Month: June 2026

The Executive Chairman of Obanliku Local Government Area, Hon. Amb. Chief (Dr.) Sunny Ayang, has successfully brokered peace between the Bayasung and Bayamang communities of Bayalele Clan in Basang Ward, marking a major breakthrough in a land dispute that has lingered for nearly a decade.

The peace meeting, convened and chaired by Hon. Ayang, resulted in far-reaching resolutions aimed at fostering reconciliation, mutual understanding, and sustainable coexistence between the two neighbouring communities.

A significant moment during the meeting was the expression of remorse by representatives of the Bayasung community over their role in the last crisis, which led to the destruction of property and displacement of residents. Their acknowledgment created an atmosphere conducive for dialogue and renewed commitment to peace.

Representatives of both communities pledged to set aside past grievances and work collectively towards peace, unity, and development. The meeting ended on a hopeful note, with both parties expressing readiness to embrace harmonious coexistence.

The dispute, which had resisted several previous attempts at resolution, witnessed substantial progress under Hon. Ayang’s inclusive and people-oriented leadership style. Community members commended the Chairman for his wisdom, impartiality, and unwavering commitment to restoring peace, while offering prayers for divine guidance as he continues to address other challenges within the local government area.

Speaking during the meeting, Hon. Ayang thanked both communities for choosing the path of peace and reconciliation. He emphasized that meaningful development can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace and assured them of the Council’s continued support in sustaining harmony.

To further strengthen the peace process, the Chairman announced that a follow-up meeting would be held at a later date for the signing of a Peace Communiqué and a traditional kolanut-breaking ceremony to formally seal the peace accord.

Among those present at the meeting were the First Lady of Council, Mrs. Josephine Ayang; the Secretary of Council, Dr. Joseph Agba; the Ward Relations Officer and BDA President of Basang, Hon. Chris Okobru; Mr. Daniel A. Hichoke, President of Bayatu BFU; Hinyalam Boniface H., Bayanu Past President; Hon. Ashikwashi Lazarus Ibia, Chairman of Bayasung; traditional rulers, including HH Chief Gabriel Hikung, HH Chief Ajishumen Sunday, HH Chief Achunekang Bernard A., HH Ibia Raymond A., Chief Samson Aboh B., alongside stakeholders, youth leaders, elders, and representatives from both communities.

The meeting concluded in a cordial and celebratory atmosphere, with participants expressing optimism that the agreement would usher in a new era of peace, unity, and development for Bayasung and Bayamang communities.

The Cross River State Government has announced a statewide training programme for coffee farmers and stakeholders as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the state’s coffee value chain and position Cross River as a leading coffee-producing hub in Nigeria.

The training, organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation Development, is aimed at equipping participants with practical skills and modern agronomic knowledge required for successful coffee cultivation and sustainable production.

According to the ministry, the programme is open to coffee farmers who registered in the 2025 batch, those who have made payments for the 2026 batch, prospective coffee farmers, agricultural and extension officers at both state and local government levels, as well as other stakeholders within the coffee value chain.

The government said the initiative forms part of Governor Bassey Otu’s broader agricultural transformation agenda, which seeks to diversify the state’s economy, create employment opportunities, boost export earnings, and improve the livelihoods of farmers.

The training will be held across the three senatorial districts of the state to ensure wider participation.

For the Northern Senatorial District, the exercise will take place at the Bekwarra Council Hall on Monday, June 23, 2026. Participants from the Central Senatorial District will gather at the Ikom Council Hall on Wednesday, June 24, while stakeholders from the Southern Senatorial District will converge on the Calabar Municipal Council Hall on Friday, June 26, 2026.

All sessions are scheduled to commence at 10:00 a.m. prompt.

The Ministry emphasized that coffee remains one of the world’s most valuable export commodities, offering significant opportunities for wealth creation, job generation, foreign exchange earnings, and sustainable economic growth.

With increasing global demand for coffee, the state government believes that investing in farmer education and modern production techniques will help unlock the enormous economic potential of the sector.

Stakeholders have been encouraged to take advantage of the training and align with the state’s vision of building a vibrant and competitive coffee industry.

The initiative further underscores Governor Otu’s commitment to revitalizing agriculture and expanding opportunities for farmers through what has been described as the state’s emerging Coffee Revolution.

The Honourable Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Owan Enoh, on Thursday chaired the official presentation of the book Perspectives on Sports Development in Nigeria: Challenges and Way Forward, authored by sports administrator and scholar, Dr. Emmanuel Ikpeme, at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

Speaking at the event, Senator Enoh reflected on his time as Minister of Sports Development, describing the period as one of the most significant and impactful phases of his public service career.

