Detailing News

  Band Leader of TINKORIKO, a group that embodies Calabar cultural heritage, Rt. Hon. Orok Otu Duke, PhD has expressed profound appreciations to Governor Bassey Edet Otu for granting special recognition to the group to feature in the Calabar carnival Calendar.  In an appreciation message, Orok conveyed deep gratitude to the governor, stating that the single benevolent act of incorporating the carnival into the festival calendar is not only novel but a restoration of the rich cultural heritage and history of Calabar.  He also thanked him who has physically participated in the street parade for several editions and for also donating cash support, to boost the operations of the group.  Orok Duke, who currently represents the state on the Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission - NDDC, assured the Otu led administration of continued support and the protection of reverred historical artifacts spread around the state.  With this approval, TINKORIKO Parade now ...

  Yesterday the 5th day of January 2026, Stakeholders across Northern Cross River State have commended Senator Professor Stephen Adi Odey for what they described as consistent, people-centred leadership, following a massive empowerment programme held in Yache, Yala Local Government Area. The gathering was also a new year celebration with Yache nation and  Odey's supporters across the North.  Addressing beneficiaries and community leaders, Senator Odey said his decision to give was driven by compassion and not surplus, urging residents to imbibe a culture of sharing and consistency in loyalty. He disclosed that the empowerment cut across the five local government areas of Northern Cross River, with emphasis on entrepreneurship, unity, and grassroots development. As part of the intervention, the Senator distributed 32 sewing machines, allocating two machines to each of the 14 wards in Yala, alongside 17 brand-new motorcycles, over 200 bags of rice, and several cash grants t...

In a vibrant celebration marked by gratitude and community bonding, the Special Adviser to the Governor of Cross River State on Gender Mainstreaming, Dr. Inyang Asibong, has ushered in the New Year with a well-attended community gathering at her residence. The event brought together community leaders, political stakeholders, cultural masquerade groups, and residents, reflecting Dr. Asibong’s enduring commitment to grassroots engagement and inclusive governance. The colourful ceremony underscored her role as a vital link between the government and the people. Addressing the gathering, Dr. Asibong expressed profound gratitude to God for the gift of life and the opportunity to serve. She appreciated the people for their unwavering support and used the occasion to acknowledge the leadership of the First Family of Cross River State—Governor Prince Bassey Otu and his wife, Her Excellency, Bishop Eyoanwan Bassey Otu—for the confidence reposed in her. She commended the Otu-led administration f...

  Ambassador-designate and Senator representing Ondo South, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, CFR, has commended the Nigerian Armed Forces for their professionalism, resilience and sustained contributions to national security and regional stability across Africa. In a statement issued on Saturday, Ibrahim, who is also the founder of the Institute for Security and Modern War Studies, University of Fortune, Igbotako, Ondo State, said the Armed Forces have continued to demonstrate exceptional commitment despite complex and evolving security challenges. “The Nigerian Armed Forces have remained steadfast in their constitutional responsibility of safeguarding over 250 million Nigerians, even as security threats grow more dynamic and sophisticated,” he said. The senator noted that with an estimated personnel strength of about 230,000 and an annual defence budget of roughly $2 billion, representing about one per cent of Nigeria’s GDP, the military has recorded significant gains in counter-terrorism a...

  Festive cheer swept across Cross River Central Senatorial District as Senator Eteng Jonah Williams marked the Yuletide season with an expansive welfare outreach, distributing N76.5 million in cash and 1,200 bags of rice to constituents across six local government areas. The Senator, who represents Cross River Central in the National Assembly, extended the gesture to communities in Boki, Etung, Abi, Obubra, Ikom and Yakurr local government areas, describing the initiative as part of his commitment to sharing the dividends of democracy and easing economic pressure on residents during the festive season. A breakdown of the distribution shows that Boki, Etung and Abi local government areas received N12.5 million each, amounting to N37.5 million, while Obubra, Ikom and Yakurr received N13 million each, totalling N39 million. In addition, each local government area received 200 bags of rice. Beneficiaries of the intervention included persons with disabilities, women, youths, support gr...

The founder and patron of Tinkoriko, Otuekong Rt Hon Orok Otu Duke, PhD, has announced that preparations for the 2026 edition of the annual cultural celebration are complete, with youths and community members ready to flood the streets of Calabar tomorrow. Since its founding in 1993, Tinkoriko has grown into a platform that promotes unity, cultural pride, and social harmony, drawing participants from diverse political, social, and economic backgrounds across the State. The event remains a vibrant showcase of Calabar’s rich heritage, blending music, dance, and artistic expression in a display of tradition and joy. In readiness for the parade, Tinkoriko T-shirts have been distributed to all registered participants, ensuring everyone is fully prepared to join the festivities. Speaking on the eve of the event, Otuekong Duke described Tinkoriko as “a platform for our youths to connect with their roots, celebrate our shared culture, and engage in meaningful activities that promote peace and ...