Calabar news in brief for March 20: Friday’s top headlines

State Expands Traceability Advocacy

The Cross River State Government is extending its traceability advocacy efforts to the Central and Northern Senatorial Districts. This initiative aims to enhance food safety and consumer confidence by ensuring that food products can be traced from their origin to the point of sale. The expansion follows successful advocacy in the Southern District, demonstrating the government’s commitment to improving agricultural practices and market transparency across the entire state. This move is expected to benefit farmers, businesses, and consumers by encouraging a more accountable and reliable food supply chain. Source

Nigeria Tackles Child Malnutrition

Nigeria is implementing a multi-faceted approach to combat child malnutrition, focusing on the critical first 1,000 days from conception to a child’s second birthday. This strategy involves strengthening nutrition interventions, promoting exclusive breastfeeding, and addressing food insecurity. Initiatives like the distribution of Small Quantity Lipid-Based Nutrient Supplements (SQ-LNS) in Bauchi State and the provision of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) in Katsina are key parts. The Federal Government has also revised its National Policy on Food and Nutrition to match with research and global best practices, aiming to reduce malnutrition and improve overall child health and development across the nation. Source

NIPR Commends Governor Otu’s Projects

The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has lauded Governor Bassey Otu’s commitment to infrastructure development in Cross River State following a tour of ongoing projects. The commendation highlights the administration’s dedication to enhancing the state’s physical development and improving the quality of life for its residents. This recognition underscores the positive effect of the governor’s initiatives on the state’s progress. Source

Unicross Matriculates 7,105 Students

The University of Cross River State (Unicross) has matriculated 7,105 students for the 2023/2024 academic session. Vice-Chancellor Prof. Austin O. Oko, urged the new students to pursue academic excellence and adhere to university regulations during the ceremony held on the university campus. This intake represents a significant number of new students joining the institution, aiming to encourage a strong academic environment within Cross River State. Source

Aviation Commissioner Inspects Obudu Airport

The Commissioner for Aviation, Calabar, Comrade Bassey Okon, has inspected the ongoing construction of the Obudu International Cargo and Passenger Airport. He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to completing the project, emphasizing its importance for regional development and financial growth. The inspection aimed to assess progress and address any challenges hindering the airport’s timely completion. This initiative underscores the administration’s dedication to enhancing infrastructure and boosting connectivity within Cross River State. Source

Commissioner Lukpata Honored

Cross River State Commissioner for International Donor Coordination, Elder Dr. Hippolatus Ogar Lukpata, was inducted as a Fellow of the African Institute of Public Health Professionals on March 17, 2026. The ceremony, held in Port Harcourt, recognized his significant contributions to public health practice. Dr. Lukpata, the sole inductee from Cross River State, expressed gratitude and commitment to upholding global standards in public health services, emphasizing its role as the foundation of preventive healthcare. Source