He acknowledged that the ministry faced numerous challenges during his tenure but emphasized that notable progress was made in key areas of sports administration and athlete welfare.

According to him, one of the major achievements of the administration was the successful implementation of measures that ensured athletes received their allowances and entitlements before participating in major international competitions, effectively addressing a long-standing issue that had affected the nation’s sporting ecosystem for years.

The Minister also highlighted the advancement of the Anti-Doping Bill during his stewardship, describing it as a critical reform designed to strengthen transparency, integrity, and compliance with international standards in Nigeria’s sports sector.

Commending the author, Senator Enoh described Dr. Emmanuel Ikpeme’s publication as a timely and thought-provoking contribution to national discourse on sports development.

He noted that the book provides valuable insights into the challenges confronting the sector while offering practical recommendations that can guide policymakers, administrators, researchers, and stakeholders in shaping a more sustainable future for Nigerian sports.

“The book is more than a literary accomplishment. It is a significant contribution to the conversation on the future of sports in Nigeria and the reforms needed to unlock its vast potential,” Enoh stated.

The Minister congratulated Dr. Ikpeme on the successful publication and applauded his dedication to advancing knowledge, research, and thought leadership within the sports industry.

He expressed confidence that the work would serve as an important reference resource and contribute meaningfully to efforts aimed at repositioning Nigerian sports for greater growth, competitiveness, and global relevance.

The event attracted sports administrators, policymakers, academics, athletes, and other stakeholders who gathered to celebrate the publication and engage in discussions on the future of sports development in Nigeria.

In a move that has drawn widespread commendation from transport operators and residents across Cross River State, Governor Bassey Otu has approved the immediate suspension of ticket sales, levies, and all related charges imposed on inter-city transport operators by government agents and security personnel.

The directive followed a crucial meeting between the Cross River State Government and the leadership of the Inter-City Drivers Association over growing concerns about multiple taxation and excessive levies affecting transport businesses across the state.

According to a press release issued on Thursday by the Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Governor, Mr. Linus Obogo, the suspension takes immediate effect and will remain in force pending further government directives.

Governor Otu also directed all relevant government agencies and security operatives to comply fully with the order, warning against any form of collection of tickets, levies, or transport-related charges from inter-city operators during the suspension period.

The government disclosed that plans are underway to convene a stakeholders’ meeting involving transport unions, government agencies, and other key actors to develop a sustainable framework that will address concerns in the sector and promote a mutually beneficial operating environment.

Observers say the decision is another indication of the Otu administration’s commitment to reducing the cost of doing business, easing economic pressures on citizens, and fostering a more investor-friendly climate in the state.

Transport operators have welcomed the development, describing it as a timely intervention that will lessen operational burdens and help stabilize transportation costs for commuters.

The latest policy action comes as the state government continues to pursue reforms aimed at improving the welfare of residents while strengthening economic growth under the administration’s “Season of Sweetness” agenda.

The Chief of Staff to the Governor of Cross River State, Hon. Chief (Dr.) Emmanuel Ironbar, has clarified that recent appointments into various government positions were made solely at the discretion of Governor Bassey Otu, distancing himself from claims linking him to the decisions.

Speaking through a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Patrick Asuquo, the Chief of Staff described social media reports and public narratives attributing the appointments to his influence as misleading and inconsistent with the constitutional framework of government.

Hon. Ironbar stressed that the power to appoint individuals into government offices is vested exclusively in the Governor of Cross River State, Senator Prince Bassey Otu, and urged beneficiaries of the appointments to direct their appreciation to the Governor whose confidence and leadership made the opportunities possible.

According to him, while he remains committed to supporting the administration and assisting in the implementation of government policies, he neither holds nor exercises the constitutional authority to make appointments.

“It is important that the public understands that appointments into government offices are the exclusive prerogative of His Excellency, the Governor. Any attempt to attribute such decisions to me is a misrepresentation of the facts and an unnecessary distortion of the established hierarchy of governance,” he stated.

The Chief of Staff further noted that he played no personal role that would justify the accolades and commendations being directed at him by some beneficiaries of the appointments. He maintained that all recognition and gratitude should be reserved for Governor Otu, whose leadership continues to drive the administration’s vision for the state.

He called on political appointees, supporters, and members of the public to accurately acknowledge the source of such appointments and refrain from promoting narratives capable of creating false impressions about government processes.

Reaffirming his loyalty to Governor Otu and the administration’s agenda, Hon. Ironbar pledged to continue serving diligently and professionally in support of the government’s commitment to good governance and sustainable development in Cross River State.

The statement was signed by Mr. Patrick Asuquo, Special Assistant on Media to the Chief of Staff, Government House, Calabar.

