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Showing posts from February, 2025

ITTF 2025: Governor Bassey Otu Congratulates Canaan Queens …Commits to Sports Development in Cross River

Governor Prince Bassey Edet Otu of Cross River State has congratulated the Canaan Queens of Canaan Table Tennis Club, Calabar, for their remarkable performance at the 2025 International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) African Club Championships in Tunisia, where they secured a bronze medal for Nigeria. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Governor described the team’s achievement as a moment of pride for Cross River State and Nigeria, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to sports development. "The Canaan Queens have made history and made us proud. Their dedication, resilience, and exceptional performance on the continental stage serve as an inspiration to young athletes in Cross River State and beyond. This achievement is a testament to the talent and potential that exists within our state, and as a government, we will continue to support sports development to ensure more successes like this," Governor Otu stated. The Governor acknowledged the role of the Canaan Tab...

Hon. Chief Ajah Francis Ajah mni Graduates From The National Institute For Policy And Strategic Studies (NIPSS)

  By Peter Enyievi  The Permanent Secretary of the Cross River State Ministry of Finance, AF Ajah mni becomes the first civil servant from Abi LGA and second from Abi/Yakurr Federal Constituency in Cross River States to graduate from the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Senior Executive Course 46. The institution which was established by Decree No. 20, 1979, and CAP Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 is a high-level center for reflection, research, and learning, wwith the primary objective of serving as the nation’s foremost policy ‘think-tank’, developing a crop of top-class technocrats of high intellectual capacity, conceptualizing and anchoring the implementation of innovative and dynamic policy initiatives and strategies critical for national development. The Ebom-born social phenomenon, hails from Abi Local Government Area of Cross River State. He is a seasoned banker, politician and renowned scholar.  Hon. Ajah is an associate Member...

IKO ESAI CRISIS: AKAMKPA CHAIRMAN CLASHES WITH PATRICK AIDAM OVER CAUSE, HANDLING OF CONFLICT

  The lingering crisis in Iko Esai community, Akamkpa Local Government Area, Cross River State, has sparked a fierce exchange between the Executive Chairman of Akamkpa, Hon. Felix Akposi KSJI, and Comr. Patrick Aidam, the former Personal Assistant to the Deputy Leader of the Akamkpa Legislative Council. While Aidam claims his resignation was necessitated by threats to his life and the failure of the local government chairman to protect lives and property, Akposi has dismissed the allegations, describing them as a desperate attempt to mislead the public. During a courtesy visit to the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Cross River State Chapter, alongside his solicitor, Chief Barr. Ogbisi Ogbisi yesterday, the 27th day of February 2025, Aidam announced his decision to step down from his position, stating that the situation in his local government had become unbearable. In his resignation letter, Aidam expressed disappointment over the handling of security in Akamkpa,...

Opinion: The Crucible of Conflict: Tracing Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Repeated Pattern of Accusation and Litigation

  Few figures have divided opinions and families across Nigeria as Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan [Kogi Central, PDP] has in the past two weeks. Fewer have navigated controversy and legal brinkmanship with the same unyielding intensity. Her career, marked by a relentless pursuit of influence and a penchant for turning personal grievances into public legal battles, reads like an intriguing but dramatic saga of passion and retribution. While the media has been inundated with stories about the recent seat arrangement and her unwillingness to follow Senate rules, her latest response is a legal action against the leader of the chambers. In a claim filed by her legal counsel, Victor Giwa, who has emerged as a key figure in her battles, she is demanding N100 billion in general damages for defamation and N300 million in litigation costs. Therefore, as one delves into her storied past, a clear pattern emerges: For Natasha, leveraging legal threats and high-stakes litigation is not merely a...

