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Betta Edu at 40: A rare Gloom of Grace, Grit and Greatness

  By Rasheed Olanrewaju Zubair   Birthday tributes are no lengthy religious sermons, but how does one describe in few words a vibrant young in age but exudes the wisdom of a 90 year old?  A woman whose life is defined by fierce empathy for the downtrodden, unwavering service to humanity, and uncompromising love for country?  At 40 Dr. Betta Edu remains a role model for young people, especially young women, uncertain of life directions. As Co-Director of Women Mobilisation of the APC Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), she brings uncommon verve, strategic dexterity and infectious energy to the task of galvanising Nigerian women behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ’s re-election bid.  Her outings so far have been marked by purposeful engagement, formidable grassroots mobilisation, and a refreshing demonstration of political commitment. At the inauguration of the APC PCC, Edu distinguished herself with dignified conduct, measured eloquence, and inspiring remarks t...
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Orok Duke: ‘Until the Lion Writes Its Story, the Hunter Takes the Glory’

Cross River author and politician Rt. Hon. (Otuekong) Orok Otu Duke, Ph.D., has called on minority communities to begin documenting their personal and collective histories, insisting that silence allows others to define their past. Speaking to journalists at the Ernest Etim-Bassey Press Centre in Calabar , Duke linked the appeal directly to his forthcoming presentation of five new books in Abuja on November 5. “Until the lion learns to write ” Duke repeatedly returned to a familiar proverb to drive home his point. “Until the lion learns how to write his own story, the story of the hunt will always celebrate the hunter,” he said. He explained that many communities, particularly those in minority areas, routinely fail to record their experiences — the good, the bad and the not-so-good. The result, he argued, is the gradual loss of communal information, culture and historical memory. “On my own, I found out that a lot of times, we fail to document things about us,” Duke said. “If we do...

Dr. Ekpenyong Urges Nigerians to Embrace Hygiene to Curb Spread of Infectious Diseases

  Public health practitioner and former Cross River State Commissioner for Health , Dr Janet Ekpenyong , has urged Nigerians to maintain proper personal and environmental hygiene as a key measure to prevent the spread of infectious diseases . Dr Ekpenyong made the call while speaking on the Silverbird Breakfast Show on Monday, expressing concern over the reported number of people currently under surveillance for the deadly Ebola virus disease , as the disease exposes how easy it is for infection to cross borders and the challenges faced by global health systems. She explained that Ebola is transmitted through direct contact with the blood and other bodily fluids of an infected person or contaminated materials, stressing the need for strict adherence to preventive measures to minimize the risk of infection, especially in state with reported case already. The former commissioner called on operators of public facilities and other places of public interest to provide functional hand...

Castro Ezama Pays School Fees, Awards Scholarship to Student Sent Home Over Unpaid Fees

  Former Special Adviser on Education, Castro Ezama , has paid the school fees of Alice Williams , a Junior Secondary School Three (JSS3) student of Government Secondary School, Akim Quo Town, Calabar , after meeting her on Marian Road , where she was heading home after being sent away from school over unpaid fees. Ezama, who disclosed this in a statement following the encounter, said he decided to follow Alice to her home, where he met her father, Mr. Okon Williams Friday, a transport officer with Calabar South Local Government Area, who is battling prostate cancer . According to him, the family has been facing severe financial difficulties, with the father's medical condition and treatment expenses reportedly making it difficult for him to meet the family's educational and other basic needs. Ezama said the financial strain had become so overwhelming that Williams could no longer sustain the medical bills at the Navy Reference Hospital . Moved by the family's circums...

EndSARS: Orok Duke Reflects on 20-10-20, Urges Gen Z to Turn Protest Memories into Purpose

Many families are in pains today because their  Means ofivelihood are in flames. Many travellers have strayed and been stranded on the roads, Because we blocked and inhabited the roads. Many have been killed by vagrant And migrant Deviants: Thus distorting, Dislocating, Dissing And disparaging Genuine dissention, With infernal intentions You now have the microphone , Be our megaphone , Melt the quagmire , Acquire  The pedestal , In places of your natal. You need to be heard, Go on and beard The lion in his den. Then, Perspire And expire, For your respite And moment have come. When a mighty animal falls, Different sizes and types of knives  Are bound to come to town, To join the feast - Different beasts abound And the beat goes on. When once you give up the boundary , It will never hold the same again. You cannot stay trapped In one moment forever; Let memory loosen its grip. He who must control the choir, Must focus On the choristers And blend his magnum opus , But,with h...

EVIDENCE GROUP HAS COME TO STAY- HON. PIUS EDET

  The Cross River State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Hon. Pius Edet Ankpo , has declared that the Evidence Group has come to stay, reaffirming the group’s commitment to documenting government achievements and showcasing developmental projects across the state. The Commissioner made the declaration during the Evidence Group event held in Akamkpa Local Government Area , where the importance of evidence-based communication and the documentation of government projects was highlighted. The Evidence Group, with coordinators across local government areas and wards, is focused on documenting ongoing and completed projects, providing verifiable information on government interventions, and keeping citizens informed about developmental activities across Cross River State. Hon. Ankpo’s declaration further reinforces the group’s resolve to promote factual reporting of government activities and showcase projects being executed under the People First administration of Governor Bas...

City Boy Movement Begins Cross River Tour, Inaugurates LG Offices October 27

  The City Boy Movement in Cross River State will commence a statewide tour on October 27, 2026, with the inauguration of local government offices and registration centres as part of efforts to expand its grassroots presence and strengthen its organizational structure across the state. The tour will begin in the Northern Senatorial District , with visits to Obudu , Bekwarra and Obanliku on October 27, followed by Ogoja and Yala on October 28. The Movement will proceed to the Central Senatorial District on October 29, covering Ikom, Boki and Etung, before visiting Obubra, Yakurr and Abi on October 30. Beyond the inauguration of offices, the tour will provide an opportunity to mobilize new members and encourage interested residents to formally register with the Movement. It will also feature engagements focused on communicating the gains of the policies and reform agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ’s Renewed Hope Administration , alongside Governor Bassey Otu ’s People First ag...