As preparations gather momentum for the 2026 United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the Neo Black Movement (NBM) of Africa Worldwide, Calabar Zone, alongside the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Cross River State Action Committee on Drug Abuse Prevention, paid a courtesy visit to the palace of the Obong of Calabar, His Eminence Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V.

The delegation, led by the National President of NBM of Africa Worldwide, Charles Chimezie, said the visit was aimed at seeking the royal institution’s support for ongoing efforts to combat drug abuse and illicit trafficking across the state.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Dr. Chimezie, represented by the President of NBM Calabar Zone, Engr. Bepaye Adie, highlighted the importance of traditional rulers in shaping positive social values, promoting youth development, and fostering peaceful communities. He noted that tackling substance abuse requires a united front involving government agencies, community leaders, parents, religious institutions, and civil society groups.

The delegation expressed concern over the increasing rate of drug abuse among young people, describing it as a growing threat to public health, security, and sustainable development. Members reaffirmed their commitment to supporting awareness campaigns and preventive programmes designed to educate citizens, protect vulnerable youths, and encourage healthier lifestyles.

They explained that the advocacy initiative is being implemented in partnership with the NDLEA and the Cross River State Action Committee on Drug Abuse Prevention under the leadership of the state’s First Lady.

In his response, the Obong of Calabar commended the initiative and praised the collaboration between community organisations, government agencies, and other stakeholders working to address the challenge of substance abuse.

The monarch pledged the support of the traditional institution towards efforts aimed at reducing drug abuse and related social vices. He further called on parents, community leaders, faith-based organisations, and youth groups to work together in addressing the underlying causes of substance abuse and safeguarding the future of young people.

The visit further highlighted the growing partnership between traditional institutions, government agencies, and civil society groups in advancing the campaign against illicit drugs in Cross River State.

Meanwhile, organisers have announced a series of activities to mark the 2026 United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. The programme will begin with special prayers at the Central Mosque in Bogobiri on June 20, followed by a church service on June 22. School outreach programmes and drug abuse sensitisation campaigns will hold on June 24 and 25, while a major anti-drug awareness rally is scheduled for June 26.

According to the organisers, the events are intended to raise public awareness, promote responsible decision-making among youths, and mobilise communities towards building a safer and drug-free society.

The leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Zone F (South-South), has declared that governance is truly working in Cross River State, commending Governor Bassey Otu for what it described as remarkable development strides and purposeful leadership across critical sectors of the state’s economy.

The commendation was made by the Vice President of NUJ Zone F, Mr. Opaka Dokubo, Saturday, while speaking to journalists after leading members of the South-South leadership of the union on an inspection tour of key projects undertaken by the Cross River State Government in Calabar.

Dokubo, who led the zonal delegation to the state for its meeting, said the visit afforded journalists from across the region the opportunity to independently assess the performance of the Otu administration and witness firsthand the impact of government interventions on the lives of the people.

“We can boldly say that governance truly works here because we have seen it for ourselves. There are not many states where the impact of government is this visible,” he said.

According to him, the projects inspected reflected a deliberate commitment by the administration to restore public infrastructure, revive strategic state assets and reposition Cross River on the path of sustainable growth and development.

The delegation visited several landmark projects, including the Marina Resort, where the state government is facilitating the development of the iconic Blake Resort through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement. The journalists also toured the rebuilt Cross River State Library and the ongoing reconstruction of the Nigerian Chronicle complex.

He particularly applauded the government’s efforts at revitalizing the tourism sector, noting that ongoing investments in tourism infrastructure are gradually restoring Cross River’s status as Nigeria’s premier tourism destination.

The NUJ leader observed that a state once confronted with the decline of some of its signature assets is now experiencing a steady resurgence under Governor Otu’s leadership, describing the transformation as evidence that the state’s glory days are returning.

Dokubo also commended the extensive renovation of the Cross River State Library, describing the facility as a world-class centre for learning and research that underscores the administration’s commitment to education, knowledge acquisition and human capital development.

He further expressed satisfaction with the ongoing reconstruction and modernization of the Nigerian Chronicle complex, noting that the iconic newspaper establishment is receiving the attention required to restore its pride of place among Nigeria’s leading media institutions.

Recalling that the facility suffered extensive damage during the EndSARS protests, Dokubo said the quality and pace of work being carried out by the government have impressed members of the union and rekindled hope for the newspaper’s full revival.

The NUJ Vice President also praised the cordial relationship between the Cross River State Government and the media, stressing that effective governance thrives when government maintains strong engagement with journalists as critical partners in development and public accountability.

While urging the administration to sustain the momentum, Dokubo said journalists across the South-South region were impressed by the progress recorded so far, adding that the projects inspected provide compelling evidence that governance is delivering tangible dividends to the people of Cross River State.