Business Owners express concerns as thieves target shops in Calabar, stealing goods worth N700 Million

  By Joseph Abasi-Abasi The Tech and Gadgets Dealers Union of Cross River has raised awareness about a series of alleged robbery incidents affecting their shops. Affected business owners have voiced their frustration, indicating that this problem has persisted since December. In an interview with Tribune Online, shop owners demonstrated their grievances by marching with placards. They shared harrowing accounts of their stores being broken into at night, with valuables being stolen. Okoro Uchennya, CEO of Chidon Communications, reported that items worth four hundred million naira were stolen from his two stores located at 49 Eta Agbor and 38 Marian Road in December. He recounted being shocked to find everything missing when he arrived at his shop on December 10th and 11th, 2024.  Uchennya urged the government to enhance security measures to help business owners operate without fear, noting that despite reporting the crime to the police, no action has been taken.  He expres...

WACS: Cross River-born Yibala Akpama Shines as West Africa’s Best

  A Cross River-born medical star, Dr. Yibala Akpama Edimek, has made history by emerging as the overall best candidate in the prestigious West African College of Surgeons (WACS) Fellowship Examination—and she did it in style, passing all her exams on the first attempt! As if that wasn’t impressive enough, she also clinched the award for Best Female Candidate in West Africa, cementing her place as a trailblazer in the field of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Dr. Yibala received the double honors at the 65th Annual Scientific Conference of WACS, held in Bamako, Mali, where she was recognized for her outstanding academic excellence and professional prowess. The West African College of Surgeons is a prestigious body that sets the gold standard for surgical education, training, and research in Africa, accrediting top-tier institutions across the continent. Her proud parents, Elder Dr. Akpama and Rev. Hon. Mercy Akpama, couldn’t contain their excitement, celebrating their daughter’s remarka...

Bishop Eyoanwan Otu Commends Canaan Table Tennis Club for Historic Performance in Tunisia

  Calabar–Bishop Eyoanwan Otu, the wife of the Governor of Cross River state, has commended the Canaan Table Tennis Club for their outstanding performance at the African Table Tennis Club Championship held in Tunisia. The club, representing the Nigerian Table Tennis Federation (NTTF), clinched a bronze medal, making Nigeria and Cross River State proud on the continental stage.   The Canaan Queens, the female team of the Canaan Table Tennis Club, emerged as one of the top performers out of 54 participating countries in the tournament. Their remarkable performance has been celebrated as a historic achievement for Nigerian table tennis and a testament to the talent and dedication of the players.   In a statement released to the Chairman on Tuesday, Bishop Otu praised the team for their hard work, resilience, and determination. Known for her passion for the empowerment of the girl child and her commitment to humanity, Bishop Otu highlighted the significance of the C...

ACCE UNICAL 2025 Conference LOC Pays Courtesy Visit To Varsity VC, Seeks Support

  Solomon Ugo, Calabar  The Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the 2025 African Council For Communication Education (ACCE), Conference to be held in the University of Calabar on Tuesday paid a courtesy visit on the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof Florence Obi to seek for support of the varsity's administrator. The  LOC visit was in respect of the upcoming ACCE Conference which the Vice Chancellor had graciously granted consent and approval to host the body  recognised as the oldest and largest communication education organisation in Nigeria which celebrated its 50th anniversary last year and remains the umbrella body for all communication related organisations in the country. While welcoming the LOC, the Vice Chancellor, represented by Prof Peter Okafor, Deputy Vice Chancellor Research, Linkages and Collaborations expressed delight  with the Department of Mass Communication for winning the hosting rights for the 2025 Conference because it would help a...

Canaan Table Tennis Club Shines at African Championship, Secures Bronze for Nigeria – Orok Duke Hails Team’s Triumph, Calls It a National Victory

  Nigeria’s dominance in African table tennis received a fresh boost as Canaan Table Tennis Club delivered a stellar performance at the African Table Tennis Club Championship in Tunisia, clinching a prestigious bronze medal. The remarkable feat places Nigeria among the continent’s elite, with the Canaan Queens—representing the Nigerian Table Tennis Federation (NTTF)—standing tall among 54 competing nations. The victory is a testament to the team’s resilience, skill, and determination, reinforcing Nigeria’s reputation as a powerhouse in table tennis. The Canaan Queens’ outstanding display of talent did not only bring honor to Nigeria but also shone a spotlight on Cross River State, home to the triumphant squad. Reacting to the achievement, the Chairman of Canaan Table Tennis Club, Rt. Hon. Orok Duke, lauded the players for their hard work and commitment, describing their victory as a win for the entire country. He emphasized that their success once again highlights Nigeria’s strongh...

