Detailing News

  By Blessing Enagu    The Chairman of the Cross River State Forestry Commission, Chief Tony Undiandeye has mediated in the misunderstanding between the Cross River National Park and one of her host Communities, Obung in Akampka Local Government Area of the State to find common grounds for the two parties. The misunderstanding which led to encroachment on the Buffer Zone and hostility to the Park Management was quelled in a tripartite meeting between the State Forestry Commission, Obung Council leaders and the Management of Cross River National Park, held recently in the Commission's headquarters, Calabar. Addressing the parties after hearing from both sides, Chief Undiandeye drew their attention to the philosophical norm that “two wrongs don’t make a right,” while emphasizing the need for understanding and deeper cooperation for better management of the forests. He added that environmental challenges are global, hence the pertinence for all hands to be on deck, beginning from his

  The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Florence Obi, has described the Medical College as the flagship of the institution, saying that her administration will always give priority attention to the College. Prof. Obi stated this when a verification team of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, led by the Registrar, paid a courtesy call on her in the Vice Chancellor’s Conference room. The Vice Chancellor assured the verification team of her continues support for the Medical College to enable them churn-out qualified medical professionals. "For us, the Medical College stands out, having several alumni who have made the university and the country proud. We will always give priority to the Medical College," she assured. Prof. Obi also called on the Medical Council to increase the admission quota for candidates seeking to study various courses in the Medical College. The Vice Chancellor who was elated over the visit of the verification team, stated that the

  The Pro-chancellor/Chairman of the 13th Governing Council of the University of Calabar, General Martin Luther Agwai (rtd), has solicited for more security presence in the University of Calabar. The Pro-chancellor made the request known when he led members of the Governing Council on a courtesy visit to the Commander of the 13th Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Peter malla in his office. General Martin Agwai said he was aware of the support that the Brigade has offered already in terms of security but owing to their success story with the University, more support would be requested from them.  He eulogized the role of the army in the security architecture of the nation and charged them not to relent in their effort to keep Nigeria safe and peaceful. In an earlier address, the Commander of the 13th Brigade, Brigadier General Peter Malla, thanked the Council and the university management team for the visit, adding that he will work closely with the leadership of the unive

  The Cross River State Government through the State's Sports Commission have partnered the Red Cross Society of Nigeria in training sport officials and athletes on safety and first aid measures to curb preventable deaths among sportsmen. Declaring the three day event opened at the Complex hall of the Canaan Table Tennis Centre,  U.J Esuene Sports stadium Calabar, Chairman of the state's Sports Commission, Mr Emmanuel Olom said, safety and wellness are basic requirements for athletes and sports men, hence the need to comply with guidelines guiding routine practices. He said, the Commission found it neccesary to partner with the Red Cross Society to retrain it's members on  prerequisite knowledge following the demise of some members as a result of ill practices during the course of their jobs. He urged participants to remain committed to the training as he described the gesture as a rare opportunity whose maximum impact will improve the standard of sports in the state and gu

  By Uchino Amatey The Cross River State Ministry of Justice has pledged its support to the Nigerian Correctional Service, Cross River Sate Command, in the decongestion of correctional facilities in the State. The Commissioner for Justice, Mr Tanko Ashang gave this pledge recently while receiving the Controller of Corrections, Cross River State Command, Rev. Ben-Rabbi Freeman and his team on a courtesy call in the Ministry of Justice Headquarters, Calabar.  Mr Ashang assured of the Ministry’s total cooperation in decongesting correctional facilities and offering other legal services when needed. According to him “I know some people are concerned about increase in crime rate when correctional facilities are decongested but law enforcement is a continuous process. If someone has met the criteria of the law to be set free, that person should be released. If the person commits a crime again, we will arrest him for the new crime and prosecute him. So we will work with you on all fronts, the

