Detailing News

  By Our Reporter  A storm is brewing in the cocoa-rich lands of Etung Local Government Area, and its name is Oscar Ofuka. Angry and exhausted, cocoa farmers operating within the government-owned estates in Etung are calling on the Cross River State Government to immediately reign in the rampage of Oscar Ofuka, a former aide to ex-Governor Ben Ayade, who has allegedly turned the peaceful cocoa estates into a theater of intimidation, torture, and lawlessness. Martins Isaac, Pastor Ubi Ofem, and Obi Amba, speaking on behalf of the Concerned Cocoa Farmers, accuse Ofuka of leading a campaign of harassment, illegal arrests, torture, and dehumanization of farmers who acquired their farms through proper government channels. “Ofuka is not the government. He is not above the law. Yet he walks the estates with the arrogance of a tyrant, using thugs and armed men in uniform to brutalize innocent farmers,” the group declared. The most recent attack left a farmer with gruesome machete woun...

  Ahead of the 2027 general elections, Yakurr communities in the 13 council wards of Constituency I and II in Yakurr Local Government Area have unanimously endorsed Senator Eteng Jonah Williams, representing Cross River Central Senatorial District, for a second term. The endorsement, which took place at a stakeholders’ breakfast meeting with the Senator held at Mkpani on Sunday, was attended by Honourable members representing Yakurr I and II State Constituencies, Hon. Cyril Omin and Hon. Mercy Akpama respectively, the Council Chairman, Hon. Yibala Inyang, councillors, State and LG appointees, the State Treasurer of APC, chapter chairman and 13 ward executives, and top party chieftains including Johnson Ugbor. Declaring the meeting open, the chairman of the forum, Mr. Johnson Ugbor, said: “Politics is not about abuse and insults. It is about what you can attract to your people. Our Senator is a good person, and he has attracted some projects to us. All we need now is to pray and wor...

  Dr Betta Edu has asked Christians to reflect deeply on the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and the central theme of Easter: love and sacrifice. In her Easter message, which she personally signed, Dr. Edu said that without deep reflection on what Easter represents, the celebration will only  amount to a mere hollow ritual. According to her, the death of Christ represents love and sacrifice and His resurrection, hope and and triumph of light over darkness. She urged Christians to imbibe the exemplary life of love, selflessness, sacrifice, and forgiveness, which Christ demonstrated in His death, burial, and resurrection for the redemption of mankind. "As Christians, Easter presents us the opportunity for a deep reflection, a time to carry out an ecclesiastical soul-searching to embody that which Christ came and died for.  "Easter  is both significant and sobering in the sense that it reminds us of all of the triumphs of good over evil, light over darkness, and ...

  The National Youth Council of Nigeria, Cross River State Central Chapter today has an interactive session with Sen. Eteng Jonah Williams at Gold Palm Hotels Ikom. The meeting was attended by State Chairman, Comrade Emmanuel Olayi, and all State executive Council members from central. At the meeting, the youths enjoined the Senator to key them into his empowerment programme and open up more channels of communication. Olayi said the youths have enormous capacity and contributes meaningfully to democratic processes. He commended the Senator so far, his contributions to the welfare and youth development programmes, but like Oliver Twist, he said "we are asking for more." Speaking Sen Eteng Williams commended them for inviting him to have an interaction with them, saying such forum enables their representatives to have a first hand knowledge of some of the youths challenges. He appointed Comrade Gifted Nelson as his new Special Assistant on Youth Affairs following a request by t...

In the spirit of Easter Celebration, the Senator representing central senatorial district, Eteng Jonah Williams, on Friday visited the sick and the new born babies at Holy Family Hospital, Ikom and doled out N3m for their hospital bills. The Senator extended a compassionate hand to 21 patients and newborns by settling their outstanding medical bills.  Among the cases he covered were critical surgeries, orthopedic treatments, and premature births requiring incubator care. Some of the beneficiaries include Samiel Donatus, Tony Enya Mkpora, Joseph Ukobere, Omang Tony, Irene Ayambem, Paul Emmanuel, Ndifereke Abassey,  Okon desmond, Manyor Luisa Ndifon, and Endurance Ayang. Others are Zion Kelvin, Mbeh Blessing, Roda Edoki and  Daniel Amba.  Eteng, who arrived at the hospital about 2:00pm, was taken round the ward by the hospital management and had some discussions with the patients as well as prayed together calling on God for quick recovery. Speaking at the Hospital, Se...