30-Year-Old Farmer Dies as Cross River Confirms Lassa Fever Outbreak in Obubra

The Cross River State government has confirmed an outbreak of Lassa Fever in Obubra Local Government Area (LGA) following the death of a 30-year-old male farmer from Unincha community. The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, announced the outbreak in a statement dated February 24, 2025, revealing that the victim succumbed to the disease on February 17 at the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki (FUTHA), Ebonyi State. According to the report, the farmer had been ill for several days before seeking medical attention at FUTHA on February 15. He tested positive for Lassa Fever on February 16, but despite receiving treatment, he passed away the following day. His remains were prepared at FUTHA and transported to Unincha for a supervised burial, conducted by the Obubra LGA Rapid Response Team. In response to the outbreak, the Cross River State Lassa Fever Emergency Operation Center was activated on February 18 by Dr. Ayuk, with state and LGA rapid response teams de...

Education Supervisor Lauds Senator Williams for Commitment to Academic Excellence

  Distinguished Senator Eteng Jonah Williams has reaffirmed his commitment to educational development in Cross River Central Senatorial District by launching the first phase of his Educational Support Program. The initiative, aimed at enhancing learning conditions, saw the distribution of essential academic materials to schools across Boki, Etung, and Ikom Local Government Areas (LGAs). The extensive distribution exercise provided thousands of notebooks, school bags, calculators, and mathematical sets to primary and secondary schools, reinforcing the Senator’s dedication to youth empowerment through education. Hon. Ayiba Ojong Ayiba, former Chairman of Ikom LGA, represented Senator Williams at the official distribution ceremony, ensuring the seamless delivery of materials to beneficiary institutions. The event, held at Presbyterian Primary School, Four Corners, Ikom, drew appreciation from teachers, principals, and students, who expressed gratitude for the much-needed support. ...

Bradford University, UK, to Partner with Arthur Jarvis University, Three Others

  In a groundbreaking move set to redefine Nigeria’s higher education landscape, Bradford University, United Kingdom, has initiated strategic partnerships with four leading Nigerian private universities—Arthur Jarvis University, Amadeus University, Chrisland University, and Topfaith University. The landmark collaboration was formalized during a high-profile workshop held at the Ibom Icon Hotel in Uyo recently, where key stakeholders gathered to explore avenues for academic exchange, joint research, and transnational education. Coordinated by Prof. Uduak Archibong, the event commenced at 10:00 am with a registration and welcome session, setting the stage for an engaging and impactful discussion. Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Akaneren Essien presented a comprehensive overview of Nigeria’s private university system, shedding light on its evolution, challenges, and growth trajectory. His insights underscored the significance of such international partnerships in fostering acade...

Canaan Queens Record Remarkable Win at Ongoing African Table Tennis Championship

  The Canaan Table Tennis Club of Calabar which is representing Nigeria at the ongoing African Clubs Championship in Tunisia have secured a remarkable victory against the Challengers from Madagascar. This comes after beating Grappes d’Or de Grombelia of Tunisia in the last match. Canaan Queens was selected to represent the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) in the 2025 African Clubs Championship holding in Tunis from 22nd to 24th February 2025. Reacting to the win, the Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Owan Enoh hailed the Canaan Queens for their resounding victory so far at the tournament. He thanked the state governor for his support to the team while expressing confidence that Cannan queens will make the state as well as the country proud. The Canaan Queens are gearing up for their next match against Petrojet of Egypt later today.

