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The Teachers Continuous Training Institute (TCTI) Biase in Cross River State, has commenced a statewide needs assessment of professional teachers across the State. The purpose of the exercise involving schools in the eighteen Local Government Areas is to get inputs from three hundred participants on their current and future needs as the participants are mostly from primary and secondary schools, vocational and technical colleges as well as Persons With Disabilities (PWD) in integrated settings. Addressing newsmen on the justification of the program, Director-General of the TCTI, Prof. Taoheed Adedoja explained that: “curriculum is dynamic and a world class institution like the TCTI must adopt training programs that are best suited to the local needs of schools, as well as meeting global standard practices”. Adding that, “with the rapid changes taking place in the 21st century schooling system, curriculum, technology, knowledge and skills, needs assessment is able to point out areas of

Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, representing Cross River South Senatorial District, has facilitated NDDC foreign scholarships, FIRS jobs, and admission to the Nigeria Police Academy for eligible constituents, fostering job creation and academic advancement in the region.  Notable beneficiaries include: 1. Engr Abasi Ekpenyong- NDDC Foreign Scholarships for MSc Construction Management, University of Salford, United Kingdom - $40,000 2. Monday Obio- NDDC Foreign Scholarships for MSc Public Health, University of Bristol, United Kingdom - $40,000 3. Effichang Christopher Ntui - NDDC Foreign Scholarships for MSc Data Science, University of Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom -$40,000 4. Ntami Egbonyi Egbe -NDDC Foreign Scholarships for MSc Mathematical Sciences, University of Bristol, United Kingdom - $40,000 5. Nchor Bitty Ayuk - NDDC Foreign Scholarships for MSc Environmental Sustainability, Edinburgh Napier University, United Kingdom- $40,000 6. Ikpeme Bassey Nkebem-NDDC Foreign Scholarships fo

... As O'ben-Etchi insists that job placement must be merit-based ... candidates, residents praised Governor Otu over forest rangers recruitment The recruitment process for forest rangers in Cross River State, conducted by the Forestry Commission, has officially completed the oral interviews and physical screenings for applicants. Rt Hon. George O'ben-Etchi , the Chairman/CEO of the Cross River State Forestry Commission, has given assurance to Cross Riverians that the ongoing recruitment process will be transparent. All shortlisted applicants who participated in the oral interview/physical screening will have equal opportunities to pursue a career as forest rangers. He emphasized that applicants underwent thorough screening and were appropriately shortlisted for both the oral interview and physical screening. He highlighted that the entire recruitment process is merit-based across all stages. Addressing candidates at the Commission's headquarters in Calabar on Friday, O'

Christian faithful in Cross River State has lauded a Catholic cleric, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Bekomson for his unending show of love to his Congregation admist the economic downturn widely felt in the country. Most recent among such show of love, was when the priest beckoned on members of his congregation who can afford one thousand naira to come and put it in the offertory box. When they did, he invited those who were in need to step forward and take the money. It was gathered that huge number of people from the congregation rushed out for the money.  According to Magdalene (surname withheld) who spoke to our correspondent, "it was such a very emotional moment. You could see people who were not sure of their next meals running out to take at least, a thousand naira. For some of them, it was a golden opportunity. We thanked our priest for that inspiration and we pray for more of God's direction and blessings upon his life. " Also speaking, Samuel (surname withheld), praised the

A media consultant in Cross River State, Dr. Anthony Ekpo Bassey, has  commended Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong for being at home with his people and for the projects he has attracted to Cross River South Senatorial District since he was elected a year ago. According to Dr. Bassey, Asuquo Ekpenyong (Jr) has exceeded the expectations of his people and urged him to keep his best throughout his tenure in office. He went further to say that: "There is hardly any local government area within the Southern Senatorial District that has not felt the impact of the senator. He is everywhere and attending to the needs of his people. You can see the solar lights, transformers, tools of trade and many other things he has donated to many communities within his senatorial district to make life easy, convenient and comfortable for his people. If he can do so much in less than a year since he was elected into office, you can imagine how promising the future is for the people of the southern senatorial di

My dear constituents, I write to you on this memorable day, it’s been exactly one year since the elections in which you gave me the mandate as your Senator. As I reflect on the past year, a wave of gratitude engulfs me for the trust and support you bestowed upon me. I vividly recall this video released on the eve of the elections where I shared my hopes and aspirations, I vowed to work for you. Since my inauguration as your Senator seven months ago, I have spent every single day working hard and relentlessly to achieve the mandate you gave me.  Together, we have embarked on a journey of progress and development, working hand in hand to empower our communities and enhance our infrastructure amongst many other strides that we have made since the inception of this term. As we mark this one-year milestone, I am immensely proud of what we have achieved collectively, laying the foundation for even greater accomplishments in the future. I will not dwell on listing our achievements here, as th