  The Speaker, Cross River State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Eteng Jonah Williams has been listed in the biographical compendium, “Yatumanen Ba Kekurr: Eminent Leaders of Yakurr”  He joins former Cross River Governor, Clement David Ebri; former Minister of Niger Delta, Pastor Dr. Usani Uguru Usani, and former Chairman, Special Investigation Panel for the Recovery of Public Property, Chief Okoi Ofem Obono-Obla, among other dignitaries that made the list of the Eminent Leaders of Yakurr 2021 edition. Others are the former VC of CRUTECH, and Pioneer Vice Chancellor, Federal University, Lafia, Prof. Eka Ikpi Braide, former Commissioner for Health in Clement Ebri administration, Dr. Obal Adiaha Otu; the current DVC of CRUTECH, Prof. Joy Etiowo, and serving House of Assembly member representing Boki 1 State Constituency, Rt. Hon. Itam Abang in being profiled in the compendium  Yatumanen Ba Kekurr: Eminent Leaders of Yakurr is an annual qualitative profiling of phenomenal leaders from Yakurr L

The Senator representing Cross River Southern Senatorial District, Sen. Gershom Bassey has empowered constituents from his District with mini-buses. This is coming just about five months after the Senator flooded the District with tricycles to empower constituents who needed a means of livelihood. The Senator who was represented by Akparawa Joe Ben (alias Solution) handed over the keys of the mini-buses to the beneficiaries. Joe Ben while delivering the vehicles admonished the beneficiaries to utilize the vehicles productively as a team will be set up to monitor the mini-buses for six months to see how well they make use of them. He also added that much more empowerment is on the way. The beneficiaries expressed their excitement by singing songs of praise to Distinguished Sen. Gershom Bassey. One of the beneficiaries, the leader of Pillars United Comr. Edem Nyong thanked the Senator immensely and prayed to God to grant him all his heart's desires. Another beneficiary, the leader of

  By Trinity Jesam The Ayade led administration is set to privatize 46 state own industries. This was made public today at the press briefing organized by the Cross River State Privatization Council. The Chairman Mr. John Odo during the briefing noted that the state Governor was eager on strengthening his industrialization dream in the state. Obo opined that the determination to privatize the industries was because the state government intends to register more successes and in continuation to keep to his promise of providing food on the table and in a wider range to employ Cross Riverians, which is part of democracy dividend for inclusive governance where the people come first. The Chairman of the privatization listed the following industries which include; Garment Factory Calabar, CRS Pharmaceutical Factory Calabar, Instant Noodles Factory, Feed Mill Calabar, Frozen Chicken Factory Calabar, Rise Seedlings Factory Calabar, MegaWatt Power Plant Calabar, Poultry Farm Calabar, Tooth Pick

   The Pro chancellor and Chairman of Council of the University of Calabar, Gen Martin Luther Agwai (rtd) says a robust and sustainable partnership with the Nigerian Navy will help the institution tackle its security challenges.  Gen. Agwai stated this when he led other Council members on a familiarization visit on the Flag Officer Commanding(FOC), Eastern Naval Command and the Commandant of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Victory respectively. Gen Agwai thanked the Navy command for the warm reception and support given to the University in time past, stating that, the need to join forces with the command has become imperative considering the security challenges confronting the institution. The Pro Chancellor who stressed the need to tighten security along the waterways of the institution called on the Navy to redouble their effort to stem the tide of criminal activities in the waterways.  Responding, the Flag Officer Eastern Naval command, Rear Admiral Sanusi Ibrahim commended the Pro cha

    His Royal Majesty, Etinyin Dr Etim Okon-Edet, Chairman of Cross River Traditional Rulers Council has assured the 13th University of Calabar Governing Council of utmost co-operation and support. Dr Okon-Edet, who is also the Paramount Ruler of Bakassi Local Government Area, gave the assurance when the University Governing Council led by its Chairman, Gen. Martin Luther-Agwai (rtd) paid a courtesy call on him in his residence on Wednesday in Calabar. The paramount ruler said he would foster a strong and symbiotic relationship with the new council that would translate to success in all ramifications.  “The University of Calabar belongs to us, so we need to assist it grow from strength to strength and mediate where necessary to resolve lingering crisis.  “I will work with the new governing council to ensure they deliver on their mandate,” he said. Okon-Edet commended the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Florence Banku Obi for her uncommon developmental strides within the eight

