Detailing News

  By Kingsley Agim  In a significant effort to improve healthcare accessibility, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe has funded one-year free health insurance coverage for 500 constituents across the five local government areas of Cross River North Senatorial District. The initiative, #JariCare Health Insurance, is designed to provide unhindered access to quality medical care, ensuring that beneficiaries receive essential health services without financial hardship. Senator Jarigbe emphasized that this intervention transcends political affiliations, reaffirming his commitment to prioritizing the well-being of his people above partisan considerations. Speaking at the cheque presentation ceremony held at General Hospital, Ogoja, Senator Jarigbe, represented by Esther Ellah, CEO of Dazzle Empowerment Initiative, implored beneficiaries to take full advantage of the program while urging them to ensure proper identification when accessing medical services to facilitate seamless healthcare d...

   President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to youth empowerment by inaugurating the National Youth Conference Planning Committee at the State House, Abuja. The committee, tasked with shaping policies that will drive Nigeria’s development, includes Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, who expressed enthusiasm about the President’s vision. Speaking after the inauguration, Senator Ekpenyong emphasized that the government’s ongoing economic reforms are laying the foundation for job creation, entrepreneurship, and opportunities that will retain Nigeria’s best talents. He noted that President Tinubu is determined to reverse human capital flight by strengthening the economy to benefit all citizens. "The President’s message was clear—his administration is fully committed to empowering young Nigerians and creating a prosperous future for all. This conference presents a unique opportunity for us to influence governance, economic transformation, technology, climat...

  Calabar South Local Government Area (LGA) witnessed an inspiring and impactful International Women’s Day celebration, spearheaded by Assoc. Prof. Esther Archibong, the wife of the Executive Chairman. As a strong advocate for women's empowerment, she used the occasion to uplift and support widows, vulnerable women, and persons with disabilities in the LGA. Beyond her role as the wife of the Chairman, Assoc. Prof. Archibong is the Special Adviser and Focal Person for the National Social Investment Program (NSIP) in Cross River State. She also serves as the Chairperson of the Committee of Wives of LGA Chairmen in Cross River State, making her a formidable force in social welfare and community development. Representing Her Excellency, Rev. Eyoanwan Prince Bassey Otu, wife of the Executive Governor of Cross River State, Assoc. Prof. Archibong delivered a powerful keynote address. She emphasized the urgent need to break societal barriers that hinder women's progress, referencing th...

  … Asset Recovery SA to Appear Before Assembly Monday By Kingsley Agim An alleged land grabber (name withheld) has petitioned Barr. Gilbert Agbor, Special Adviser to Governor Bassey Otu on Asset Management and Recovery, before the Cross River State House of Assembly’s Joint Committees on Lands and Housing, Judiciary, Public Service Matters, Public Petitions, and Conflict Resolution. According to the letter, the petition, titled “A Complaint of Attempted Land Grabbing with Impending Illegal Revocation of Property by the Asset Management and Recovery Committee: Request for Swift Intervention,” alleges the unjust and illegal takeover, demolition, and imminent revocation of a landed property, including all its appurtenances. In response, the House Committee has summoned Barr. Agbor to appear before the panel on Monday, directing him to present all necessary documents to substantiate his claims and either confirm or refute the allegations. Reacting to the summons, Barr. Gilbert Agbor a...

  By Joseph Abasi-Abasi  The National Senior Citizens Center (NSCC) has recognized 50 alumni from the Hope Waddell Training Institution, who are celebrating the institution's 130th anniversary, as senior citizens of Nigeria. The ceremony for the investiture of these 50 distinguished individuals, focused on intergenerational learning and youth mentoring, occurred on Saturday at the Assembly Hall of Hope Waddell in Calabar. Emem Omokaro, the Director General of NSCC, represented by Mr. Omini Oden, Head of Corporate Affairs, Media, and Communications, highlighted that NSCC is a Federal Agency established by the NSCC Act of 2017 and inaugurated in 2021. Its mission is to address the challenges faced by older individuals and to enhance their quality of life and well-being. "We are excited to showcase our various transformative and innovative programs, particularly our Continuing Engagement Bureau program, which provides senior citizens with opportunities to contribute to their comm...

  The Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at Arthur Jarvis University, Dr. David Egbe, has joined the global celebration of International Women’s Day, recognizing and appreciating the invaluable contributions of women in the faculty. In his goodwill message, Dr. Egbe described the women of the faculty as nation builders who have played significant roles in the growth and development of their respective departments, the faculty, and Arthur Jarvis University as a whole. He acknowledged their dedication, resilience, and unwavering commitment to academic excellence and institutional progress. Dr. Egbe used the occasion to express his gratitude for their continuous support and understanding, which he said have been instrumental in maintaining the faculty’s reputation as one of the best in the university. He emphasized the importance of collaboration and teamwork in achieving collective success, noting that the faculty's achievements would not have been possible without...

