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UNDP Raises Alarm Over Low NJFP Enrollment, Targets Unemployment Through Inclusive Innovation in Cross River

  At a media and stakeholders’ engagement in Calabar on Wednesday, the 29th Day of April 2026, former Cross River Commissioner for Health and ex-Deputy National Coordinator of the National Cash Transfer Office, Dr Janet Ekpenyong, decried the state’s low participation in the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP) 2.0, revealing that only about 150 youths have registered. The engagement, which took place yesterday, April 29, 2026, at Prof. Eyo Ita House, brought together key stakeholders across government, finance, and the development sector to chart a collaborative path toward job creation and innovation. A renewed push to tackle unemployment through innovation was also highlighted, with a strong focus on identifying and supporting unconventional innovators, particularly women, persons with disabilities, and individuals from marginalised communities. Speaking during the event, Catherine emphasized that the initiative is designed to promote practical, community-driven solutions th...
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Cross River Youths, Students Demand Inclusive Representation, Endorse New Candidate for House of Reps Seat

  Youth leaders under the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) in Akpabuyo, Bakassi and Calabar South Local Government Areas, in collaboration with university students from the constituency, have declared a loss of confidence in the current member representing the federal constituency at the House of Representatives. The declaration was made on April 29, 2026, during a joint press briefing at the NUJ Press Centre, Calabar. The group cited lack of bursary opportunities, poor youth inclusion and what they described as weak engagement with constituents as key reasons for their stance. Speaking on behalf of the coalition, Comrade Sebastian Edet Ekpenyong, former Secretary of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) in Cross River and Akwa Ibom States, said the youths were dissatisfied with the level of democratic dividends and alleged marginalisation in governance processes. He stressed that the time had come for a generational transition, noting that the youths would n...

NiMet Forecast: Cross River Government Issues Public Safety, Precautionary Measures

  The Cross River State Government has issued a comprehensive public safety advisory following the release of the 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet). Speaking during an interactive session with journalists in Calabar on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, the Honourable Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dr. Erasmus Ekpang, outlined the state’s strategy to mitigate the impacts of the predicted weather patterns. According to the NiMet 2026 SCP, most of Nigeria is expected to experience normal to above-normal rainfall. Notably, Cross River is listed among the states - including Borno, Sokoto, Enugu, and Akwa Ibom - anticipated to receive higher-than-average precipitation volumes. Dr. Ekpang pointed out that Cross River is also projected to experience a delayed end to the rainy season, alongside states like Lagos, Anambra, and Benue. This extension, coupled with an early-to-normal onset of rains, suggests a significantly longer wet s...

UNICROSS Student Receives Certificate After Viral TikTok Appeal, Praises VC

  Precious Jerry Akuma, a former student of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), has received her degree certificate following widespread attention to her viral TikTok videos highlighting a five-year delay in the processing of her results. In a newly released video, she described the Vice Chancellor, Professor Francisca Bassey, as “a destiny helper,” commending her for swift intervention that led to the release of her results and those of other affected students. Her case gained public attention in February 2026 when she shared emotional videos detailing her experience.  In one clip, she said: “I am going to try not to cry. But I am so hurting… This is something I have not been able to say for the past five good years of my life. I studied Animal Science… I was supposed to graduate in 2020 but because of COVID-19 we couldn't graduate. We graduated in 2021… I have done everything concerning my education… Today is Day Ten of thirty days of speaking to my camera. This ...

Suki Support Groups Set to Adopt Tinubu, Otu, Ekpenyong Ahead of 2027

  Support groups under the Suki umbrella have concluded plans to formally adopt President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, and Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong ahead of the 2027 general elections. This decision was reached during a strategic meeting convened by Hon. Eric Anderson, where leaders deliberated on grassroots mobilization strategies to strengthen political support across the state. Addressing participants, Hon. Anderson emphasized that the meeting was aimed at consolidating efforts to galvanize widespread grassroots backing for the three leaders. He noted that coordinated engagement at the community level remains critical to achieving political success in the forthcoming elections. He announced that the formal adoption event is scheduled to hold on Friday, May 1, 2026, at the Metropolitan Hotel (formerly Transcorp Hotel), Calabar, by 3:00 p.m.  According to him, the event will feature the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Emmanuel I...

Orok Duke Advocates Strict Compliance as NDDC Advances Digital Procurement System

Cross River State Representative on the Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Rt. Hon. Orok Otu Duke, has called on Cross Riverians to take advantage of the innovative space provided by the Commission to engage in digital procurement systems.  Speaking on the just concluded training on "Policy Reforms and Digitalization of the NDDC Procurement System" held in Calabar, Orok underscored the importance of the training which according to him, would eliminate unwholesome practices in the procurement of contracts.  While delivering their lectures, guest lecturers, made up of seasoned academic giants and Legal Practitioners, gave in-depth, practical experience into the policy, presenting the step by step procurement procedures.  The lectures also guided the legal aspects of the policy documents with a view to arming the citizens on best practices for overall benefits.  With the theme "Promoting Best Procurement Practices and Digital System for NDDC", the e...

SENATOR ETENG JONAH WILLIAMS: A LEGACY OF SERVICE, A VISION FOR 2027

  In the evolving dynamics of our political landscape, the call for continuity in leadership often rises beyond mere preference, it becomes a collective conviction rooted in performance, trust, and results. For the people of Cross River Central Senatorial District, the growing demand for the re-election of Senator Eteng Jonah Williams is not just political, it is a reflection of proven leadership and a mandate shaped by impact. Since assuming office, Senator Williams has redefined representation through purposeful, people-centered governance. His tenure has been marked by strategic interventions in infrastructure, human capital development, and grassroots empowerment, delivering tangible benefits across communities. From facilitating over 40 federal jobs and political appointments for constituents, to securing 40 foreign scholarship placements across the United Kingdom, Germany, and France, his commitment to youth empowerment and expanding educational opportunities is evident. Thro...