Detailing News

  Cross River State Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Otu, has commended Tinkoriko, a sociocultural group for prioritizing unity and cohesion among youths from different backgrounds. The governor made the commendation on Tuesday 31 December, 2024 when he received a delegation from the group led by the founder and patron, Rt. Hon. Orok Duke on a courtesy visit at his residence in Calabar, the state capital. He praised the unwavering commitment of Tinkoriko towards building a strong bond of brotherhood among members who are predominantly youths from various sociopolitical and cultural leanings, emphasizing that groups such as Tinkoriko should be encouraged and leverage upon to promote peace and social harmony in the society. Governor Otu promised that his administration would provide the needed support to the group to enable it hold its parade even on Easter. Earlier, founder of Tinkoriko, Rt. Hon. Orok Duke and the President, Prof. Emmanuel Eyo, informed the governor that Tinkoriko wh...

  The Yakurr APC Women’s Organization, led by Mrs. Obono Nyimbi Ubi, proudly joins the people of Cross River State and the entire nation in celebrating an exemplary leader, Senator Eteng Jonah Williams, as he marks his 55th birthday today. Senator Eteng Jonah Williams, representing the Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly, has consistently embodied the virtues of humility, accessibility, and purpose-driven leadership throughout his remarkable career. His journey from the private sector to the esteemed Red Chamber of the National Assembly stands as a testament to his dedication to service and his unwavering commitment to uplifting women and youths. As a staunch advocate for inclusivity and empowerment, Senator Williams has championed the rights of women, recognizing them as the backbone of society and pivotal contributors to nation-building. From his days in the House of Assembly, where he was a relentless voice for women and youths, to his current tenure in the Sena...

Elder Dr Fred Okem, Executive Chairman of Yala Local Government Area has described Hon Mike Ede Usibe, as one leader with the right mentality towards leadership in Yala LGA that should be celebrated at all times. This assertion was contained in a congratulatory message made available to the media to celebrate Hon Mike Usibe's birthday yesterday.  The LG boss who took over the reins of leadership at the council two months ago opined that the commitment to leadership from one of  his predecessors attests greatly to his deep insight to grassroots politics which is enamoured by service to the people. According to the chairman, "Hon Usibe  is a deep thinker and a highly rooted and meticulous grassroots politician who has a strong connection with people of all creeds in Yala and the state having been commissioner for New Cities Development in the immediate past administration." "Reliably, Hon Usibe has relentlessly championed many worthy causes to advance development in Ya...

  Yakurr Local Government proudly beamed the light to victory at the 2024 Cultural Carnival, triumphing over 17 other Local Government Areas, with Calabar South placing 2nd and Odukpani Local Government Area securing 3rd position. The event, which took place on Thursday, the 26th of December, was led by the Chairman, Hon. Yibala Inyang, in the company of his Vice Chairman, Pst. Keppy Obeten, members of his cabinet, and the Yakurr Cultural delegation. The troupe showcased the rich cultural heritage of the Yakurr Nation, interpreting the year's theme "Our Shared Prosperity." The troupe's remarkable appearance and performance marked a dynamic shift from previous years, infusing creativity, nativity, and originality into their display. They highlighted the various cultural contexts of the people of Yakurr, including the frontline girls representing the nine communities that makeup Yakurr LGA, the Ekoi maidens, the King and Queen Consort and his chiefs, and the warrior cla...

  The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), through the State Representative, Rt. Hon. Orok Otu Duke, has delivered the third batch of dumpsters to Cross River State, a strategic intervention aimed at addressing the persistent refuse disposal challenges in the state, particularly around Watt and Marian markets. This laudable initiative underscores the Commission’s commitment to supporting sustainable urban management in the state capital and its environs. Speaking during the handover ceremony, Chief Duke lauded the progress made in waste management within the state but cautioned against complacency. “The issue of waste management has improved considerably, but we must not rest on our laurels. The population of our state capital is growing, and with it comes an increase in waste. We must not wait until refuse overflows into the streets. Proactive measures are essential to ensure that we remain on top of this issue,” he stated. Chief Duke further highlighted the intrinsic value ...

The Honourable Federal Commissioner Representing Cross River State at the National Population Commission (NPC), Rt. Hon. Barr. Alex Ukam has showered encomiums on the Vice Chairman of Biase Local Government Area (LGA), Hon. Ekuma Ngwu, JP on the occasion of his birthday celebrarion today, Admonish his Impactful leadership potentials. In his birthday message, Rt. Hon. Ukam commended Hon. Ekuma Ngwu's loyalty and support to the Chairman of Biase Council, Hon. Edodi Edodi Eyong, describing it as the needed attributes to actualize the People's First mandate and the Liberation Agenda of the present administration. "I trust in your capacity and leadership acumen. I implore you to channel your youthful energy and skills in unalloyed support to your Chairman, Hon. Edodi Eyong Edodi to ensure the realisation of the People's First mandate of the His Excellency the Governor and the Liberation Agenda of your Chairman." He maintained.  Rt. Hon. Ukam equally commended the Chair...

