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Gov. Otu Rewards Seven Cross Riverians with Automatic Employment, Business Grant Option for Presidential NYSC Honours

Seven outstanding indigenes of Cross River State have been honoured with the prestigious Presidential National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Honours Award in recognition of their exceptional service, exemplary conduct, and impactful community development projects during their national service year.

In recognition of their remarkable achievement, Governor Bassey Edet Otu received the award recipients at his residence in Calabar, where he congratulated them for bringing honour to Cross River State through their outstanding performance, innovation, and dedication to national service.

The Governor described the honourees as worthy ambassadors of the state whose achievements reflect the values of excellence, integrity, and selfless service that Cross River is known for.

To reward their outstanding contributions, Governor Otu approved automatic employment into the Cross River State Civil Service for all seven award recipients. He also gave each honouree the option of receiving a business grant instead, should they prefer to pursue entrepreneurship and establish businesses of their choice.

Governor Otu said the gesture demonstrates his administration’s commitment to recognising merit and encouraging young people who distinguish themselves through hard work, patriotism, and service to humanity.

He urged the awardees to remain committed to excellence and continue to inspire other young Cross Riverians to make meaningful contributions to society.

The Presidential NYSC Honours Award is one of Nigeria’s highest recognitions for corps members, reserved for those who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, outstanding service, and significant contributions to community and national development during their service year.

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Entertainment News

UNICAL Directs Prospective Corps Members to Verify Records Before NYSC Mobilisation

The University of Calabar has directed all prospective corps members and final-year students awaiting NYSC mobilisation to verify and update their personal and academic records, including their National Identification Number (NIN), on the Student Results Portal on or before July 25, 2026.

In a memo issued by the Nigeria Education Repository and Databank (NERD), the exercise was described as essential for the accurate retrieval, verification, compliance, and timely processing of students’ records for the forthcoming NYSC mobilisation.

The University warned that incomplete or outdated information could delay the processing of NERD documentation and affect mobilisation.

Students who are yet to enrol on the NERD platform or require assistance have been advised to seek support through the designated NERD channels or visit the NERD Office at the Academic Publishing Centre (APC), University of Calabar.

The memo, signed by the NERD Focal Officer, Dr. (Mrs.) Violet Bassey Eneyo, urged all affected students to treat the directive as urgent and avoid sharing sensitive information such as passwords or NIN with unauthorized persons.

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Education News

UNICAL Dismisses Eight Staff for Examination Misconduct, Duty Abandonment and Other Offences

The Governing Council of the University of Calabar (UNICAL) has approved the dismissal of eight members of staff and sanctioned another following the consideration of disciplinary cases at its 174th meeting.

The decisions were contained in an official memo issued by the Office of the Registrar after the Council meeting held on Friday, July 3, 2026.

According to the memo, Professor Emilia Oyira of the Department of Nursing Science was dismissed over a case of alleged examination misconduct.

Dr. Mathias Agba, also of the Department of Nursing Science, was found culpable of negligence of duty in relation to the same examination misconduct case. He was sanctioned with a delay of two promotional years and the forfeiture of 50 percent of his withheld salary.

The Council also dismissed Mr. Emmanuel Adariku of the Alumni Relations Office over the unauthorized withdrawal of funds from the Friends of Malabor/Alumni Trust Fund account.

Similarly, Mr. Ukachukwu Echezunachi Darlington of the Department of Chemical Pathology, Mrs. Akinnirade Opeyemi Ogunlyi of the Department of Microbiology, Dr. Arum Priscillia Nchekwube of the Department of Internal Medicine, and Mrs. Okoi Nyesam Eni of the Clinical Medical Hostel were dismissed over allegations of abandonment of duty and absence from duty.

Also dismissed was Mr. Joseph Edet Okon of the Works Department over allegations of vandalization and removal of armoured cables.

In addition, Mr. Eworo Valentine Ibor of the Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry was dismissed over the alleged falsification and alteration of examination results.

The University stated that the disciplinary actions followed the Council’s deliberation on reports presented by the appropriate disciplinary committees, reaffirming its commitment to upholding professionalism, accountability, and ethical standards within the institution.

The memo was signed by the Registrar, Dr. (Mrs.) Chukwuka I. Icha, and circulated to principal officers of the University for implementation.

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News

IPAC Commends Gov. Otu for Donating Brand-New Bus, Pledges to Boost Voter Participation

The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Cross River State Chapter, has commended Governor Bassey Edet Otu for donating a brand-new bus to the Council, describing the gesture as a demonstration of his commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and promoting inclusive governance.

In a statement signed by the State Chairman of IPAC, Engr. Effiom Edet Okon, the Council said the donation would enhance its operational capacity, improve coordination of its activities, and support efforts to promote peace, political engagement, and democratic development across the state.

IPAC praised Governor Otu for running an inclusive administration that recognizes the role of all registered political parties in the state’s development, regardless of political affiliation.

The Council also pledged to intensify voter education and grassroots mobilization across the 18 local government areas, with the goal of increasing Cross River State’s voter register to at least 2.5 million voters ahead of the 2027 General Elections.

IPAC expressed appreciation to the Governor for the support and prayed for wisdom, strength, and good health as he continues to lead the state.

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Education

2026 Scholarship: Engr Awowoh Education Foundation Invites Obanliku Students to Apply

The Engr. Christian and Kate Awowoh Education Foundation has commenced applications for the third edition of its annual scholarship programme for indigent students of Obanliku Local Government Area studying in tertiary institutions.

