Skip to main content

Posts

Sparkling FM at 8: Sustaining Public Trust Through Responsible Broadcasting,Media Excellence

  By Rasheed Olanrewaju  Eight years ago, it seemed almost impossible to imagine a vibrant private radio broadcasting space in Calabar .  At a time when private radio stations were still few in number across Cross River State , Sparkling 92.3 FM emerged as one of the bold voices that helped redefine the media landscape and expand access to information, public engagement, and citizen participation. Yours sincerely was privileged to be among the broadcast journalists and political analysts who frequently featured on its flagship programme, “ Let’s Talk Nigeria ,” a platform that became a strong avenue for robust discussions on governance, politics, leadership, and national development . Radio remains one of the most powerful tools of communication in any society. Its function in a community and state goes beyond entertainment.  It serves as the people’s parliament, the marketplace of ideas, and the bridge between government and the governed. Radio educates, informs, mo...
Recent posts

Former Cross River State Commissioner for Health, Appointed Secretary, Anambra State House of Assembly Screening Committee

The All Progressive Congress election screening committee has appointed former Cross River State Commissioner for Health, Dr Janet Ekpenyong into it’s 2027 State Houses of Assembly Committee as part of measures to promote party’s internal democracy and afford all Aspirants a level playing ground ahead of the forthcoming primaries. Dr Janet Ekpenyong who once served as the Director General of the Cross River state Primary Healthcare Development Agency and Commissioner for Health has continued to promote the party’s interest through the harmonization of it’s manifesto in Cross River State and nationally. In some of her recent outings including the National Convention held at the Eagles Square and the recent 10 million women match organised by the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Remi Tinubu , she has expressed confidence in the party's ability to perform excellently well in the next coming elections. The APC which has remained Nigeria’s dominant political party since it’s m...

Central C’River:Traditional Rulers, Women, Youths Drum Support for Senator Eteng Jonah Williams, Cite Loyalty, Experience, Record of Performance

Traditional rulers, women leaders, and youth groups across the Central Senatorial District of Cross River State have thrown their weight behind Senator Eteng Jonah Williams , describing him as a tested leader whose strength lies in experience, loyalty, and a consistent record of performance. The stakeholders, drawn from various communities across the six local government areas of the district, said Senator Williams has continued to distinguish himself as a calm, strategic, and result-oriented leader whose impact speaks louder than political propaganda. They noted that unlike many politicians who seek relevance through unnecessary public drama, the senator has remained focused on governance, people-centered leadership, and unwavering support for Governor Bassey Otu and his “ People First” agenda . Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers of Adun Kingdom , His Royal Majesty, Patrick Erong , the Kudiden of Adun Kingdom, described Senator Williams as a leader whose quiet nature shoul...

FROM POLITICAL MARGINALISATION TO RECOGNITION: Obubra Gains Visibility Under Governor Bassey Otu

Inclusive governance remains one of the strongest pillars of true leadership in any democratic society. A government that deliberately accommodates every section of the State naturally earns the trust, confidence, and support of the people. Since the inauguration of Governor Bassey Edet Otu on May 29, 2023, the people of Obubra Local Government Area have witnessed a remarkable shift in political inclusion, recognition, and representation within the governance structure of Cross River State. For many years following Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, many stakeholders in Obubra often expressed concerns over limited representation in key government positions despite the area’s contributions, loyalty, and commitment to the growth and stability of the State. Successive administrations came and went, yet meaningful political visibility for Obubra remained relatively minimal. Today, that narrative is gradually changing under the leadership of Governor Bassey Edet Otu, whose administratio...

BREAKING: NDDC Empowerment Was for C’River South, Facilitated By Sen. Ekpenyong - NDDC Clarifies

The Niger Delta Development Commission ( NDDC ), has clarified that the economic empowerment programme held in Calabar on May 9 was facilitated by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong and specifically targeted at beneficiaries from Cross River South Senatorial District , contrary to claims circulating online that the initiative was designed for the entire state. In a statement issued in response to what it described as “misleading commentaries and inaccurate interpretations” making the rounds on social media, the Commission, through its Director, Cross River State Office, Dr Daniel Ajunwa , said the programme was neither a statewide intervention nor an NDDC-wide distribution exercise for all parts of Cross River State. According to the statement, the empowerment programme was facilitated by the Senator representing Cross River South Senatorial District and was intentionally designed to benefit selected communities within the district. “The programme in question was facilitated by the Distinguis...

Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong and the Burden of Performance

  With the way some public office holders, especially members of the National Assembly, have struggled to attract meaningful development to their constituencies, one would ordinarily expect any genuine empowerment programme that brings opportunities and support to the people to be widely celebrated rather than greeted with suspicion and political resistance. Sadly, in Cross River State, even performance has now become controversial. The yesterday’s empowerment programme facilitated by Sen. Asuquo Ekpenyong , the Senator representing Cross River South Senatorial District and Chairman, Senate Committee on Niger Delta Development Commission , NDDC has strangely become the subject of needless political outrage, driven by people seemingly determined to manufacture controversy where none exists. What makes the argument even more surprising is that those attacking the programme are relying on documents that clearly contradict their claims. The memo being circulated explicitly referred t...

UNICROSS Holds Solemn Assembly and Prayer Session Following Tragic Accident

  University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) held a solemn assembly at its Calabar campus on Friday, May 8, 2026, to thank God for the preservation of lives and honour three students and a staff member who lost their lives in a tragic vehicle accident that occurred in Odukpani Local Government Area on Friday, May 1, 2026. The assembly brought together members of the university management, staff, students, loved ones of the institution and well-wishers in an atmosphere of prayer, reflection, and gratitude for God’s mercies. Held under the theme, “Oh Lord, Show UNICROSS Mercy,” the gathering was attended by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Francisca Bassey , members of the university management, religious leaders, staff, and students. In her address, Prof. Bassey expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy while thanking God for preserving the lives of 21 survivors. She described the accident as painful and urged students and staff to remain grateful to God for His protection. The Vice Chanc...