The Cross River State Government has threatened to prosecute residents who flouts the monthly sanitation order.  The Commissioner for Environment Hon. Moses Osogi made this known, Saturday, during supervision of the monthly sanitation exercise for February 24th 2024. The Environment Commissioner while speaking to journalists during the monitoring of the exercise, encouraged residents of the metropolis to participate actively in the monthly sanitation exercise.  He expressed dismay at the lackadaisical attitude of some residents towards the sanitation exercise, where some individuals were seen loitering the streets during the period of sanitation.  In his words, "anyone who is moving freely on the street rather than partaking in the exercise to show solidarity in government's efforts to return Cross River to its status as the cleanest state in Nigeria would be arrested and prosecuted by our mobile courts henceforth."  The Commissioner informed that a total number of 6 mobi

Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, in a bid to ameliorate some of the economic hardship within the Southern Senatorial District of Cross River State, facilitated the award of grants and distribution of essential business items to over 700 of his constituents at a workshop that held on Thursday the 22nd of February 2024 at Channel View Hotel, Calabar.  The Distinguished Senator initiated a series of proactive measures to help alleviate financial strains being felt in communities through the disbursement of a range of business enhancement items including laptops, sewing machines, deep freezers, fridges, generators, grinding machines, and tricycles (Keke Napep) to 200 constituents. Additionally, and in collaboration with SMEDAN and Trust Fund Microfinance Bank, over 500 women and young people, received grants ranging from N100,000 to N200,000 for Micro and Small businesses.  The distribution efforts spanned across the seven local government areas (LGAs) that make up the Cross River Southern Senato

In a riveting interview with Miss Samuel Precious Chisom (a second year student of Mass Communication, Arthur Jarvis University), Dr. Jesam Ofem, popularly known as Trinity, a scholar and well-known journalist sheds light about growing up, his burgeoning journalism career and other sundry issues. Excerpts....   *Good morning Sir. Kindly let us meet you and probably have some insight about your childhood experience and growing up, please?*  My name is Jesam Igri Ofem, PhD.  I was born over three decades ago in Enugu State, Nigeria. I did my nursery school there, but the rest of my education was acquired in Cross River State. I attended Government Primary School in Lebang (Mkpani), Offot Ukwa Secondary Grammar School Uyo, and Presbyterian Secondary Grammar School Mkpani. I went ahead to bag my bachelor's degree, MSc., and PhD, respectively at Cross Rivers University of Technology (CRUTECH), now the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS).     *That's interesting. What inspired

....Plot to Sabotage Federal Government Pipeline Protection Contract In recent developments, a concerning revelation has surfaced regarding a clandestine gathering in Arogbo, Ondo State, with ominous intentions aimed at undermining the federal government and NNPC's pipeline surveillance and security contract in the Niger Delta region. The meeting, reportedly hosted by a militant figure from the Arogbo community, is purportedly geared towards orchestrating disruptive actions targeting the nation's hydrocarbon assets, stemming from grievances related to exclusion from the pipeline contract. According to credible sources privy to the situation, the individual identified as Ajube, assumedly a central figure in this scheme, is allegedly gripped by intense frustration stemming from unsuccessful attempts to manipulate and coerce the federal government and NNPC into revising the terms of the pipeline surveillance contract. This planned rendezvous in Arogbo is construed as a final gambi

The University of Cross River State (Unicross) Alumni Association has launched a scholarship scheme for the best second year student in all the departments in the institution. The National President, Dr. Inyali Peter, in a statement announcing the official kickoff of the programme said that the programme was not completely new but a revival of a policy that was initiated during the tenure of Prof. Ekanem Ikpi Braide as Vice Chancellor. Inyali said that, even though the maiden edition of the programme under alumni's sponsorship will concentrate on year two undergraduates, there's plan on ground to expand the scheme to cover graduates of the University who are running postgraduate programmes in the institution. According to him, "I'm very excited that today we're formally reviving one of the best policies introduced by our former Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ikpi Braide.  As a way of encouraging new students to take their studies seriously rather than invest their times an

Ahead of the forthcoming 2024 Edo gubernatorial election, Comrade Kennedy Iyere has become the first aspirant who emerged the first candidate and party flagbearer. He won the primary of the Accord Party for the 2024 Edo guber poll, conducted today, Saturday 17th February, 2024. Iyere immediately picked and confirm Bright Enabulele, as his deputy candidate and running mate. The primary was conducted fully in compliance with the rules and guidelines provided by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Accord Party was the first to conduct its primary for the 2024 guber poll, which produced Comrade Kennedy Iyere as the winner by consensus. It is on record that five other contestants voluntarily stepped down for Comrade Kennedy Iyere and consensually adopted him to become the sole contestant for the guber primary. It is on record that the primary was thoroughly observed by three officials of INEC, two from INEC National Headquarters Abuja and one from INEC State Headquarters B

The Cross River State Representative for the Niger Delta Development Commission, Rt. Hon. Otuekong Orok Duke is in a state of grief following the passing of Prince David Ikpeme after a brief illness at the age of 23. Expressing his sorrow, Duke lamented, “I feel saddened by this event as his life has been cut short. The last time we met was 20 years ago when he was still a little kid. My coming to meet with him should have been in a celebration and not in death but God knows best.” Despite the somber occasion, Duke commended the youth, students, and family for their resilience in coming together to lay Prince David Ikpeme to rest. He acknowledged their strength during this difficult time and offered his support to them as they navigated through their grief. In a commitment to address critical issues facing the community, Duke emphasized his dedication to tackling challenges in education and health. He assured the people, stating, “I am a phone call away from you as there are two areas