  By Kingsley Agim  As the 2022 Budgeting Cycle commences, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Budget, Monitoring and Evaluation, Comrade Otu Otu Ita has assured Cross Riverians of the Ayade-led administration’s resolve to improve on the State’s budgeting processes and present an appropriation bill that will reflect the yearnings and aspirations of the masses in the next fiscal year. The Special Adviser gave the assurance, yesterday, at the one-day Consultative Forum for the 2022 Proposed Budget Preparation, held in the Conference Room of the Cross River Geographic Information Agency, Calabar. Comrade Ita averred that the consultative forum was part of government’s effort in ensuring that the 2022 budget, reflects contributions from the vast majority of stakeholders and the citizens, in order to foster even distribution of democratic dividends. Speaking at the event, the Special Adviser said: “This event is basically to seek stakeholders input into the 2022 Budget as part of efforts

  The Cross River Police Command has assured the management of the University of Calabar (UNICAL) of organising security training on combat and mental alertness for the Institution’s security personnel on campus. Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Aminu Alhassan, gave the assurance in Calabar when the Pro-Chancellor/Chairman of UNICAL Governing Council, Gen. Martin Luther-Agwai (Rtd) led other Council Members of the University on a courtesy call to the office of the Commissioner. Alhassan said that the University and the Police Command enjoys a cordial working relationship that should be sustained through peaceful co-existence. He told the team from UNICAL that the command will enhance operational efficiency of the police post on campus with a view to always respond to cases of emergency on time. "I want to assure you of the state command's support and collaboration in maintaining a peaceful environment for both students and staff. "We are also going to train some of

Cross River State Commissioner For Health, Dr Betta Edu has congratulated the newly elected Correspondence Chapel Chairman, Mrs Eme Offiong. The Commissioner who is delighted over her emergence as the NUJ Correspondence Chapel Chairman charged the new executive to let unity of purpose be vital to their administration while pursuing the interest of her members as their cardinal objective. The Cross River State Ministry of Health is particularly excited about the emergence of Eme Offiong who has distinguished herself as one of the finest breed of journalist in the State. “She has been a true friend, partner, and ally of the Ministry over the years, and we believe this new office will forge a stronger content of ideologies, values, and partnership in building better perspectives towards the development of Cross River State as there is no true access to healthcare without proper information; says Dr Edu. Dr Edu thanked the outgoing Chairman Judex Okoro stressing, “We are proud of his achie

  The Cross River State Government have introduced the Moderna Covid-19 Vaccines as a measure to curb Covid-19 related deaths with an estimated target of ober 60,000 eligible adults. The introduction which was part of  activities to mark the flag off cermony of the second phase of Covid-19 Vaccination is expected to run for twenty days with eligible adults from the ages of 18 years and above advised to get vaccinated. Flagging off the exercise, State Commissioner for Health, Dr Betta Edu thanked  the state Governor, Prof. Ben Ayade, for providing support as well as the health workers for ensuring the state achieve maximum coverage of the target population during the first round of the exercise. Dr Edu urged residents of the state to come out enmass for vaccination rather than viewing the pandemic as a fiasco. "if we must achieve herd immunity,  it's important all eligible adults get vaccinated, the vaccines are safe and free and should be embraced by all". In her remarks,

The Federal College of Education, Obudu held her 38th NCE matriculation ceremony in honour of her 1,110 fresh students that took the matriculation oath for the 2020/2021 Academic session. While welcoming both the students and their parents, guardians that graced the occasion in their numbers, the Acting Provost, Alhaji Ladan Chado noted the delay in the conduct of the exercise for the academic session. He attributed the delay to the long period of lockdown caused by the ravaging COVID-19 pandemic which led to the shutdown of the College between March and October, 2020. He noted that this prolonged closure affected the academic programmes of the institution. However, he said the lecturers and Staff showed uncommon resilience and perseverance in the performance of their duties by embarking on what he referred to as “crash” arrangements to successfully navigate the past session and be able to hold this matriculation ceremony in their honour Addressing the new Students, Alhaji Ladan Chado

  The Cross River Government has disclosed plans to establish a Naval base in partnership with the Nigerian Navy at the riverine area of the University of Calabar. The state governor, Prof Ben Ayade disclosed this on Monday in Calabar when the Chairman and Pro Chancellor of the University of Calabar Governing Council, Gen. Martin Luther-Agwai (rtd), led the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Florence Obi and other members of the Council on a visit to his office. The Deputy Governor, Prof Ivara Esu, who stood in for the Governor informed the Chairman and other Council members that the decision to establish the base was reached during the state security meeting.  He said that it was important to establish the base so as to curb insecurity around the riverine area of the university and beyond. Esu, who is a former Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, said that the state government places premium on the management, welfare and running of the university. "I am glad to receive this great t

