Today’s News Brief

A look at today’s news and events in and around Calabar and Cross River State that you need to know.

  • Cobham Becomes Cross River Spokesman

    Pastor Ekpenyong Cobham has taken over as Cross River State’s spokesman, while Ayuk Arikpo and other executive members swear an oath of office as part of the state’s new executive council lineup. The ceremony, held at the Ministry of Information in Calabar, formalizes Cobham’s role in communications and public messaging for the Otu administration. The oath-taking reinforces ongoing governance efforts aimed at transparent information sharing with Cross River residents, extending to state media briefings, public inquiries, and coordinated communications across ministries.

    Netherlands backs Nigeria migration reforms

    The Federal Government of Nigeria and the Netherlands have reaffirmed their cooperation on Nigeria’s migration reforms and border management during a handover ceremony in Abuja. The Netherlands’ Charge D’Affaires, Ronald Sonnemans, announced continued support, praising improvements in Nigeria’s immigration service and the Hostmanship initiative. The event also highlighted the Mobile Team Project and a forthcoming leadership program for senior NIS officers, set to begin in September with support from Dutch experts, reinforcing cross-border security and service delivery for Nigerians, including Cross River residents.

    NCPC extends 2026 pilgrimage

    The Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) has renewed its contracts with accredited service providers for the 2026 Israel and Jordan pilgrimage. The agreement, signed in Abuja, ensures seamless operations and safety for Nigerian pilgrims. Executive Secretary Bishop Stephen Adegbite highlights due diligence and approval by the Bureau of Public Procurement, while promising security assessments and ongoing monitoring of regional developments to safeguard travelers. The commission credits past evacuations and urges continued professionalism from partners.

    AIG posted to Zone 6

    Cross River residents should note that the Nigerian Police Service Commission has announced new postings. AIG Rashid Afegbua has been posted to Zone 6, with AIG Bassey Ewa and other senior officers receiving new appointments within the zone. The moves are part of a nationwide reshuffle aimed at rebalancing leadership across commands. The postings take effect immediately, and Cross River communities may see changes in coordination with state police commands to enhance security and operational efficiency.

    Dr Coco-Bassey Commends Gov Otu

    Cross River State Governor Otu has approved a policy setting 65 years of age or 40 years in service as the retirement benchmark for health workers in the state. The Office of the Head of Service announces the move to address staff shortages arising from ongoing retirements, ensuring continuity in care. Dr. Coco-Bassey Esu says the measure will let experienced nurses stay on as mentors, help fill gaps, and sustain healthcare delivery across Cross River. The Special Assistant on Nursing will coordinate with the Ministry of Health to implement the policy for residents.

    SAPZ policy to spur growth

    The Federal Government has unveiled the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) policy to drive agro-industrial growth, attract private investment, and strengthen food security nationwide. At a stakeholders workshop in Abuja on the SAPZ draft, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, emphasized policy coherence, partnerships, and a predictable business environment to ease investment. The plan targets smallholder farmers, aiming to integrate them into modern value chains through out-grower schemes and guaranteed markets, with opportunities for youths and women in agribusiness and related sectors. Cross River residents can expect the policy to widen investment, improve access to markets, and boost local production as the SAPZ framework expands to more zones across the country. The discussion, held in July 2026, frames SAPZ as a bridge between farming and global markets, potentially benefiting Cross River State growers, processors, and small-scale enterprises through improved governance and investment flows.

    Security Summit Kicks Off Calabar

    The Cross River State Government kicks off the 2026 Security Summit with a city-wide anti-terror awareness roadshow in Calabar on July 28, 2026, ahead of the main event on July 30 at the Metropolitan Hotel. Led by government officials and security chiefs, the effort aims to unite residents in vigilance and information sharing under the theme Unite Against Terror, highlighting collective responsibility for safety in Calabar and across Cross River.

    Cross River Approves N525m Institute

    The Cross River State Executive Council has approved the construction of a modern Administrative and Laboratory Complex for the National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI) Outstation at Mile 6, Obubra Local Government Area, to boost food security and agricultural development. The project includes staff housing and related facilities and was approved at EXCO on Tuesday, July 28. The move aims to strengthen root and tuber crop research, improve local farming interventions, and support rural economic transformation in Cross River.

    Nigeria launches Decade of Gas

    Nigeria’s federal government has launched the National Grassroots LPG Penetration Programme under the Decade of Gas initiative, kicking off with a Bayelsa State activation on Tuesday, July 28, 2026. The program aims to expand access to liquefied petroleum gas for cleaner, safer cooking and to drive a nationwide rollout that will reach Cross River and other states. Officials say the plan will guide households toward LPG, with a 2030 target of 5 million Nigerian homes adopting clean cooking solutions, supported by key industry partners.

    WAEC Chief Examiner on Math

    Cross River students and teachers should note that WAEC’s Chief Examiner for General Mathematics, Samson Olubenga Otunubi, says regular practice and consistency are essential to mastering the subject. Speaking from Abuja, Otunubi emphasises that a fear of Mathematics can be overcome with steady problem solving, better teaching methods, and parental support. He warns against lowering Mathematics standards and urges Cross River schools to provide qualified teachers and adequate materials while integrating AI as a learning aid, not a replacement. This guidance is aimed at improving performance in WAEC exams and broadening future study and career opportunities for Cross River learners.

    FG funds tertiary education

    The Federal Government, led by Education Minister Dr Tunji Alausa, says it has invested more than N1 trillion in Nigeria’s tertiary education sector over two years, removing financial barriers for qualified students. In Abuja, Alausa outlined reforms including new hostels, rehabilitated classrooms, engineering workshops, and modern medical facilities to strengthen learning environments. Cross River residents and students will benefit from expanded access and better training facilities across federal universities, colleges, and health-related institutions in the country, with ongoing infrastructure and capacity-building investments aimed at global competitiveness.

    Calabar Hospital Denies Sponsoring Thugs

    The Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Calabar, says a viral report alleging that its Acting Medical Director hired thugs to confront protesters is a fabrication designed to smear leadership over a disputed appointment. In a Tuesday statement, management said security was on site before, during, and after the brief protest at the hospital gate, and that no staff or officials invited or mobilised violence. They urged aggrieved parties to contact the Ministry and welcomed an independent probe.

    Showdown in Nigeria’s Aviation

    A fresh industrial dispute is brewing in Nigeria’s aviation sector as aviation workers, led by the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) and the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), have issued a final seven-day ultimatum to airline operators and other bodies that have not remitted statutory Ticket Sales Charges (TSC). The deadline follows an earlier 14-day notice, and if unpaid, workers may begin nationwide picketing, potentially disrupting operations and affecting Cross River residents and travelers nationwide. The unions say the non-remittance threatens the financial stability of aviation agencies responsible for safety oversight, airport operations, and related services.Current date, time, and timezone (ISO): 2026-08-01T22:00:33.233+02:00

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