Nigeria urged into BRICS role
India backs a stronger Nigeria role in BRICS, highlighting Nigeria’s size and influence as Africa’s largest economy. The Indian High Commissioner in Nigeria spoke in Abuja, noting Nigeria’s invitation to the 18th BRICS Summit on Sept. 12–13 in New Delhi and the potential to broaden Africa’s representation in global economic governance. Nigeria’s participation is seen as expanding bilateral trade and strengthening cooperation between India and Nigeria for developing nations.
FG equips NiYA skills
The Federal Government has equipped 239,726 Nigerian youths with digital, employability and practical skills through the NiYA program, announced by Youth Minister Ayodele Olawande in Abuja during International Youth Day 2026. The ministry says 1,215,203 certificates have been downloaded from the NiYA platform, with 200 young business owners each receiving N1 million and 200 informal sector participants getting N500,000. The initiative aims to expand opportunities, support youth entrepreneurship, and connect skills to jobs across the country, including Cross River residents.
Cross River Reopens Verification
The Cross River State Government has reopened the personnel verification for serving officers and pensioners who were not captured in the first phase of the Online Personnel Audit. A circular dated August 12, 2026 directs affected individuals to appear before a Committee at designated venues starting Monday, August 17, 2026. Verification will run across Calabar, Yakurr, Biase, Obubra, Ogoja, and Obudu Local Government Areas through August 21, with required documents including NIN, BVN, and appointment letters to be presented.
Otu approves NIFOR palm complex
Governor Bassey Otu approves ₦355.31 million for the Creek Town outstation of the Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR) to build an Administrative and Laboratory Complex with staff housing in Cross River. The project, approved at the State Executive Council meeting, aims to boost oil palm research, climate-smart farming and private investment across the state. It will strengthen research, nursery development and disease management, creating jobs and supporting farmers in Cross River.
Ekpang: Six Years, Three
Dr. Erasmus Ekpang, Cross River State Commissioner for Information, says Governor Bassey Otu’s administration has squeezed six years of development into three, citing progress in roads rehabilitation, solar-powered streetlights, improved security, and new health and transport projects across the state. He noted the Bakassi Deep Seaport, Tinapa, and air connectivity gains as part of ongoing growth while pledging continued support for architectural and infrastructural initiatives that directly impact Cross River residents, workers, and students. Ekpang spoke during a courtesy call with a local publication entourage in Calabar, outlining plans to enhance public service delivery and information management across the state.
Cross River Budget Increase Approved
The Cross River State House of Assembly has approved an upward review of the 2026 Supplementary Appropriation Bill, raising the figure from N961,624,047,275.08 to N963,074,438,018.60, an increase of about N1.45 billion (0.15%). The Committee on Finance and Appropriation presented the revised bill during plenary, citing adjustments to meet additional financial needs including infrastructure capitalization, macroeconomic adjustments, and social interventions. The decision enables the state government to implement priority programs for 2026 and strengthen public service delivery for Cross River residents. The move reflects the Assembly’s role in scrutinizing public expenditure and ensuring resources reach priority projects.
City Boy Rally in OBO
Dr. Martha Agba will lead the City Boy Movement rally in support of APC candidates in the Obudu, Bekwarra and Obanliku (OBO) Federal Constituency of Cross River State ahead of the 2027 general elections. The event, organized by Dr. Agba as National Director of Support Groups, gathers APC leaders, youths, women and community figures from across the three LGAs. The rally aims to mobilise grassroots support for President Tinubu, Governor Otu, and other APC nominees, promote political participation, and connect residents with their representatives as they share aspirations for development.
Umahi Urges Road Controllers
The Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Nweze Umahi, has charged Federal Controllers of Works across the 36 states and the FCT to prioritise Nigerians and take ownership of federal road projects under their supervision. Speaking at a Mabushi, Abuja meeting on August 12, 2026, he urged continuous learning, closer site engagement, and effective supervision with communities directly affected by federal infrastructure. The directive directly affects Cross River residents by guiding how road projects in the state are delivered, monitored, and completed to standard and on time.
