr. Ezoke Epoke, who lauded ongoing health reforms under Governor Bassey Otu, including increased health budgeting, workforce expansion, and primary healthcare revitalization. Ayuk thanked the NMA and reiterated the administration’s commitment to strengthening Cross River’s healthcare delivery amid state reforms.
FRSC Recruitment Opens for Obudu Indigenes
The Obudu Local Government Chairman, Hon. Peter Akonfe Undiandeye, has urged qualified Obudu indigenes to apply for the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) recruitment during the ongoing nationwide exercise. The call, issued in Calabar on July 7, 2026, highlights that applicants with B.Sc., HND, ND, OND, NCE, or SSCE qualifications meeting FRSC requirements are eligible. Applications are to be submitted through the official FRSC portal and the process is free of charge, with candidates advised to avoid fraud and follow official guidelines.
UniCal suspends 19 students
The University of Calabar (UniCal) has suspended 19 students for one academic session due to alleged examination misconduct, following recommendations by the Students’ Disciplinary Committee. The suspension order, signed by the Director of Administration, was issued in Calabar and shared with the News Agency of Nigeria. Affected students will resume in the 2026/2027 academic session, with deans and heads of departments enforcing the directive across faculties, including administration, social sciences, biological sciences, arts, education, and allied disciplines.
Fuel Prices May Ease
Motoring Nigerians could see lower petrol and diesel prices in coming weeks as OPEC+ agrees to raise crude output by 188,000 barrels per day starting next month. The cross-border effect may help Nigeria, including Cross River residents, by easing imported fuel costs, though experts warn the impact depends on demand, exchange rates, and domestic pricing. Local motorists should watch for price changes after the adjustment takes effect.
Senate Warns South Africa
The Nigerian Senate, led by Cross River South Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, has urged the Federal Government to reassess diplomatic ties with South Africa if xenophobic attacks on Nigerians persist. The motion cited reports of renewed hostility and a June 30, 2026 ultimatum issued to foreigners. Parliament directs the Foreign Affairs Ministry to engage South African authorities, the Nigerian High Commission to monitor the situation, and relevant committees to investigate, safeguarding Nigerians abroad and maintaining bilateral relations.
Calabar: Police-Okada Clash
Hundreds of Okada riders flooded Calabar’s 8 Miles area on Tuesday afternoon and into the evening, protesting police action and the confiscation of bikes. Security operatives clashed with riders, who responded by blocking roads and setting bonfires as barricades to halt vehicular movement into and out of the Cross River State capital. The confrontation underscored mounting tensions between commercial motorcyclists and police, with riders accusing officers of heavy-handedness while authorities insist on enforcing regulations in the metropolis.
Cross River sacks contractor
The Cross River State Government terminates the contract for the Obanliku/Obudu/Abuochiche/Mfom/Okpoma road with Messrs Sydney Construction Nigeria Limited, citing poor performance. A team led by the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure reviews the project and finds unsatisfactory progress and failure to meet contractual requirements. The government confirms that N5 billion released to the company was not used as agreed, and the contract is being reassessed and re-awarded to a more capable firm to deliver critical road connectivity benefiting residents across Cross River.
Urban Centre Forgets Purpose: UGI
The Ugep Global Initiative reports that recent campaigns against Ugep, including a petition to relocate the LGA Secretariat and a controversial essay, rely on a disputed narrative. It cites the 2024 Communiqué, the 2024 land agreement, and court filings as the documentary record showing Ugep’s built infrastructure and shared use of facilities. The group argues for truth, legal channels, and a durable settlement through official processes to protect Yakurr communities and public institutions. It notes ongoing court cases and law enforcement actions as part of a peaceful path forward.