On this very special occasion, commemorating the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, let me sincerely express our profound appreciation to the Government and people of Cross River State for their immense support and true friendship throughout the year 2024. This special season reminds us of the real essence to realign with the virtues of love , peace and harmony finding genuine expressions in the doctrines of Christ.  As auspicious as the celebrations may be, the Cross River State Council of the NUJ is not unmindful of the unwavering commitment of the Government towards its members and programs as well as the symbiotic relationship we have enjoyed as a Government and a union. Indeed, the need for us as a union to celebrate with sober reflections cannot be overemphasized. While wishing our members here in the State and the Nation a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year, let me once again pledge undiluted allegiance and service to the Union and commitment to professionali...

  Canaan Table Tennis Club of Calabar star, Hope Udoaka, has once again been crowned the National Women’s Champion at the 10th edition of the Hope Udoaka ELICRIS National Table Tennis Top 32 Invitational Championship.  The tournament was organized by the Lagos State Table Tennis Association (LSTTA) in collaboration with the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) and the BAA Foundation. Udoaka showcased her dominance by defeating Sukurat Aiyelebegan 4-2 in a thrilling final to retain her title. Speaking after her victory, Udoaka attributed her success to the unwavering support of Rt. Hon. Orok Duke, Chairman of the Canaan Table Tennis Club, who she described as a key figure in grooming and promoting players from Cross River State to compete at national and international levels. “All thanks to the Honourable Chairman of Canaan Table Tennis Club for his support in bringing up players from Cross River State. It’s a thing of joy to announce that I have once again defended the title...

  Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong on Sunday, December 22, 2024, participated in Odukpani  Youths and Women groups meet and greet session held at Akim Akim, Odukpani Central Ward. The event, organized by his Special Adviser, Mr. Eyo Ita, brought together members of over 50 youth and women  groups across Odukpani. As part of the event, Mr. Eyo Ita donated ₦2.5 million to support the groups, which was further bolstered by Senator Ekpenyong’s contribution of an additional ₦5 million. This financial support aimed to empower the groups and spread joy during the festive season, reflecting a strong commitment to community welfare. Also present at the event was Rt. Hon. Oqua Edet Oqua, former member of the House of Assembly and Commissioner, who commended the initiative as a commendable move. He expressed his hope for greater unity among the youths and applauded the Senator’s continued dedication to the development of Odukpani. The Meet and Greet was widely praised as a successful and me...

  The Lagos State Table Tennis Association (LSTTA), in collaboration with the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) and BAA Foundation, is gearing up to host the 10th edition of the ELICRIS Cups National Table Tennis Top 32 Invitational Championship. This prestigious event will feature Nigeria's top table tennis talents, including Hope Udoaka of Canaan Table Tennis Club, in an electrifying end-of-year competition. The championship is scheduled to take place at the renowned Sir Chief Molade Okoya Thomas Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos. Players are expected to arrive on Sunday, December 22, 2024, with matches kicking off on Monday, December 23, and concluding on Tuesday, December 24, 2024. Tournament Highlights: Categories: Men’s Singles and Women’s Singles in the Open and U-19 divisions. Participants: A total of 64 players (32 men and 32 women), alongside reserves. Match Format: Group stage (round-robin games) and knockout stage. Semi-final and final matches will be d...

In a magnificent display of cultural grandeur and heritage preservation, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong chairs the 2024 Utomo Obong, a Yuletide celebration honoring the Obong of Calabar. The event, held at the country home of the Obong at Adiabo, drew a constellation of dignitaries, including 30 senators, the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku amongst other dignitaries. The Utomo Obong, an annual cultural spectacle, is a celebration of the Efik monarchy and its enduring traditions. This year's edition was significant as Senator Ekpenyong demonstrated his unwavering commitment to cultural tourism and the preservation of Efik heritage. Speaking at the event, Senator Ekpenyong thanked and praised the Governor, Prince Bassey Edet Otu for sustaining and promoting the Utomobong, he further expressed the importance of cultural festivities in fostering unity and tourism growth. "The Efik heritage is a priceless gem that must be preserved fo...

  The University of Cross River State Alumni Association has extended its warmest congratulations to Mr. Charles Inah on his appointment as the substantive Managing Director of Cross River State Agricultural Development Company (CRADCO). The appointment of Inah, who heads the association’s Advisory Council was contained in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Nsa Gill yesterday, December 20th. The association, in a statement issued by its National Public Relations Officer, Dr  Peace Egbai thanked Governor Bassey Otu for giving Mr. Inah the opportunity to head the strategic company. While assuring that the Governor has made no mistake in selecting him for the appointment, the alumni reiterated its commitment to supporting the government to implement the people’s first agenda to the benefit of majority of Cross Riverians. “We extend our warmest congratulations to our dear brother and senior member of our great association, Mr. Charles Inah on his ...

