Negroid Haven

10/09/2026

Disability advocate faults 100 Leading Ladies list in C’River

By Efio-Ita Nyok

A disability rights advocate in Cross River State, Miss Iquo Mkpang, has faulted the recently unveiled list of “100 Leading Ladies in Cross River State” over the exclusion of women with disabilities, asking whether their contributions to nation-building are only recognised when data or charity is needed.

The list, compiled by the Cross River State Library Board in collaboration with the Office of the Wife of the Governor and the Ministry of Women Affairs, was presented on September 8, 2026, at the State Library Complex, Calabar.

In a statement on Thursday, Mkpang, who is physically challenged, questioned the criteria used to select 100 women from the state’s 18 local government areas, noting that no woman with disability made the list.

“What criteria were used in bringing out 100 women in a state that has 18 LGAs?” she asked. “Does it mean that women with disabilities are not good influencers for this recommendation, but women with disabilities are only good when data is needed or for charity?”

She argued that women with disabilities have contributed to nation-building across education, business, leadership, sports, and community service, and deserve recognition alongside their able-bodied counterparts.

Mkpang named some of the overlooked women to include Dr. Flora Ibiang Usang, Amb. Iquo Mkpang, Augusta Bassey, Dr. Juliet Diwa, and Angelina Ugben.

“Our disability is not a barrier but a ladder to greatness. We should also be showcased alongside other women for inclusivity, encouragement, and support to do more in their space,” she said.

She invoked the principles of “Ability in Disability” and “Leaving No One Behind,” insisting that inclusivity must be reflected in practice and not merely in rhetoric.

The compendium was unveiled in the presence of Governor Bassey Edet Otu, his wife, Bishop Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, and Deputy Governor Peter Odey.

The organisers had yet to respond to Mkpang’s allegations as of the time of filing this report.

https://www.negroidhaven.com/2026/09/disability-advocate-faults-100-leading-ladies-list-in-criver/

09/09/2026

Onyeme Urges Deltans in Calabar to Promote Unity, Peace

By Our Correspondent

The Deputy Governor of Delta State, Sir Monday Onyeme, has urged Deltans resident in Calabar, Cross River State, to remain united and peaceful and conduct themselves as worthy ambassadors of the state.

Onyeme made the call in Calabar when he hosted leaders of Delta ethnic groups and members of the Delta State Progressives, an umbrella body of Deltans resident in Cross River State.

The deputy governor was in Calabar to represent the Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, at the South-South Governors’ Forum meeting held in the state capital.

Onyeme commended the President of Delta State Progressives, Chief Masor Elvis, and leaders of the various ethnic groups for meeting with him during his official visit.

He described the gathering as a demonstration of unity and solidarity among Deltans living outside the state.

The deputy governor urged the group to maintain peace in their host community and work together to promote the interests and image of Delta State.

He said Deltans living in Cross River should contribute positively to the development of their host communities and avoid actions capable of undermining peaceful coexistence.

Onyeme also highlighted what he described as the developmental strides of the Oborevwori administration, particularly in infrastructure and peaceful coexistence.

He urged Deltans resident in Cross River to support the Delta State Government's development agenda, as well as the administrations of Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, and President Bola Tinubu.

The deputy governor said the Delta State Government remained committed to the welfare of its citizens, including those living outside the state, stressing the importance of keeping them connected to the state's development agenda.

Earlier, the President of Delta State Progressives, Cross River State chapter, Chief Masor Elvis, thanked Onyeme for meeting with Deltans despite his official engagements in Calabar.

Masor, who was represented by the President of the Isoko Development Union, Calabar branch, and Secretary-General of Delta State Progressives, Cross River chapter, Mr Agare Onoriode Israel, commended the Delta State Government for its infrastructural projects across the state.

He assured the deputy governor of the continued support of Deltans resident in Cross River for the administration.

Masor also called for greater inclusion of Deltans living outside the state in government programmes and activities, saying this would promote an inclusive approach to governance.

He assured that Deltans in Cross River would continue to conduct themselves responsibly and represent their home state positively.

In their separate remarks, leaders of the various Delta ethnic groups called for continued unity, collaboration and peaceful coexistence among Deltans.

Those at the meeting included the President of the Urhobo Progressive Union, Engr. Alex Oboripo; President of the Anioma group, represented by Mr Tony Adah; President of Ukwani People, represented by Dr Peter Ada; and the Vice-President of Delta State Progressives, Cross River chapter, Mr Ogun Joseph.

Others were the Delta State Women Representative of APC Non-Indigenous People, Barr. Meg Eloho Adah, and Mr Alex Afcyra.

https://www.negroidhaven.com/2026/09/onyeme-urges-deltans-in-calabar-to-promote-unity-peace/

09/09/2026

Grace Bassey Supports Needy Bakassi Children Ahead of Resumption

By Efio-Ita Nyok

The Leader of the 7th Bakassi Legislative Assembly, Rt. Hon. Grace Bassey, has provided educational materials and financial assistance to children identified as needy in Bakassi Local Government Area ahead of the resumption of schools.