Download, Fill, and Submit the Application Form to Awowohedufoundation@gmail.com

According to the foundation, the scholarship is open to final-year students of Obanliku origin enrolled in degree-awarding institutions, with priority given to indigent students.

Eligible applicants include students of the University of Calabar, the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), the Federal College of Education, Obudu, degree-awarding programmes in Colleges of Health Technology, as well as students of the Nigerian Law School, Medicine and Surgery, Geophysics, and Geology.

Applicants are required to submit a Certificate of Origin, Admission Letter, and a current semester school fees receipt or course registration form duly endorsed by their Head of Department.

Applications are to be submitted online via Awowohedufoundation@gmail.com, while the deadline for submission is July 31, 2026.

The foundation noted that the names of successful beneficiaries will be published before the disbursement of the scholarship awards. For enquiries, applicants may contact 0806 286 3545 or 0803 792 1764.

 

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Education

Parents, Guests Expected as Cornerstone College Sets July 18 for 2025/2026 Graduation Ceremony

Cornerstone College, Busanfong, Obanliku Local Government Area, has announced that its 2025/2026 Graduation Ceremony will hold on Saturday, July 18, 2026.

According to a special invitation issued by the school’s management, staff, Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), and students, the event will take place at the School Assembly Hall, opposite the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Office, Busanfong, beginning at 9:00 a.m.

The ceremony will feature a variety of academic and cultural performances by graduating pupils and students, including drama, debates, music, dance, and recitations, highlighting their academic growth and creative talents.

The management has invited parents, guardians, alumni, friends of the school, and members of the public to attend the ceremony and celebrate the achievements of the graduating class.

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Education

C’River Govt Debunks Rumour of UNICROSS Okuku Campus Relocation

The Cross River State Government has dismissed as false and politically motivated reports claiming that the Okuku Campus of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) will be relocated to Akamkpa.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Commissioner for Education, Senator Prof. Stephen Adi Odey, described the rumour as a complete fabrication designed to create unnecessary anxiety among students, parents, staff, and the people of Yala.

He stated unequivocally that there are no plans to relocate the campus, stressing that Governor Bassey Otu’s administration remains committed to strengthening the institution. He noted that the Governor recently approved the renovation of facilities at the Okuku Campus under the leadership of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Francisca Bassey.

“The Okuku Campus is not relocating. It is growing, it is thriving, and it will continue to be a centre of academic excellence,” the Commissioner said.

He urged the public, particularly the people of Yala, to disregard the rumour and remain confident in the government’s commitment to educational development.

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News

BREAKING: Fake PFIPC DG, Adeniyi Adeyemi Arrested Following Court Order

Adeniyi Adeyemi, who allegedly paraded himself as the Director-General of the non-existent Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), has been arrested.

His arrest came shortly after Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja issued a warrant for his arrest.

Further details on the circumstances surrounding the arrest are expected as investigations continue.

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News

Peace Returns to Balegette as Obanliku Chairman Hon Sunny Ayang Intervenes in Land Dispute

The Executive Chairman of Obanliku Local Government Area, Hon. Amb. Chief (Dr.) Sunny Ayang, JP, has convened a high-level peace and reconciliation meeting to restore harmony following the recent communal unrest in Balegette, Becheve Ward.

The meeting brought together traditional rulers, elders, opinion leaders, women, youth representatives, and other stakeholders from the affected communities to address the land dispute involving the Umboli, Omoni, Akemen, Elumusor, and Nzosor communities.

Speaking during the meeting, Hon. Ayang emphasized that peace remains the foundation of sustainable development, urging all parties to embrace dialogue, forgiveness, and peaceful coexistence. He assured residents of his administration’s commitment to resolving disputes through justice, inclusiveness, and constructive engagement.

The meeting ended with key resolutions aimed at addressing the root causes of the conflict and preventing future occurrences.

The peace initiative was attended by the Vice Chairman of Council, Hon. Amb. Glory Awowoh; Leader of Council, Hon. Sunday Elam; Secretary of Council, Dr. Joseph Agba; Special Adviser on Peace and Security, Supol Cyprian Ukupa; the Divisional Police Officer, CSP Lifu; Barr. Pius Awah; the Director of Security Operations, Mr. Mathias Agba; and other community leaders and stakeholders.

The engagement marks another milestone in the Ayang administration’s efforts to promote lasting peace, security, and development across Obanliku Local Government Area.

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News

Gov. Otu Orders Immediate Repairs on Failed Sections of Calabar–Odukpani Road

Governor Bassey Edet Otu has directed the immediate repair of failed sections of the Calabar–Odukpani Road following an inspection of the affected areas.

During the inspection, the Governor described the condition of the road as a major concern and instructed the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure to mobilise to the site without delay and commence remedial works to restore the damaged sections.

Governor Otu said the emergency intervention is aimed at providing immediate relief to motorists and residents, while the state government develops a more durable and sustainable engineering solution to address the recurring deterioration of the road.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to delivering quality infrastructure that improves the lives of Cross Riverians, assuring residents that every effort is being made to provide safer and more reliable road networks across the state.

The Governor also appreciated the patience and cooperation of residents, reiterating that his administration remains focused on delivering infrastructure that meets the needs of both present and future generations.

Present during the inspection were the Commissioner for Works Mr Pius Edet, Special Adviser on General Duties to the Governor Barr Ekpenyong Akiba, among others.

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