   The Cross River State Government has confirmed more arrests of several individuals connected to the organization and execution of the gay party in Calabar on June 30, 2023. The event, which took place at a hotel in the Ekorinim area, has since then sparked widespread condemnation from both the government and law-abiding citizens of the state.   The state has reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on unlawful activities that contravene Nigeria’s Same-Sex Marriage Prohibition Bill, enacted in 2014 under the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan. This law stipulates a 14-year prison sentence for anyone entering into a same-sex marriage or civil union and a 10-year sentence for those who abet, aid, witness, or facilitate the solemnization of such unions.  The Cross River State Government has vowed to pursue the matter with utmost seriousness. “We are committed to upholding the laws of this state and ensuring that the moral fabric of our society is pr...

   The wife of  the Executive Governor of Cross River State Bishop Mrs Eyoawan  Bassey Edet Otu has reaffirmed her commitment to supporting the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in its efforts to achieve its objectives in Cross River State.  The first Lady  made this known when he received in audience the  State Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Mrs. Oyenuga Mojisola Joke in her office in Calabar. In welcoming Mrs. Oyenuga to her new role, Bishop Mrs Eyoawan Bassey Edet emphasized the state government's dedication to strengthening its partnership with the NYSC to combat social vices, noting that the current administration is focused on the emancipation and empowerment of youth, regardless of their background. The wife of the Governor encouraged the  State Coordinator to leverage her extensive experience with the NYSC to enhance the scheme's activities in Cross River State, aiming to elevate it to new heights. Mrs. Oyenuga, ...

  Mrs. Nela Asuquo Ekpenyong, the wife of the Senator representing Cross River South Senatorial District, has launched a series of Christmas parties for women and children across the district.  The events, tagged Cross River South Community Women and Children Christmas Party, commenced on Wednesday at the Akamkpa Local Government Council, covering the Akamkpa/Biase Federal Constituency. The celebrations featured a variety of engaging activities, including dance competitions, cake-cutting ceremonies, and gift-sharing, creating a joyful and festive atmosphere for all participants. A significant highlight was the distribution of hundreds of bags of rice to women across the Local Government Areas within the federal constituency. The event was graced by notable figures such as Dr. Mrs. Nkechi Emil-Inyang, wife of the Federal Lawmaker representing Akamkpa/Biase Federal Constituency; the Immediate Past Chairman of Odukpani LGA, Hon. Justina Edem; Comrade Katame Emilia Abang, Vice Cha...

  By Kingsley Agim  Following the recent outbreak of abnormal sleep disorders in Ebom community of Abi Local Government Area of Cross River, the State Government has ordered the investigation of all medicine sellers especially patent medicine vendors operating in Ebom and other communities of Abi Local Govt Area. Recall that Ebom community, over a week ago, was hit with sleep disorders suspected to be due to trypanosomiasis or substance abuse leaving several residents hospitalized. The Health Commissioner, Dr Henry Egbe Ayuk and the Director General of the State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr Vivien Mesembe Otu, and their teams expedited swift action to arrest the situation.  A statement signed by the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Egbe Ayuk, and made available to journalists on Tuesday,  directed the directorates of medical and pharmaceutical services of the State Ministry of Health to institute an urgent investigation into activities of  of loc...

  The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) chapter, has resolved to write to relevant authorities, notifying them of the expiration of the tenure of the governing council's internal members. At its congress held today at the university main campus in Calabar, the union said that although it is within the powers of the Governor and Visitor to the university to appoint external members, it’ll play its part by ensuring elections are held for nomination of new internal members. Recall that the university alumni association has in several letters and statements demanded clarification on the legitimacy and tenure of the governing council who have stayed in office beyond the four-year term allowed by law.  The association has also in a recent statement threatened to drag the university before the National Universities Commission over the legality of the reappointment of an Acting Vice Chancellor who had previously exceeded the six mo...

Cross River South Representative in the Senate, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong has facilitated a training programme through the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction for farmers in Cross River South Senatorial District. Themed "Training, Empowerment, and Provision of Agricultural Grant in Selected Communities in Cross River South Senatorial District," the program aims to provide crucial support and resources for agricultural development and "Application of Nano Technologies for Mitigation of Post-Harvest Losses in Grains, Tubers, and Vegetables for Selected Farmers Cross River South." The training which started from December 8th to 11th, 2024,  at the Pyramid Hotel, Calabar, Cross River State is sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, a dedicated advocate for economic empowerment and sustainable development in the district. Farmers and community members are expected  to be impacted by the training program, which promises to deliver practical knowle...