As the Country and indeed Cross River State enters fully into the third wave of the COVID19 pandemic with rising number of cases and death, it is important for Cross Riverians to come out in large number and take up the vaccines which are very limited! Officially flagging of the Event, state Commissioner for Health Dr. Edu thanked the state Governor, Prof. Ben Ayade, for providing support as well as the health workers for ensuring the state achieved 117 per cent coverage of the target population during the last exercise making Cross River state to lead in Nigeria in terms of vaccine coverage. She thank Cross Riverians for their cooperation assuring the Federal Government that the vaccines sent to CRS will soon be exhausted and the will need to mop from other states experiencing vaccine Hesitance and deploy to Cross River as before.  Edu urged residents of the state to come out enmasse for vaccination rather than take the pandemic as a joke, as cases of the pandemic is on the increase.

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Florence Obi, has received an Outstanding Leadership award from UNICAL Alumni, Lagos Chapter. The colourful event was held at the Echoes of Calabar, Victoria Island, Lagos. The award night and dinner was held after a 7.8km road walk and dance, which was earlier flagged off by the Vice Chancellor and supported by MTN-Nigeria. The walk started at St. Saviour's School Ikoyi, to Falomo and back. A brand new 2.5KVA generator was also won by one of the Alumni at the end of the walk. During the award night and dinner, Alumni of UNICAL who spoke at various capacities, commended the VC for honouring them with her presence and giving the walk a colourful face alongside her friend and a distinguished Nigerian, Sen. Florence Ita-Giwa.

    Owing to an independent survey and high demand for vaccination against the dreaded Covid19, the Federal Government of Nigeria through the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency have begun the Distribution of the Oxford Astrazeneca vaccine as well as the Moderna  Covid19 Vaccines to states to curb Covid19 related deaths. State Commissioner for Health, Dr Betta Edu who received the vaccines at the Magaret Ekpo International Airport on behalf of the state government thanked the Nation's Presidential taskforce through the  National Primary Healthcare Development Agency for working round the clock to ensure that Nigerians gain access to vaccines thereby boosting their immunity. Dr Edu noted that, for the nation and states to remain protected, equitable distribution of the vaccines should be guaranteed while also calling on health workers to minimize wastage in their various working stations. In her response, Director General of the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Develo

  The National President of Cross University of Technology (CRUTECH) Alumni Association, Comrade Eyam Abeng has expressed delight over the recent approval and adoption of the new name, logo, mission and vision of the institution by the University Senate, adding that this was germane for a smooth kickoff as a full conventional University. Comrade Abeng who made this known via an official released dated 20th August, 2021 signed by him and made available to our correspondent, noted that with such captivating and appealing logo, the University stands out among equals and that equally means all is now set for the University to flourish.  While appreciating the good works of the ongoing Transition Committee and Senate of the University, the Alumni National President noted that "arriving at such adorable and admirable logo as well as the purposeful vision and mission statements deserve commendations, as it is indeed not an easy task." The Alumni Boss further thanked the University S

  The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) on Friday donated relief items to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Cross River State. Cross River State Deputy Governor, Prof Ivara Ejemot Esu Deputy while receiving the items, appreciated NIMASA’s efforts on behalf of the Governor of Cross River State. The Deputy Governor who was represented by Commissioner of Health, Dr Betta Edu appreciated the Director-general’s efforts in supporting IDPs around the federation and  hereby assured the safety and proper utilization of the items by the designated people as planned. “I gratefully accept all these items that vary from food items to some empowerment equipment, machines and keke Napep for small scale enterprises providing Livelihood for the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the state. “We appreciate the Director-general’s efforts in supporting IDPs in Cross River state and we guarantee that these items will reach the designated people as planned,” Edu said. She s

  The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof Florence Banku Obi has been decorated as an Ambassador for the Girl Child in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the growth of the Girl Child and impressive Gender programmes in the university of Calabar within the short period of assumption of office. The event took place at the Vice Chancellor’s office where the Association of Beauty Queens and Kings paid her a courtesy call. Prof. Obi, while accepting the honour, appreciated the association for their kind gesture in decorating her into the foundation as a queen and an ambassador, adding that “women are at the fore front of African Girl Child Development globally”.  Prof. Obi further posited that ‘beauty and brain’ will take the girl child far, adding that women should see themselves as assets and not a liability, even as she charged the girl child to be focused academically.  She urged the members of the association to spread the message of ‘focus and self-confiden