Rt. Hon. Orok Duke Hails Canaan Table Tennis Club’s Victory Over Tunisia’s Grappes d'Or in African Clubs Championship

  TUNIS, TUNISIA – February 22, 2025  The Canaan Table Tennis Club of Calabar has made a remarkable debut at the ongoing 2025 African Clubs Championship in Tunis, securing a commanding victory over Tunisia’s Grappes d'Or de Grombelia. The impressive win places the Nigerian team at the top of their group-stage standings. The Chairman of Canaan Table Tennis Club, Rt. Hon. Orok Duke has congratulated the team for their exceptional performance, commending their resilience and skill on the international stage. He expressed confidence in their ability to advance further in the tournament and make Nigeria proud. Encouraging the players to maintain their energy and determination, Duke urged them to approach their next match tomorrow morning, the 23rd of February 2025, against Madagascar Women's Table Tennis Club with the same verve and gusto. He also called on all Nigerians to support the team by following the provided link to watch the live matches from Tunisia https://www.youtube.co...

Table Tennis: Canaan Queens arrive Tunisia for 2025 African clubs championship

  Canaan Queens, players of the Canaan Table Tennis Club of Calabar, have arrived Tunisia through Casablanca, Morocco, for the 2025 finals of the African Clubs Championship taking place in Tunis, the capital of Tunisia. Canaan Table Tennis Club of Calabar was selected by the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) to represent Nigeria in the 2025 African Clubs Championship holding in Tunis from 22 to 24, February 2025.  The players who arrived Tunis on Friday 21 February, will be having their first match today 22nd in group 2. Canaan Table Tennis Club vs Grappes d'Or de Grombelia of Tunisia will begin by 4:30pm Nigerian time. Meanwhile, Chairman of Canaan Table Tennis Club, Rt. Hon. Orok Duke, has expressed profound gratitude to Cross River State Governor, Prince Bassey Edet Otu for the immense support given to the team to facilitate their travel and other logistics. He assured the governor that Canaan Queens will put in their best to make Cross River and Nigeria proud. He also...

Court Orders Police Not to Rearrest Crypto Entrepreneur

  By Asare Asare A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, has ordered the Inspector General of Police not to rearrest cryptocurrency entrepreneur, Obol Jesam Michael, after failing to show cause why he should not be released. Michael was arrested over issues surrounding cryptocurrency and had been in police detention. However, he filed an action for the enforcement of his fundamental rights. In suit no. FCT/HC/CV/14/2024 and Motion No. FCT/HC/8W/M/139/2025, Honourable Justice M.A. Madugu of the High Court ordered his release on February 18, 2025. The judge further restrained the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 8th, and 9th respondents from rearresting or detaining Obol Jesam Michael without recourse to the court. The order for his release was duly served on the Inspector General of Police and all officers involved in the matter, but they refused to comply. Instead of obeying the court order, sources confirmed that the police took the entrepreneur to the headquarters of the Ec...

Bakassi Displaced People Refute Claims of Delisting Petition, Demand Proper Resettlement

  The Indigenous Displaced People of Bakassi Communities have come out to set the records straight on the misinterpretation of their petition to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the challenges facing Bakassi. Refuting claims that they sought the removal of Bakassi Local Government from the list of Nigeria's 774 councils, the group led by Chief Iyadim Amboni Iyadim insisted that Bakassi Local Government was established by the constitution and, as such, could not be delisted by their actions or intentions. Speaking in Calabar on Friday, Iyadim declared that neither he nor his group ever authored or signed any document requesting the Federal Government to delist Bakassi from the local government structure of Nigeria. "It is in my best interest and that of the group I represent to challenge anyone, dead or alive, to provide any document signed by us to the press as proof that we called for Bakassi to be removed from Nigeria's 774 local government areas," Iyadim said. He s...

Cooperative Society CEO Bags One Year for N2bn Fraud in Calabar

  Justice Rosemary Dugbo Oghoghorie of the Federal High Court sitting in  Calabar has  convicted and sentenced  the Chief Executive Officer, Micheno Multi-purpose Cooperative Society,  Uno Michael Eke to one year imprisonment  for conspiracy, obtaining property by false pretence and money laundering to the tune of N2 ,000,000,000.00 (Two Billion Naira) He was jailed after pleading guilty to four-count amended charges preferred against him by the Uyo Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. Count One reads “That you, Uno Michael Eke (being the President/Chief Executive Officer of Micheno Multi-Purpose Cooperative Society); Registered Trustees of Micheno Multi Purpose Cooperative Society, MMCS,  Aya Kanu Aya,  (Alias Mbakara) being the Vice President of Micheno Multi-Purpose Cooperative Society (now at large), sometime between June and August 2018 in Calabar within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, conspired ...