  By Rasheed Olanrewaju  If you are 72, healthy and fulfilled, then, there is every reason to be thankful to the Almighty God, for the gift of life is the greatest of all gifts. The above explains why, at 72, His Excellency,  Clement David Ebri,  Governor of Cross River state between 1991 and 1993, is in a celebratory and thankful mood. His Excellency has just attained 72,  a huge milestone in our part of the world, where life expectancy has now been mortgaged by excruciating socio-economic challenges that often result in incidences of sudden deaths.  Dr Ebri certainly fits the bill of a special human and a born leader with requisite will power and vision to better the lot of humanity. His meritorious, dedicated and silent selfless service to humanity has been unmatched and very pleasing not only to the people of Cross River State but Nigeria as a country, no wonder he has over the years been saddled with many national  assignments. As he clocks a fulf...

The University of Cross River State Alumni Association commends Governor Bassey Otu, the Visitor to the University, for his consistent commitment and support to the institution since taking office. Notably, despite the nation's challenging times, the Governor has prioritized the university's needs, including ensuring steady salary payments, approving the establishment of the Faculty of Medicine, and successfully relocating the Obubra Campus to the Okuku satellite campus, thereby streamlining campus operations. Despite remarkable efforts, the University has been embroiled in a crisis surrounding the legitimacy of its leadership. A contentious issue has been the tenure of the current governing council, with internal members having exceeded their statutory four-year term, as stipulated in the University Establishment Law, by over a  year and getting to two years. This protracted tenure has created a logjam, preventing the congregation, Senate and Convocation from holding elections...

  Founded in 1993 by Chief Orok Duke, Tinkoriko - a sociocultural group, is a platform that fosters harmony among youths from diverse political, social, economic and cultural orientation. The group, with large membership, stands strongly against violence, cultism, drug abuse, kidnappings, human trafficking and other forms of societal vices. As the relevance of the group in the sociocultural milieu crescendo, Tinkoriko Calabar Heritage was officially registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission in 2018, with Prof. Emmanuel Eyo assuming the presidency of the group, while Chief Orok Duke hold sway as the Patron and Leader of Tinkoriko. The group has had a profound impact on its members over the years. Beyond entertainment, Tinkoriko, according to the President, Prof. Emmanuel Eyo, has been awarding scholarships to registered members. "We also contribute to the well-being of the less privileged and vulnerable individuals, visiting motherless baby homes to provide support." Th...

  The Freedom of Information (FOI) Schedule Officer for the NYSC Cross River State Vanguard, Comrade Ogban Ogban, has urged corps members to fully utilize the platform provided by the FOI Act, which allows citizens to access information from public office holders without hindrance. Comrade Ogban made this call during his sensitization lecture at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Obubra, for the 2024 Batch C Stream 1 corps members deployed to the state. He emphasized that the FOI Act not only applies to public institutions but also extends to entities using public funds. The Act grants individuals, groups, associations, and organizations the right to request information from government agencies, parastatals, and both private and public sector organizations that provide public services. Comrade Ogban further explained that the FOI Act is rooted in the principle of openness, placing the onus on those who seek to withhold public information from the public.

On Thursday, December 5th, the Senate Committee on Works convened the second session of its investigative hearing, focusing on the deteriorating state of the Odukpani - Itu Road. The session featured the Minister of Works, David Umahi, along with the Managing Directors of the contracting firms CCECC and SERMATECH. During the hearing, stakeholders were questioned by committee members, leading to the revelation that substantial funds had already been disbursed to the contractors. Despite this, there has been insufficient progress on the road project, prompting concerns from lawmakers. The committee reached several resolutions aimed at addressing the issues: 1. Termination of Julius Berger Contract: It was agreed to terminate the contract with Julius Berger due to its failure to execute the project and abandon the site. Julius Berger was summoned to account for the funds released thus far. A motion was raised and seconded for a bench warrant to be issued for the arrest of the company'...

  The Faculty of Agriculture, University of Calabar, held its maiden International Conference on December 5, 2024, at the University of Calabar ASUU Secretariat. With the theme "Food Security Through Innovation: Bridging Technology with Traditional Farming," the event brought together experts, policymakers, students, and stakeholders to address the pressing challenges of food security. In her welcome address, Prof. Susana Ohem, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, described the conference as a historic moment, uniting minds from diverse fields to advance agriculture as a cornerstone for food security, economic growth, and sustainable development. “As the global population grows and climate conditions evolve, the urgency to innovate while respecting the wisdom of traditional agricultural practices has never been greater,” Prof. Ohem stated.  She emphasized that the conference serves as a platform to confront these challenges, fostering collaboration and leveraging expertise to ...