Bassey distributed school books, bags, writing materials, mathematical sets and cash assistance to the beneficiaries at Ikot Efiom, the Bakassi Council headquarters, as part of her Educational Support Initiative.

She said the initiative was designed to assist children who genuinely needed support as they prepared to return to school.

According to her, the beneficiaries were selected strictly on the basis of need to ensure that the intervention reached children who required assistance the most.

Bassey said she considered the intervention an investment in the future of the beneficiaries, urging them to take their education seriously and conduct themselves responsibly.

“I love to invest in young people. That’s why I called to gift you some educational materials because I know that school will very soon be resuming,” she told the beneficiaries.

The legislative leader also urged the children to be mindful of their behaviour, character and choice of friends, stressing that their conduct could influence their future.

“You are the future leader, so you have to be mindful of the things that you do today. Some of us are here today; today I am the leader of the Legislature. Tomorrow it might be you,” she said.

Bassey advised the beneficiaries not to allow their feelings or peer groups to negatively influence their decisions, adding that character and behaviour were important determinants of responsible leadership.

She said every child deserved the opportunity to learn, grow and pursue their aspirations without being held back by a lack of basic educational materials.

One of the beneficiaries, Fortune Ukeme Jack, a Class 3A pupil of Rainbow High School, Bakassi, thanked Bassey for the support and prayed for continued blessings upon her.

Another beneficiary, Eyo Okpo Ene, an SS2 student, also expressed appreciation for the gesture.

The intervention comes ahead of the new school term, with the beneficiaries receiving basic learning materials intended to support their return to school.

Bassey said the initiative was part of her commitment to investing in young people and supporting children who required assistance within the community.

https://www.negroidhaven.com/2026/09/grace-bassey-supports-needy-bakassi-children-ahead-of-resumption/

08/09/2026

Akak Urges Implementation of South-South Governors’ Resolutions

By Our Correspondent

The National Deputy Treasurer of the All Progressives Congress, Engr. Ben Akak, has urged the South-South Governors’ Forum to move swiftly to implement the resolutions reached at its meeting in Calabar, Cross River State.

Akak said sustained implementation of the decisions was necessary to translate the governors’ renewed commitment to regional cooperation into tangible economic and developmental gains for the six South-South states.

He made the call in a statement commending the Chairman of the Forum, Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, and the host Governor of Cross River State, Bassey Otu, for bringing the governors together to deliberate on issues affecting the region.

According to him, the resolutions on regional infrastructure, rail connectivity, seaport development, industrialisation, investment mobilisation and stronger engagement with the Federal Government showed that the governors were beginning to recognise the need for coordinated action.

“I commend our governors for recognising that the future prosperity of the South-South lies in our ability to speak with one voice and pursue common economic and developmental interests.

“The Calabar meeting has provided an important platform for the region to move from fragmented efforts to coordinated action. What we need now is sustained implementation of the resolutions reached,” he said.

Akak said the region possessed significant economic potential which could be unlocked through greater cooperation among the states.

He also welcomed the governors’ plan to engage President Bola Tinubu on critical regional concerns, including infrastructure, environmental restoration and maritime development.

The APC chieftain said the proposed rehabilitation and modernisation of the Calabar, Port Harcourt and Warri seaports, alongside the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, could expand economic activities and create employment opportunities across the region.

“As a Cross Riverian, I am particularly encouraged by the renewed attention to the Calabar Port and the broader economic opportunities that regional connectivity can create for our state and our people,” he said.

Akak maintained that political cooperation among the South-South states should go beyond meetings and declarations, stressing that the region must convert its collective decisions into measurable development.

He also described the governors’ 100 per cent support for President Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027 as significant, but said such political alignment should be accompanied by a sustained partnership with the Federal Government.

“Beyond elections, our responsibility is to ensure that the partnership produces tangible benefits for our people.

“The South-South must use its political strength strategically to attract investment, infrastructure, employment opportunities and sustainable development to our communities,” Akak stated.

He congratulated Governor Otu on hosting the governors’ meeting and said his emergence as the South-South Zonal Campaign Coordinator of the APC Presidential Campaign Council placed an additional responsibility on him to strengthen political cooperation and mobilisation across the region.

Akak called on political leaders, traditional rulers, civil society groups, business leaders and residents of the South-South to support the regional development agenda.

He said the region had the resources, human capital, strategic location and political relevance to become one of Nigeria’s leading economic blocs, adding that unity of purpose and political will were required to achieve the objective.

“Calabar has once again provided the platform. It is now time for the South-South to turn this renewed unity into measurable development for our people,” he added.

National Deputy Treasurer of APC, Ben Akak, has urged South-South Governors’ Forum to implement the resolutions reached at its meeting in Calabar, Cross River.

08/09/2026

NUJ Chair, Archibong Bassey, Makes 100 Influential Women List

By Our Correspondent

The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Cross River State Council, Comrade Archibong Bassey, has been listed among the 100 Most Influential Women in Cross River State in the 2026 edition of Leading Ladies in CRS.