Bassey Etim Applauds Sen. Asuquo Ekpenyong’s Transformational Strides, Urges Massive Support in 2027

The Vice Chairmanship Candidate of the Labour Party for Calabar Municipal Council in the recently concluded Local Government Election in Cross River State, 2024, Mr. Bassey Etim, has extolled the sterling performance of Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong Jr. in the Red Chamber, describing his tenure as a testament to visionary leadership and an unwavering commitment to the progress of Cross River South Senatorial District. Speaking in an interactive session with journalists, Etim lauded Ekpenyong’s ability to navigate the complexities of the National Assembly despite being a first-time senator, crediting his dynamism and legislative acumen for securing strategic appointments for Cross Riverians in the office of the Senate President. According to him, these appointments have positioned indigenes of the state at the heart of national decision-making processes. Beyond political placements, Etim highlighted the senator’s immense contributions to human capital development, particularly in the area of...

Cross River: Governor Otu Appoints Odu, Arikpo, Nsan as Homeland Security Directors

  By Kingsley Agim In a decisive move to enhance security across Cross River State, Governor Senator Bassey Edet Otu has approved the appointment of three Directors to oversee the operations of the Cross River State Homeland Security Agency in the state’s three senatorial districts. The announcement was made in a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Nsa Gill, and dated February 20, 2025. The newly appointed Directors are: Mr. Raphael Odu – Northern Senatorial District, Mr. Felix Arikpo – Central Senatorial District, and Hon. Michael Nsan – Southern Senatorial District. “According to the State Planning Commission, the Cross River State Homeland Security Agency is tasked with ensuring the safety of residents, protecting infrastructure, and responding to threats that could disrupt peace and stability in the state. The agency is also responsible for disaster preparedness, crisis management, and intelligence gathering. “Additionally, it will collaborate with la...

BREAKING: Court Reinstates Suspended UNICROSS Vice Chancellor, Professor Austine Angba

   February 20, 2025 The National Industrial Court sitting in Calabar has ordered the reinstatement of Professor Austin Angba as the substantive Vice Chancellor of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS). In a landmark judgment in Suit No. NICN/CA/34/2024, the presiding judge ruled that Professor Angba’s suspension by the university’s governing council last year was in violation of the provisions of the Act establishing UNICROSS. The court, therefore, directed his immediate reinstatement. This ruling brings an end to months of uncertainty surrounding the leadership of the institution. The judgment is expected to have significant implications for the university’s administration and governance. - Kluemedia"

UNICAL VC Commends President Tinubu for Students' Educational Bursary and Scholarships .... As 262 students Receive Scholarship Awards

  The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar(Unical), Prof. Florence Banku Obi,  has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to students' educational bursary and scholarships. Prof. Obi gave the commendation during the presentation of scholarship award letters to 262 students from the University of Calabar and University of Cross River State( Unicross). According to Prof Obi, 241 students from Unical and 21 students from UNICROSS benefited from the Federal Government scholarship through the Ministry of Education. She lauded the President's initiative, stating that it has encouraged many students to pursue their academic disciplines and ensured that no Nigerian student is denied access to higher education. The VC also highlighted the President's initiative on NELFUND loan with a free interest rate, which allows students to apply and repay when they commence their careers.  She advised students to take advantage of the available educational schemes an...

Sen. Eteng Jonah Williams Donates Educational Materials to Schools in Abi, Yakurr, Obubra

  The distinguished Senator representing the Central Senatorial District, Sen. Eteng Jones Williams, has generously donated a significant batch of educational materials to over 20 schools across Abi, Yakurr, and Obubra Local Government Areas. This initiative is part of his ongoing commitment to enhancing education within his constituency. The donated materials included hundreds of school bags, thousands of books, numerous calculators, and math sets, among other essential learning tools. These items were received with gratitude by head teachers, principals, pupils, and students of the various beneficiary schools. Representing the Senator at the distribution event, Hon. Ayiba Ojong Ayiba, former chairman of Ikom LGA, formally presented the materials to both secondary and primary schools. In delivering the Senator’s message, Hon. Ayiba emphasized the critical role of education in societal development and reaffirmed Sen. Eteng’s unwavering dedication to supporting learning at all level...