... CRSG, CCPSD commences capacity building and utilization training in Central Senatorial District The Executive Secretary of the Center for Community Policy and Strategic Development (CCPSD), Rt. Hon. John Gaul Lebo, has described Local Government Councillors as the bedrock of democracy, stressing their importance in grassroots governance and policy implementation. Speaking at the opening of the Capacity Building and Utilization Training for Local Government Legislative Officials from the Central Senatorial District, themed "Building Institutions to Deliver Service and Facilitate Sustainable Development in the Local Government Systems," held at Hotel 45 in Ikom, Rt. Hon. Lebo emphasized that the success of any democratic administration hinges on the effectiveness of local government councillors.  He identified the lack of institutional mechanisms as a major challenge facing local government legislatures, noting that without robust structures and well-trained officials, achi...

Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has reiterated his commitment to continue supporting women's advancement in the state, encouraging gender equality in accordance with Sustainable Development Goal 5, as well as creating more opportunities for women in his administration. The governor pledged this in his message to mark the 2025 International Women’s Day through his Chief Press Secretary, Nsa Gill. In the words of the governor, "Globally, several women have continued to inspire hope, unity, and peace across diverse endeavors. Here in our dear state, I am continually inspired by great women who have proven themselves in their assigned responsibilities, either in the public or private sector. "This year's theme, Accelerate Action, clearly underscores a great need for global leaders to urgently commit to actualizing gender equality, as well as empowering women and girls. "For us in Cross River State, we will continue to push for women's advancement and sup...

  The Cross River Special Advisers Forum has unanimously passed a vote of confidence in the leadership of Governor Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, affirming that there is “no vacancy in Peregrino” come 2027. The resolution was made during a press briefing at the Ernest Etim Bassey Press Centre in Calabar, where the Forum acknowledged the governor’s remarkable developmental strides across the state. Speaking on behalf of the Forum, Barr. Ekpenyong Akiba, the Special Adviser to the Governor on General Duties, described Governor Otu as a visionary leader who has transformed Cross River through critical infrastructure projects, economic revitalization, and strategic political influence at the national level. Akiba pointed to ongoing road construction projects, economic rejuvenation, and improved investor confidence as evidence of the governor’s commitment to the state’s progress. He emphasized that Cross River is witnessing a turnaround under Governor Otu, adding that his leadership ex...

  The Chairman of Canaan Table Tennis and Cross River State Representative to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Rt. Hon. Orok Otu Duke, has bolstered the preparedness of the state's table tennis contingent with the acquisition of top-tier equipment, kits, and accessories worth 2.5 million naira ahead of the highly anticipated Niger Delta Games in Uyo. In a statement made available to newsmen, Duke underscored his unwavering commitment to the advancement of table tennis, recalling the modest beginnings of Canaan Table Tennis and its meteoric rise to prominence. “When we embarked on this journey years ago, many dismissed our vision as inconsequential, but today, the narrative has been rewritten. Canaan Table Tennis has not only brought laurels to Cross River State but has also stamped its authority on the global stage,” he declared. He thanked governor Bassey Otu once again for the unwavering support for sports And table tennis specifically. Reflecting on the club’s rece...

  In a bid to spur economic development in rural areas, Cross River State Governor, Prince Bassey Otu has commissioned a 440kwp  mini solar grid to provide uninterrupted power supply to four communities in Etung local government area. Speaking at the official commissioning ceremony in Etomi community on Wednesday 5 March 2025, Governor Otu said that the government is working to ensure that rural communities in the 196 wards have access to clean energy through solar.  The Governor who was represented by the Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy, Prince Eka Williams, said the state would collaborate with the federal government and foreign donor agencies willing to light up rural communities to ensure no household was left out. He pledged to bring the dividends of democracy to small business holders who desperately need light to stay afloat, in addition to other social amenities that make life comfortable. Engr (Mrs) Ngozi Ejiogu, who represented the Director General, ...

  In a major step toward improving transparency and efficiency, Governor Bassey Otu has directed the digitalization of Cross River State’s asset registry. This initiative is aimed at streamlining the audit, management, and recovery of government-owned assets, ensuring better accountability and decision-making. The move follows the Governor’s approval for a comprehensive audit and recovery process, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to good governance and responsible asset management. To drive this transformation, key government officials—including Special Adviser on Asset Management and Recovery, Barr. Gilbert Agbor; Economic Adviser, Prof. Peter Oti; Accountant General, Dr. (Mrs.) Glory Effiong; and Auditor General, Mrs. Anne Essessien—held a strategic meeting in Calabar with Nugi Technologies Nigeria Limited, the firm overseeing the project’s implementation. During the session, officials provided technical insights to ensure the asset registry system is tailored to meet ...

