Calabar news in brief for March 18: Wednesday’s top headlines

Strengthen Women’s Role in Democracy

The Goodluck Jonathan Foundation (GJF) is calling for concrete actions to increase women’s participation in Nigerian politics, leadership, and governance. Executive Director Ms Ann Iyonu stated that discussions on this issue have continued for years with limited practical reforms. The foundation advocates for moving beyond talk shows to meaningful policy influence and leadership opportunities for women. This call was made at a high-level policy dialogue in Abuja, which brought together civil society organizations, political leaders, and lawmakers to discuss necessary reforms to bridge the gender gap and dismantle barriers limiting women’s involvement in governance. Source

Gov’s Aide Urges Support for Ailing Journalist

A Special Assistant to Governor Otu has called on members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Calabar to rally around a colleague facing a serious health challenge. The aide emphasized the importance of solidarity within the union, urging members to contribute to support their ailing journalist. This appeal highlights the need for community support within the profession during times of personal hardship. Source

FG Advances Ikom Dam Hydropower Project

The Federal Government is moving forward with the Ikom Dam hydropower project, aiming to advance its development through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. This initiative is set to boost power generation and potentially support financial activities within Cross River State. Further details on the PPP framework and project timelines are expected as the government progresses with the necessary arrangements. Source

UNICAL Announces GST CBT Exam Dates

The University of Calabar (UNICAL) has released the examination schedule for the General Studies (GST) Computer-Based Test (CBT) for the 2025/2026 academic session. All registered students are required to take observe of the examination dates, which are set to commence on March 23, 2026, and conclude on April 4, 2026. Students are advised to check their respective examination venues and times on the university portal and ensure they adhere strictly to the schedule to avoid any disruptions to their academic progress. Source

Cross River Upgrades PHCs, Hospitals

Cross River State has upgraded 100 Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and General Hospitals across the state to enhance healthcare delivery. This initiative aims to improve access to quality medical services for residents, particularly in underserved areas. The upgrades include improved infrastructure, equipment, and staffing to ensure better patient care and health outcomes. This development is part of the state government’s commitment to strengthening its healthcare system. Source