Earlier this week, the National APC Youth Lobby Committee were received at the Presidential Villa by the Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, SAN as part of their build up process towards youth inclusiveness in 2023 and to present the report of the party’s National Youth Conference in June, earlier this year. The Vice  President called on the youth arm of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to brace up and build a stronger membership base from the grassroots by mobilizing young Nigerians across the country to join the party beginning from the ward level. He tasked the committee to deal with the issue of inclusion at the grassroots level first. The leader of the APC National Youth Lobby Committee, Barrister Ishmail Ahmed thanked the VP for being a consistent voice and supporter of youths regardless of political affiliations, but appealed for more youth integration in the affairs of the party across all levels. He appealed to the Vice President as a vociferous voice to continue championin

  Medical Doctors in Cross River State have never had it this good in recent years. For the first time a Governor donated a bus to NMA CRS, works to complete their secretariat and has now made salaries of Doctors at state level to be at par with their colleagues at the national level.  Doctors in the state earn 70% of the Consolidated Medical Salary structure (CONMESS) against their federal counterparts who have enjoyed a 100% Consolidated Medical Salary Structure which has led to attrition of Doctors where the leave the state employment as soon as any federal institution begins to employ.  This struggle has lasted for over 11 years with no head way, but without cohesion GOV Ben Ayade has shown sincere commitment to improving health care and improving the welfare of health workers in the state. History has been made under the leadership of Sen. Prof Ben Ayade, his dear wife Dr Linda Ayade and the Honorable Commissioner for Health Dr Betta Edu. Cross Riverians can now get better care at

A boat carrying goods worth over two million naira belonging to the Chairman, People's Democratic Party (PDP), Erei South Ward in Biase Local Government Area, Mr. Obin Obin Egwu and other traders today capsized into the river with one person missing as at the time of filling in this report. The unfortunate incident which occurred around 2am along Ikot Okpora - Umon axis of the river, was largely attributed to poor weather condition and thunderstorms. While addressing our correspondent, Mr. Obin who is equally a university graduate of Accountancy noted that he resulted to trading to support himself and family while waiting for better opportunities. He further explained that he buys garri in large quantities from Riverain communities in Biase LGA, bagged and convey them through the river to various points of sale like: Calabar, Itu and other shores.  He called on government at various levels, his party (PDP) bigwigs and other well meaning individuals in the state and beyond to activa

   The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Florence Obi, has felicitated with the good people of Boki local government area in Cross River State on the occasion of the 2021 New Yam Festival. In her goodwill message, the VC commended the royal fathers of Boki who have kept the tradition of the celebration intact and united for ages, thereby calling for togetherness with a view to promote peace, unity and oneness. She said that the New Yam festival afford the good people of Boki another opportunity to celebrate their cultural heritage in a peaceful atmosphere. The VC, while calling for peace and tolerance from Boki sons and daughters, advised the youths to shun all forms of social vices during the celebration and beyond. She congratulated the farmers for always producing big tubers of yams for the yearly celebration. She prayed God to bless the fertile land of Boki with abundant harvest during this season and beyond.

  By Roseline Irek “Please give me, from this crowd, one thousand women for Ten Thousand (N10, 000) Naira monthly. I believe 10, 000.00 can reduce the harshness of the economy. Don’t bring me anybody outside this park. I want to see Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo and other names. I don’t believe that politics is about geography; I believe politics is about humanity. I don’t believe in religion, I don’t believe in ethnicity; I believe in humanity….” Those were the words from Governor Ben Ayade to the sea of heads (women in Cross River) that gathered recently at the Millennium Park in Calabar to voice their solidarity with the amiable governor, now pitching tent with the All Progressive Congress (APC). Women in Cross River State, indigenes and non-indigenes alike, in an array of beautiful apparels, a little over a week ago, under the aegis of the Dr. Linda Ayade-loved Cross River Women Emancipation Initiative (CROWEI), gathered in their numbers for two reasons – to thank Governor Ayade for the unpr