Over the last eight years, Cross River State witnessed an avalanche of appointments under Ayade's administration, an initiative famously christened "Food on the Table." This program enrolled hundreds of youths onto the state's payroll, providing them with salaries for the duration of the administration. Upon assuming office, Sen. Bassey Otu introduced a more sustainable and enduring initiative, the "Skills-in-the-Hands," aimed at empowering young Cross Riverians to create wealth and achieve financial independence, elevating individuals to heights they never thought possible. In a country where unemployment rates have reached unprecedented levels, leaving millions of graduates in uncertainty and susceptible to various crimes, including fraud, kidnapping and other serious offenses, the importance of empowering youths with skills and setting them up cannot be overstated. Equipping them for financial independence paves the way for economic freedom for countless ...

  The member representing Yakurr 1 State Constituency in the Cross River State House of Assembly, Hon. Cyril Omini, has urged local government councillors to remain steadfast in advocating for the interests of their communities in their legislative roles.  He made this appeal during a presentation at the three-day Capacity-Building and Utilization Workshop for Local Government Legislative Councils, held at Landmark Hotel in Ogoja.  The event, themed "Building Institutions to Deliver Service and Facilitate Sustainable Development in the Local Government Systems," was organized by the Cross River State Government in collaboration with the Center for Community Policy and Strategic Development (CCPSD). In his presentation titled "Understanding the Critical Role of Local Government Legislators in Facilitating Sustainable Community Development," Hon. Omini emphasized the crucial role of local legislators in crafting policies that directly influence the welfare of citizens...

By: Sylvia Okoi The Cross River State Government has unveiled plans to revolutionize the State's tourism industry through a collaborative effort between the Cross River Geographic Information Agency (CRGIA) and the Cross River State Tourism Bureau.  The partnership, which was revealed during a meeting between the Director General of CRGIA, Mr. William Archibong, and the Managing Director of the Tourism Bureau, Prince Ojoi Ekpenyong, in Calabar Wednesday, aims to leverage the CRGIA's Geographic Information System (GIS) project to enhance sustainable tourism management in Cross River. According to Mr Archibong, " Tourism Bureau is a major Parastatal in the State's economy and as an information disposed Agency, we are fully prepared to offer the best services. CRGIS is a one stop shop that will support all your activities to boost sustainable tourism development."  Offering insights on the relevance of his agency, the DG stated that GIS is a tool for capturing, analy...

  March 5, 2025, marks a significant milestone as Mr. William Ekpenyong Archibong celebrates his first anniversary as the Director General of the Cross River Geographic Information Agency (CRGIA). Over the past 12 months, his visionary leadership has spearheaded transformative initiatives in land administration, digital innovation, and stakeholder engagement, solidifying CRGIA's position as a pioneer in efficient land management in Cross River State. Mr. Archibong, a seasoned GIS expert, brings a wealth of knowledge in GIS data processing, spatial data capture, geo-referencing and digital mapping. His extensive experience has shaped his strategic approach to leadership, ensuring that CRGIA operates at the highest standards of effective service delivery. Under his leadership, with support from His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, the Governor of Cross River State, through the collaboration with NUGI Technologies - a leading consulting firm specializing in ICT and geospati...

The 16-year legal battle over the Obong of Calabar's throne has officially ended, as the High Court in Calabar dismissed a suit seeking to dethrone His Eminence, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi-Otu V, over alleged irregularities in the reselection process. In a landmark judgment on January 13, 2023, the Supreme Court had ordered the Kingmakers to conduct a fresh selection after appearing to disqualify a key contender, Etubom Anthony Ani, while affirming Edidem Abasi-Otu’s eligibility to recontest. Following this directive, the revered monarch was unanimously reselected for a third consecutive time. Despite the Cross River State government formally recognizing his reselection in November 2023, a faction loyal to Etubom Ani rejected the outcome and returned to the High Court, challenging the process. The claimants—Etubom Essien Efiok, Etubom Okon Asuquo, and Etubom Micah Archibong—filed suit number HC/278/2023, urging the court to nullify the selection and declare Etubom Ani as the rightful O...