  By Inyang Williams In a bid to deliver impactful governance to his constituents, Senator Eteng Jonah Williams has made remarkable progress in addressing the pressing needs of the people in Cross River Central Senatorial District. His targeted initiatives have significantly improved living conditions, particularly in rural communities where access to basic amenities is often limited. One of the senator’s standout achievements is the installation of solar-powered boreholes across several communities. This intervention has helped alleviate chronic water scarcity in areas such as Bendeghe-Ekiem, Ediba, Olulumo, Ababene, Ijom, Assiga, Aduma, Afaben, and Boje. Access to clean water is vital for public health and daily life, and these boreholes have become lifelines for many residents. Equally impactful is the deployment of solar-powered street lights across the six Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the district. This initiative has enhanced nighttime visibility, improved road safety, an...

  The University of Calabar, on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, hosted its 137th Inaugural Lecture, delivered by Professor Susan Ohen, a renowned academic in Agricultural Economics. The lecture, titled “Bridging the Gap: Market Intermediaries, Ecosystems and the Quest for Sustainable Food Security,” explored the urgent need for a more inclusive, environmentally conscious, and profit-sensitive approach to food system management in Nigeria and beyond. In a compelling blend of scholarly insight and personal narrative, Prof. Ohen reflected on her academic journey, which began in 1999 as a graduate assistant and culminated in her promotion to professor in 2018. She paid tribute to the mentorship that shaped her career, highlighting the roles played by Dr. Nathaniel, Dr. Ekpeni Ekpe, Prof. S.O. Abang, and Prof. Marian Solomon in refining her research focus in agricultural marketing and agribusiness management. Prof. Ohen underscored the role of intentional mentorship, resilience, and strategi...

  Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, on Sunday formally received the  2023 governorship Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) in the state, Dr Emana Duke Ambroose-Amawhe to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The former  PDP Deputy Governorship Candidate  had via her X( formerly Twitter)announced her defection to her new party before her  meeting with the Governor , her wife, the state  chairman of the APC and the Chief of Staff to the Governor on Sunday. Following the announcement of her defection, Emana was  led to Governor Bassey Otu and his wife by the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Cross River State,Barrister Alphonsus Ogar Eba. Speaking with our Correspondent on phone, Emana said " I only went to greet His Excellency, the Governor and His Wife,Her Excellency Bishop Eyoanwan Bassey Otu as a mark of respect and to formally inform them of my movement.  "The day of my formal and ceremonial movement to ...

  The University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) Alumni Association joyfully celebrates the birthday of the esteemed Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Francesca Bassey. Since assuming office, Prof. Bassey has been very deliberate and intentional in her resolve to redeem UNICROSS, restore her lost glory and place the institution in the world map as one of the leading citadel of learning in Nigeria. Her visionary leadership and achievements in just a few months in office has ushered in a new era marked by unprecedented advancements, peace, stability, and effective student engagement. Under her stewardship, the university has not only enhanced its potential but has also fostered a vibrant campus culture and recognises the indispensable role of Alumni to the growth and development of the Institution. The Alumni body admire and welcome her commitment to elevate the university to enviable standards by creating an environment conducive to working and learning. Her ability to inspire both staf...

Spotlight on Divine Purpose and Performance Scorecard In the divine order, God's criteria for lifting individuals to greatness often contrasts with human expectations. If men alone decided who should lead, many capable individuals would be overlooked. But thankfully, God's ways are not ours. Scripture reminds us in Judges 6:15: “But Lord,” Gideon replied, “how can I rescue Israel? My clan is the weakest in the whole tribe of Manasseh, and I am the least in my entire family!” This echoes the story of Sen. Eteng Williams—often underestimated, yet divinely equipped for greatness. The very things some used to discredit him—his independence and humility—became his qualifications before God and the people. As the Word says, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.” Senator Eteng Jonah Williams exemplifies humility and intellectual readiness. His second term bid represents not just continuity, but a real opportunity to unify and uplift Cross River Central. His lead...