...Cross River State Government receives commendation from forest stakeholders for lifting a 17-year ban on logging and effectively managing the Cross River Forest sustainably. ... CRSG set to plant 5m trees annually as part of efforts to rejuvenate the forest ecosystem Rt. Hon. George O'ben-Etchi, Chairman/CEO of Cross River State Forestry Commission, on Friday, participated in a one-day workshop organized by the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) in Calabar.  The workshop with the theme, 'The Crisis of Forest Loss and Threats to Rural Economy in Cross River State', was aimed at raising awareness among forest stakeholders about the importance of sustainable management for the Cross River Forest and to boost the rural economy. During his presentation, the Chairman/CEO of Cross River State Forestry Commission emphasized the significance of increasing forest cover, conserving ecosystems, and enhancing the rural economy in Cross River State. He highlighted the necessity fo

By Solomon Azu Cross River State governor, Senator Bassey Otu has donated a 60-capacity Wi-Fi Broadband Router facility to the State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ to facilitate the performance of their journalistic work. Presenting the facility on behalf of the governor to the state chairman of the union at the Ernest Etim Bassey Press Centre, Calabar, the deputy Chief Press Secretary to the governor Mr Edem Darlington said it was in appreciation of the cordial relationship and media support enjoyed by the state government since the inception of his administration. The governor thanked the leadership of the NUJ and journalists in the state for effective coverage and reportage of government activities, especially during the 2023 State Christmas festivities leading up to the just concluded 2023 Carnival Calabar. Otu who said he was unmindful of the difficulty and challenges journalists in the state face in the performance of their duties, however pledged his continued s

The Vice Chancellor of University of Cross River State, Prof. Augustine Angba has admonished matriculating students of the University to shun cultism and other vices. He gave the admonishment today in Calabar campus of the University while addressing students of the University on the occasion of the 22nd matriculation ceremony of the Institution. He emphasized that the Institution has zero tolerance for cultism, hooliganism and other vices on campus. The 22nd matriculation ceremony was well attended by members of the University's Management, members of the University's Senate, Deans of Faculties, Heads of Department, staff of the University, students, family members of matriculating students and members of the public. During the occasion, the Vice Chancellor highlighted some of his pet projects which include "Feed One, Train One Students (FOTOS)" award which is geared towards awarding scholarships to selected students with the best grades in various faculties and othe

Dear Hon. Dr. Emil Inyang, I extend my warmest congratulations to you on your resounding success in the recently concluded rerun election for the Akamkpa/Biase Federal Constituency. Your victory, with an increased margin of over 1200 votes, is a testament to the unwavering support and dedication of the people of Biase/Akamkpa Federal Constituency. I commend your commitment to public service and the democratic process. I believe that your leadership will bring positive changes and development to the constituency. May you continue to serve with integrity, passion, and a deep sense of responsibility. Your success not only reflects your capabilities but also underscores the trust and confidence the electorate has placed in you. As you embark on this new chapter of your political journey, I wish you every success and fulfillment in representing the interests of the people. May your tenure be marked by progress, unity, and prosperity for the Akamkpa/Biase Federal Constituency. Once again, co

Tens of Thousands of indigenous people of the three major language groups in Calabar Metropolis thronged the street of Calabar led by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the Efik, Efut and Abakpa ethnic groups. This annual gathering, known as "Nkotmbok," marks the unity of Efik, Efut, and Abakpa sons and daughters, becoming a tradition observed at the onset of each new year in Calabar.  The 2024 celebration, hosted by the Efut Kingdom, featured a grand procession spanning from Abasi Obori to various key points, including Mayne Avenue, Goldie, Eta Agbor, Mary Slessor, Marian, IBB, Calabar Road, Nelson Mandela, and concluding at Abasi Obori Street. The event not only showcased the rich heritage but also fostered a sense of togetherness among the diverse communities. The Nkotmbok celebration served as a vibrant tapestry of cultural pride, with traditional Ekpe Masquerade, dances, singing, and colorful attire weaving through the streets of Calabar.

Nigeria's former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has commended Governor Bassey Otu for creating a healthy investment climate in Cross River State. Saraki made the commendation while on a courtesy visit on Governor Otu in Calabar on Wednesday.  The one-time Governor of Kwara State said owing to Governor Otu's pragmatic economic policies, Cross River has become an investment destination with enormous potential. He informed the Governor that he is investing in the Ayip Eku Oil Plantation in Akamkpa Local Government Area. "When you have a head of government who understands what it takes to govern and the role of government, he ensures that investors are comfortable. "We have been very encouraged. It is not only in the oil plantation that we are focusing. We are also looking at other businesses. We were at the Export Processing Zone earlier; we intend to be long-term partners of Cross River State," Saraki stated. In his remarks, Senator Bassey Otu, expressed delight