Hon. Cyril Omini Calls for Peace Amid Leadership Crisis in Ntan Council Ward

  By Detailings News The Member representing Yakurr 1 State Constituency in the Cross River State House of Assembly and Chairman House committee on finance budget and Appropriation, Hon. Cyril James Omini, has addressed the ongoing leadership crisis in the Ntan Council Ward of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The crisis erupted following a vote of no confidence passed on the Ward Chairman, Mr. Eteng Igri Ekpe, by some members of the ward executive over allegations, including his refusal to support a vote of confidence on Hon. Omini and Senator Eteng Williams, the Senator representing the Central Senatorial District. In a statement, Hon. Omini emphasized his belief that power comes only from God and is given to whomever He chooses. He acknowledged the nature of politics but reiterated that his focus remains on delivering his campaign promises rather than engaging in political distractions. “For the avoidance of doubt, I have constantly and unequivocally insisted that only God gi...

TWO ILLEGAL SCHOOLS SHUT DOWN AS C'RIVER EDUCATION COMMISSIONER MAKES UNSCHEDULED VISITS TO SCHOOLS IN IKOM AND ETUNG LGAs

  February 18, 2025 The Cross River State Commissioner for Education, Senator (Associate Prof) Stephen Odey, conducted an unscheduled visit to schools in the Central Senatorial district, accompanied by Ministry Directors, Mr Cyril Itam, Director Special Duties, and Dr Moses Agboreyo, Director Higher Education and Policy. At Velos Secondary School Ikom, during the impromptu visit, 13 out of the 31 teachers were present at 7:40 am, with the morning assembly in progress, while the Principal and Vice Principal were absent. The Commissioner addressed the students, commending them for their neatness and organization, as observed during the morning assembly. He urged them to take their academics seriously, in preparation for future leadership roles. Furthermore, he addressed the teachers, emphasizing the importance of punctuality and commitment to their duties. The Commissioner directed the Coordinating Supervisory Director (CSD), Mrs Okongor Caroline Ndim, to issue queries to the Princip...

Gov Otu Dismisses Alleged Rift with NASS Members, Calls for Focus on Governance

By Kelvin Obambon  Cross River Governor, Prince Bassey Otu has eased political tension that emanates from an alleged face-off with some members of the National Assembly in the state. Responding to question bothering on the issue during a media chat in Calabar on Tuesday, the governor stated that he has no problem with any member of the National Assembly. He cautioned people against dwelling on social media narratives to form opinions about governance in the state. He said as governor, his primary concern is the development of the state, and that everyone must work to deliver on their mandate. He added that 2027 politics cannot take the place of governance, as it was too early to start talking about election that is two years ahead. "I am not against anybody and all those are social media skirmishes, I believe everyone must deliver on their mandate," the governor stated. The political space in Cross River has been tensed in recent time following rumours, especially on social m...

Rt. Hon. Orok Otu Duke Advocates for Cross River State at NDDC 2025 Strategic Retreat

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) is currently holding its 2025 Board and Management Strategic Retreat at the Marriott Hotel in Ikeja. This event brings together key decision-makers to discuss a new direction for development in the Niger Delta. Among those leading the discussions is Rt. Hon. Orok Otu Duke, Cross River State’s representative on the NDDC Board. He has been actively advocating for policies and projects that will benefit the state directly. The retreat, themed “Repositioning NDDC for Efficient Service Delivery,” aims to evaluate past initiatives, identify challenges, and implement governance reforms to enhance transparency and effectiveness in NDDC’s operations. While topics of discussion have focused on improving service delivery, Orok Duke has stressed the need for fair resource allocation, sustainable infrastructure, and impactful grassroots initiatives in Cross River State. In his remarks at the retreat, Duke emphasized the significance of execution and acc...