  By Rasheed Olanrewaju More than one and half decade after leaving the University of Calabar, medical school as a graduate of medicine, Dr. Betta Edu returned to the prestigious institution last month, in a blaze of glory and amid effusive praises, to receive a distinguished award in recognition of her sterling service to her fatherland and humanity as well as for consistently projecting Unical in good light through her impeccable public service record. The immediate past APC National Women Leader, and Honorable Minister; was inducted into the University’s Hall of Fame. She was also awarded with the Grand Ambassador of Unical. The fitting and deserving honours were bestowed on Dr Edu during Unical's 50th anniversary of its establishment as well as special convocation. Dr Edu was honoured along side the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio,GCON, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Honourable Benjamin Kalu CON, the Executive Governor of Cross River State, Se...

  The Honourable Federal Commissioner Representing Cross River State in the National Population Commission (NPC) Rt. Hon. Barr. Alex Ukam has extended heartfelt birthday felicitations to Her Excellency Bishop Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, the esteemed Wife of the Governor and First Lady of Cross River State, as she celebrates her birthday today. In a warm and passionate birthday message dated 10th April, 2025 and signed by him, the Honourable Federal Commissioner expressed profound gratitude to God for the gift of life and welcomed the First Lady back to the state after a refreshing leave with His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Cross River State. In the congratulatory message, the Commissioner commended the First Lady for her uncommon support to the Governor and her remarkable contributions to the state. "It gives me immense joy to see the unparalleled support you are giving to my beloved friend, our Governor, and the remarkable impact you have made so far as the First Lady of Cross...

  The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Cross River State Council, has extended heartfelt congratulations to Her Excellency, Bishop Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, the First Lady of Cross River State, as she marks her 61st birthday today. In a message jointly signed by the Chairman of the NUJ Cross River State Council, Comrade Archibong Bassey, and her Secretary, Comrade Mike Abang, the union celebrated the First Lady for her extraordinary contributions to society, highlighting her unwavering faith, compassion, and commitment to humanitarian causes. “Your Excellency, as a woman of faith, compassion, and purpose, you have continued to inspire Cross Riverians through your selfless devotion to uplifting the lives of women, children, and the less privileged,” Bassey said in the tribute. Bishop Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, a respected bishop, mentor, mother, and partner in governance, has been a constant pillar of support to His Excellency, Governor Bassey Otu, and a beacon of hope for many families acr...

  The University of Calabar (UNICAL) is set to host its 137th Inaugural Lecture titled "Bridging the Gap: Market Intermediaries, Ecosystems and the Quest for Sustainable Food Security in a Changing World." The lecture will be delivered by Professor Susana Ben Ohen, a renowned Professor of Marketing and Agribusiness Management. Scheduled for April 16, 2025, at the UNICAL International Conference Centre by 3:00 PM, the event will delve into the crucial role of market intermediaries—commonly referred to as middlemen—in achieving food security and promoting environmental sustainability in Nigeria. With over two decades of experience in agribusiness research, Professor Ohen has significantly contributed to policy development and market analysis within Nigeria’s agricultural sector. Her work has shaped national strategies in agricultural marketing, rural development, and food policy. The lecture is expected to draw academics, policymakers, industry leaders, and students with a shar...

  ........NDDC’s Orok Duke Pledges Support" Cross River and Bayelsa states emerged as joint champions at the recent regional table tennis championship, with both powerhouses securing two gold medals each in a thrilling display of skills and competition.   Cross River maintained its traditional dominance in women's events, claiming:   - Women's Doubles Gold (Silver: Bayelsa; Bronze: Delta)   - Women's Singles Gold (Silver: Abia; Bronze: Ondo)   Bayelsa countered with equal prowess in men's categories, winning:   - Men's Doubles Gold (Silver: Cross River; Bronze: Edo)   - Men's Singles Gold (Silver: Ondo; Bronze: Akwa Ibom)   The tournament coincided with a major milestone for Cross River's table tennis program. Rt. Hon. Orok Otu Duke PhD,NDDC Commissioner representing Cross River, took the opportunity to celebrate the Canaan Table Tennis Team's unprecedented achievement of winning gold medals for the state for 35 ...