  The Cross River State Government (CRSG), through the Ministry of Local Government Affairs, in partnership with the Center for Community Policy and Strategic Development (CCPSD), on Tuesday, commenced a three-day capacity-building and utilization training for local government councillors, clerks, and legislative officers across the state. The workshop, themed "Building Institutions to Deliver Service and Facilitate Sustainable Development in the Local Government Systems," held at Landmark Hotel, Ogoja, for participants from the Northern Senatorial District. Declaring the event open, the Deputy Governor of the State, Rt. Hon Peter Odey  Ph.D, represented by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly, Hon. Sylvester Agabi Jnr  emphasized the crucial role of local government legislators in strengthening democracy and governance. He noted that enhancing their capacity would lead to improved decision-making and service delivery in their respective communities and Local Gover...

  By Kingsley Agim The Cross River State Government, through the Department of Asset Management and Recovery and the Ministry of Lands, has intensified efforts to reclaim public property illegally occupied by individuals and groups, warning violators to vacate or face legal action. This warning was issued on Monday during an inspection of encroached land at Government College (formerly Teachers’ Training College), Ikot Ansa, Calabar Municipality. The delegation was led by Barr. Gilbert Agbor, Special Adviser to the Governor on Asset Management and Recovery, and Chief Francis Ekpenyong, Commissioner for Lands. They were accompanied by key government officials, including the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Lands, ESV Gold Okpo Ita, and the Director of Lands, ESV Kekpam Ene. The inspection revealed widespread encroachment on school property, raising concerns about the increasing disregard for public land regulations. Barr. Agbor condemned the illegal occupation of government la...

  By Rasheed Olanrewaju  When the legendary Irish Catholic Nun, Mother Theresa who spent her life caring for the poor and downtrodden in the slums of Calcutta, India, made her popular quote, "Spread love everywhere you go. Let everyone you meet feel your love radiating and overflowing within you", she probably was referring to the former Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation,  Dr Betta Edu.This is because how Dr Edu systematically  transformed the life of her personal photographer, Smart Agbor Edim,from being a street boy to a professional lens man and then a University graduate perfectly aligns with Mother Theresa's assertion.  Note that Dr Edu is not related to Smart or had a prior acquaintance with him or his family before accepting him as a personal photographer and then going ahead to ensured he acquired University education. Dr Edu, a humanitarian per excellence, whose hobbies are touching lives, developing human capitals and  buil...

  By Detailing News  The longstanding land dispute between the Presbyterian Church’s Hope Waddell Training Institution and the immediate past Governor of Cross River State, Prof. Ben Ayade, has been amicably resolved, paving the way for renewed development at the historic institution. The Prelate of the Presbyterian Church, Dr. Ekpenyong Akpanika, represented by Most Rev. Daniel Etim, disclosed this at a press conference in Calabar on Monday. The briefing marked the commencement of activities for the 130th anniversary celebration of Hope Waddell Training Institution, which was established in 1895. According to him, the dispute was not solely between the Church and the former governor but also involved the institution’s Old Students Association. He explained that the contested land had historical significance as the former residence of the Inspector-General of Police. “The land issue was not just between Governor Ayade and the Church; it also involved the Old Students Associati...

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has extended his condolences to Rt. Hon. Orok Duke and his wife, Victoria Orok Duke, following the passing of her father, Sir Edem Ubom. Duke serves as the Cross River State representative on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) board. The Senate President’s late arrival in Uyo was due to a prior engagement in Umuahia, Abia State, where he attended the 70th birthday celebration of Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe. During his visit, Akpabio acknowledged the depth of their loss and encouraged the family to take solace in the legacy left behind by the deceased. “Grief is a journey that words cannot fully heal, but the memories of a life well-lived bring comfort. Sir Edem Ubom’s legacy will continue to shine through the family he nurtured,” he remarked. The late Sir Edem Ubom was laid to rest in Ikot Nkim, Ibesikpo Asutan LGA, Akwa Ibom State, in a grand ceremony attended by dignitaries, friends, and well-wishers who came to honour his memory.

  In the annals of Nigeria’s public service, certain individuals distinguish themselves through sheer dedication, resilience, and excellence. One such remarkable personality is Comptroller Chinyere Angeline Awo, an accomplished officer of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Abuja. Her journey, marked by unwavering commitment and professional brilliance, has earned her a place among the elite in customs administration. Born on September 22, 1965, to the distinguished family of Chief D. E. D. Ohabuike and Lolo Clara Ohabuike (both of blessed memory), Comptroller Awo hails from a lineage known for its strong values and pursuit of excellence. Her academic foundation was laid at Asa Road Primary School, Aba, Abia State, where she obtained her First School Leaving Certificate (FSLC) in 1977. She then proceeded to St. Anne’s Secondary School, Umuobasi Amavo, where she earned her Ordinary Level Certificate in 1982. Her thirst for knowledge and determination to make an impact in the scientif...