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.

  • ALGON Chair Hails Chronicle Revamp

    The Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Cross River State chapter, Hon. Yibala Inyang, commends Governor Bassey Otu for revamping the Cross River State Newspaper Corporation in Calabar. During the remodeling ceremony, Inyang announced a ₦36 million donation and urged the 18 local councils to support the Chronicle, aiming to restore its role as a public information platform. He also praised the South-South Community Food Bank initiative and pledged ALGON’s cooperation to extend benefits to grassroots residents.

    CRS admin exam concludes

    Cross River State’s Ministry of Establishment, Training and Pensions has completed a two-day examination for Administrative and Professional Officers at the Calabar Preparatory International School. The exercise is part of the Otu administration’s capacity-building efforts to enhance professionalism and service delivery in the State Civil Service. Permanent Secretary Donatus Esu opened the session, while Commissioner Lawrencia Ita led the planning. Candidates were tested on Federal and State Law, Administrative Law, management principles, personal management, and financial security in government, with results guiding future postings and training plans.

    Cross River Reaffirms Collaboration

    The Commissioner for Livestock, Aquaculture and Fisheries, Hon. Ekpenyong Francis Edet, has reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to sustained collaboration with fishermen and other stakeholders to develop Cross River’s fisheries sector. Speaking during a courtesy visit to his office, the commissioner outlined plans to strengthen data collection, enforce existing regulations, and promote sustainable fishing practices. The Fishermen Association, led by Mr. Arikpo Okoi Eteng, emphasized the need for reliable community data to improve government interventions. The meeting, held at the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries in Calabar, underscored ongoing engagement to safeguard livelihoods and aquatic resources across the state.

    FG IFAD-LIFE-ND Orientation Begins

    The Federal Government and IFAD-LIFE-ND project have begun orientation for 6,100 rural youth and women across six states, including Cross River. The selection followed a large applicant pool, with training focused on seven priority commodities—rice, cassava, plantain, oil palm, cocoa, poultry, and fishery—preparing beneficiaries for sustainable ventures in production, processing, and marketing. Beneficiaries are being onboarding at incubation centres, with more than 60 percent of participants being women. The program runs from 2025 to 2028, supported by a $32 million IFAD loan, and aims to boost food security, job creation, and knowledge exchange in rural communities.

    Tinubu backs SPAR relief Calabar

    The Federal Government, led by President Bola Tinubu, has approved relief for SPAR Mall fire victims in Calabar, Cross River State. First Lady Oluremi Tinubu announced a N450 million package for 18 affected business owners, part of a total N515 million intervention, during a visit to Calabar. The funds aim to cushion losses from the August 22 inferno and help traders recover, with disbursement to begin immediately through federal relief channels. “Specific steps” include verification and prompt payment to beneficiaries.

    Five Years On: Brig Ukpo

    Cross River residents remember Brig. Gen. Anthony Ukpo, who passed away on September 6, 2021, and mark five years since his death with a continuing reflection on his public service. Born in Okpoma, Yala LGA, Ukpo served as Nigeria’s Minister of Information and held key military and political roles, including governance in Rivers State. The memorial highlights his contributions to national information policy and his extensive business ventures, as family and collaborators note his lasting impact on Cross River and the Niger Delta. The remembrance emphasizes family tributes and Ukpo’s legacy in public service and national development.

    Agbor Receives Grassroots Praise

    Commendations pour in for Barr. Gilbert Agbor, the Cross River State Governor’s Special Adviser on Asset Management and Recovery, as community and political leaders applaud his close ties with Etomi, Etung Local Government Area. The Etung New Yam Festival reception on September 4 highlighted his grassroots approach and service-minded leadership. Governor Bassey Otu’s administration is credited with creating opportunities for young people, while Agbor pledges to keep government presence strong at the grassroots. The event underscored ongoing collaboration between leaders and residents ahead of the 2027 elections.

    Bam Bewhutang 2026: Celebrating People

    Cross River writer Julius Akem reports from Obudu LGA, where Bam Bewhutang 2026 brings the community together. On Tuesday, about 300 mothers, widows, and vulnerable residents gathered at the family compound in Ohong Village to share meals and cash gifts, while on Thursday a youth football event offered prizes and medals. The event, now in its second edition, emphasizes unity, support for elders, and youth development in Ohong and surrounding communities.

    NPBA Urges Agricultural Research Investment

    The Nigerian Plant Breeders Association (NPBA) calls for stronger investment in agricultural research and plant breeding to boost productivity and food security nationwide. At a Abuja news conference, NPBA President Prof. Victor Adetimirin outlined plans for the 2026 NPBA Annual Conference, set for September 23–24 in the Federal Capital Territory, focusing on translating breeding innovations into practical solutions for farmers, processors, and markets. Cross River farmers could gain from improved crop varieties, better supply chains, and stronger public–private partnerships. The event emphasizes turning scientific advances into local economic opportunities and resilient farming systems.

    Ipem Ihihe 2026 Winners

    The Mr and Miss Ipem Ihihe 2026 pageant, held in Cross River State’s Bekwarra community, concluded with cash prizes presented by the Central Planning Committee. The overall winners each received ₦500,000, while runners-up earned ₦300,000 and ₦200,000 respectively. The ceremony highlighted Bekwarra culture and youth engagement, with organizers and sponsors praising contestants for discipline and participation as cultural heritage was celebrated and supported by local leaders.

    NSCDC intensifies mining crackdown

    Cross River residents should note that the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has announced a nationwide intensification of enforcement against illegal mining. The Mining Marshals will expand patrols and seize equipment where operators lack proper licences, with prosecutions for violators. In Cross River, communities in Yakurr, Akamkpa, and northern areas are expected to see heightened inspections as part of the campaign to sanitise the solid minerals sector. Operators are urged to regularise licences and adhere to safety and environmental rules.

    EFCC Demands State Funds Review

    Public affairs lawyer Deji Adeyanju has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to scrutinize how state revenues are spent, following the EFCC’s performance update under Chairman Ola Olukoyede. The call comes as the commission reports broad asset recovery and prosecutions, while stressing that fighting corruption must extend beyond recovering funds. Between October 2023 and June 2026, EFCC says it recovered substantial sums and secured thousands of convictions. Adeyanju emphasizes that Nigerians, including Cross River residents, deserve transparency on how additional resources are allocated and spent, especially after subsidy removal.

    Infrastructural Decay in Ikom

    Ikom, Cross River State, faces persistent neglect in roads and electricity, according to Ebaye Akonjom, former Chairman of Ikom LGA. He notes that Ikom has lacked consistent power for nearly two decades and suffers severely degraded streets, contrasting with improvements in other Cross River towns like Ogoja and Ugep. Akonjom urges the state government and high-level leaders to deliver essential infrastructure, including roads and dependable electricity, to uplift the commercial hub and its residents. The piece calls for urgent action to restore basic services in Ikom metropolis.

    Kolenda Calabar Four-Day Crusade

    Cross River State’s Calabar will host a four-day gospel crusade from November 12–15, 2026, led by Christ For All Nations (CfaN). Evangelist Daniel Kolenda heads the event, with Rev. John Darku and Apostle Trinity Ogar announcing plans to spark spiritual renewal and connect attendees with local Calabar churches for ongoing discipleship. The venue is not yet fixed, with Calabar International Conference Centre or UJ Esuene Stadium among possibilities, and organizers expect broad participation for the Cross River audience.Current date, time, and timezone (ISO): 2026-09-15T22:00:21.645+02:00

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