UNICROSS VC Wins Youth Award
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), Prof. Francisca Bassey, earns the backing of Cross River youth leaders during a courtesy visit in Calabar on August 13, 2026. She is recognized as the Most Youth-Friendly Vice Chancellor for her focus on student welfare, youth development, and inclusive leadership. The delegation pledges ongoing collaboration to safeguard the university’s peaceful environment and address drug abuse while supporting youth initiatives for Cross River residents and students.
Cross River Littoral Accreditation Hailed
The Cross River State Leaders Forum, led by Hon. Eneji Sam Ashibi, congratulates Governor Bassey Edet Otu on the Federal Government’s accreditation of Cross River as a littoral state, announced on August 13, 2026. The Forum notes that the move, coupled with the unveiling of the Hydrographic and Geophysical Chart for the Bakassi Deep Seaport, positions Cross River to tap its maritime and blue economy potential. This development is expected to boost maritime infrastructure, attract investments, and advance the Bakassi Deep Seaport project for local communities and businesses.
Cross River Assures NUJ Support
The Cross River State Commissioner for Information, Pastor Ekpenyong Cobham, has assured the Nigeria Union of Journalists of the State Government’s unwavering backing after the deaths of veteran journalists Anietie Akpan and Francis Ogar. Speaking at the Ernest Etim Bassey Press Centre in Calabar on August 13, 2026, Cobham pledged a robust partnership with the media and announced plans to reintroduce regular inter-ministerial press briefings to combat misinformation and ensure timely policy dissemination, reinforcing accountability and open governance for Cross River residents.
Academy Urges FG: Health Workforce
The Nigerian Academy of Medical Sciences calls on the Federal Government to intensify actions against the ongoing health‑worker shortage and persistent maternal mortality. The initiative aims to boost training, retention, and welfare for nurses, midwives, and other frontline staff, with emphasis on states including Cross River. The proposal includes funding for facilities, equipment, and ongoing professional development to improve maternal care and emergency services nationwide. Cross River residents are set to benefit from strengthened health facilities, better staffing, and enhanced obstetric care as reforms roll out in coming months.
NiCFoST seeks inclusion in procurement
The Nigerian Council of Food Science and Technology (NiCFoST) calls for licensed food science professionals to be included in implementing Nigeria’s National Guidelines for Public Procurement of Food and Related Services. During a courtesy visit to Abuja, NiCFoST press for registration, licensing, and deployment of qualified experts to oversee procurement, safety, and nutrition across federal, state, and local government projects. The Bureau of Public Procurement and NiCFoST pledge joint efforts to ensure compliant, safe, and nutritious food supply nationwide, with Cross River institutions potentially benefiting from improved oversight and health standards.
FG signs MoU on Co-op
The Federal Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Cooperative Federation of Nigeria and Seamfix Ltd. to deploy the National Cooperative Identity, Trust and Digital Governance Infrastructure. The agreement, signed in Abuja during the National Technical Workshop on Cooperative Sector Digitalisation, will onboard verified cooperatives into the National Cooperative Smart Registry and issue CVNs and CoopIDs. This aims to curb identity gaps, improve access to government programs, loans, and contracts for cooperatives nationwide, including in Cross River State. The initiative will be implemented through state directors of cooperatives and Seamfix, with a nationwide digital architecture that links to a cooperative credit bureau.
Jarvis Archibong Attacks Otu
The PDP governorship candidate for Cross River, Sir Arthur Jarvis Archibong, addressed journalists in the state on August 13, 2026, outlining his vision for 2027 and criticizing Governor Otu’s administration as disconnected from the people. Archibong and his deputy emphasized governance beyond Calabar, arguing that the current administration spends little time in Cross River and that contracts are awarded without adequate oversight. He pledged to involve communities across local government areas and to deliver visible projects if elected.