  Ochagbe community in Bekwarra LGA Calabar branch today, April 5, 2025 held a  historic event   at the Calabar Sports club  to host a warm and grand reception for their own, Michael Ireukanre Odere PhD, on his  appointment as Commissioner for Finance by the Governor of Cross River State, His Excellency, price Bassey Edet Otu.  This significant occasion marks Dr. Odere as the first individual from  Ochagbe community to hold such an esteemed position in the state government since 1960. The chairman of the event, Ntufam Dr Effenji Odey, thanked the Governor for recognizing their own son to serve in that capacity emphasizing that, it is the first of its kind since the creation of Cross River State. In his words " the affairs of men can only be delayed but can't be denied. We are grateful to His Excellency prince Bassey Edet Otu, the Governor of Cross River State for recognizing the best brain from a community that is almost forgotten politically in B...

 _By the Voice of the People_  Senator Eteng Williams' ascension to the Senate represents a significant milestone in Central's pursuit of forward-thinking leadership, economic renewal, and accelerated growth, highlighting the importance of collective engagement in reviving Central's past glory. The legislative administration's vision, under his leadership, is strategic and growth-oriented, emphasizing initiatives that drive Central's advancement. Unintimidated by the accomplishments of his predecessor, Sen. Eteng will launch monumental projects, redefining Central's economic landscape. Sustained support from Central People is essential for the success of this initiative. The benefits of this vision will enable Central to harness effective governance, ultimately elevating Central to a status comparable to a high-performing senatorial district upon project completion. Supporting Sen. Eteng Williams in 2027 is supporting sustainable development for the people of ce...

Nko community in Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State witnessed a historic event as top military officers, political leaders, traditional rulers, and religious figures on Wednesday April 2nd gathered to commission five significant infrastructure projects in honour of Major General Frank Etim. The commissioning ceremony of the NKO Unity Town Square, which featured the unveiling of the Master Warrant Officer Sunday Etim Pavilion, the Nko-Nko Ndelopon and ibolokom Mini Open Halls, and the Unity Statue with Lock-Up Shops, was marked by cultural displays and heartfelt celebrations. The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, Representing by  Maj. Gen. Hillary Nzan, Commander of 4 Special Forces Command, Doma. commended the initiative, noting that it aligns with the Nigerian Army’s efforts to give back to communities associated with officers who have served with distinction.  He emphasized that such civil-military cooperation projects have been successf...

  The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Cross River State Chapter, has appointed Dr. Victor Ndifon as the Chairman of its State Advisory Council (SAC). His appointment was approved by the State Chairman of NYCN, Comr. Emmanuel Olayi. This was disclosed in an official statement issued on April 3, 2025, by the Council’s State Public Relations Officer, Comr. Melchizedek Okwe. Dr. Ndifon, a respected university don and former Secretary of the Council, has been a long-time supporter of youth development and previously contested for the position of NYCN Chairman. Also appointed to the SAC are: ✓Comr. Eyo Cobham Boco – Deputy Chairman ✓Comr. Okori Bernard Oko – Member ✓Comr. Prince Ndiyo Ndiyo – Member ✓Comr. Dan Obo Jnr. – Member ✓Engr. Maurice Nkong – Member ✓Comr. Great Ogban Usetu – Member ✓Comr. Gifted Nelson – Member ✓Comr. Tony Darlington Ugbe – Secretary According to the release, the SAC will provide mentorship, guidance, and strategic support to the State Chairman and the...

  In less than two years, Senator Eteng Jonah Williams, representing Cross River Central Senatorial District, has redefined effective representation with a transformative blueprint that has touched every sector of the lives of his constituents. With a resolute commitment to infrastructural development, empowerment, and sustainable progress, his tenure stands as a testament to visionary leadership, foresight, and an unrelenting dedication to the people. As the clock ticks towards 2027, it is clear that Senator Williams is not just a politician; he is a phenomenon, a harbinger of prosperity, and a beacon of hope for Cross River Central. Legislative Milestones: Driving Policy for National Growth Bills Sponsored Senator Williams has demonstrated legislative prowess by sponsoring the following bills, all of which have successfully scaled the first reading: 1. Nuclear Safety Security and Safeguard Bill, 2023 2. Mineral and Mining Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023 3. Chartered Institute of Petro...