Bassey’s inclusion was contained in a notification and congratulatory letter from the editorial team of the publication, which said she made the final list after consideration of several nominations.

The organisers said the women were selected in recognition of their achievements and the inspirational value of their individual stories.

The public presentation of the Leading Ladies in CRS: 100 Most Influential Women compendium is scheduled for Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at 3pm at the State Library Complex, Calabar.

The event is being organised by the Cross River State Library Board in collaboration with the Office of the Wife of the Governor and the Ministry of Women Affairs.

The selected women are expected to receive certificates confirming their listing in the compendium.

Bassey’s recognition places the head of the state’s umbrella body for journalists among women recognised for their leadership, professional accomplishments and contributions to the development of Cross River State.

Her inclusion also marks a recognition of the role of women in the journalism profession, particularly in leadership and public discourse.

As NUJ chairman, Bassey oversees the state council of the union, which represents journalists and media practitioners across Cross River State.

The organisers described the compendium as a collection of inspirational stories aimed at documenting the accomplishments and contributions of the women featured.

The presentation is expected to bring together prominent women from different sectors of the state, as well as government officials, media practitioners and other stakeholders.

https://www.negroidhaven.com/2026/09/nuj-chair-archibong-bassey-makes-100-influential-women-list/

06/09/2026

ALGON Chair Hails Otu’s Revival of Chronicle
..Pledges support for Cross River Community Food Bank

The Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, Cross River State chapter, Hon. Yibala Inyang, has commended Governor Bassey Otu for reviving the Cross River State Newspaper Corporation, describing the intervention as a major boost to the Nigerian Chronicle.

Speaking at the commissioning of the remodelled newspaper corporation in Calabar yesterday, Inyang said the intervention would reposition the Chronicle and restore its role as a major source of information and public enlightenment in the state.

He described the newspaper as an important institutional heritage of Cross River State and urged stakeholders to support its revival.

“On behalf of the council chairmen, we want to express our appreciation to our governor for revamping this institutional heritage. It would have been a misnomer for this historic legacy to fizzle out under our watch,” Inyang said.

He urged the management and staff to justify the investment by upholding professionalism, objectivity and ethical journalism.

“I want to charge the journalists in the Chronicle to justify this monumental investment by the present administration by ensuring that professionalism and objectivity remain the guiding principles of the newspaper,” he said.

The ALGON chairman, who announced a donation of N36 million, called on the 18 local government councils and other stakeholders to support the newspaper through patronage and other legitimate means.

Inyang said the intervention was not merely support for a media organisation but an investment in public information and the preservation of an institution that had served generations of Cross Riverians.

Meanwhile, the state ALGON boss has equally commended the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, for commissioning the South South National Community Food Bank Project in Calabar.

Inyang described the initiative as a demonstration of compassion and responsive leadership aimed at improving the welfare of vulnerable Nigerians.

“At a time of economic challenges, providing access to food for disadvantaged families is a timely and commendable intervention,” ALGON said.

The association appreciated the First Lady for extending the programme to Cross River State and pledged its support and cooperation to ensure that the benefits reach intended beneficiaries at the grassroots.

06/09/2026

Renewed Hope: Tinubu Commissions Second ICT Centre at UNICROSS

By Our Correspondent

The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has commissioned the Tertiary Education Trust Fund ICT Experience Centre under the Renewed Hope Initiative at the University of Cross River State, Calabar.

The facility, commissioned on Friday, is the second ICT Experience Centre under the Renewed Hope Initiative to be commissioned by the current administration, according to the First Lady.

The commissioning ceremony was attended by the Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu; his wife, Bishop Eyoanwan Otu; Chairman of the TETFUND Board of Trustees, Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari; Executive Secretary of TETFUND, Arch. Dr Sonny Echono; and other federal and state government officials.

Also present were the Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Owan Enoh; Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa; Chairman of the Bank of Industry, Dr Mansur Muhtar; Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem; and other dignitaries.

Commissioning the facility, Tinubu dedicated it to the glory of God and the benefit of students of the university.

She said the centre was part of efforts to expose young Nigerians to the technological opportunities available in the future.

“To the glory of God and the benefit of all students of this institution, it is my honour and privilege to commission the ICT Centre in University of Cross River State. God bless everyone. Our children should know that this is what the future holds for them,” she said.

The First Lady subsequently toured the centre alongside Governor Otu, the Cross River State First Lady and other dignitaries.

The Vice-Chancellor of UNICROSS, Prof. Francisca Bassey, led the delegation through the facility and highlighted its potential to support teaching, learning, research, creativity and digital innovation.

During the tour, Tinubu and other dignitaries also commended cultural and artistic works produced by students and displayed at the centre.

The First Lady stressed the need for Nigeria to preserve its cultural identity while advancing technologically.

She also commended the Vice-Chancellor for her leadership of the university.

Tinubu disclosed that other ICT projects under the Renewed Hope Initiative would be commissioned soon, indicating further expansion of the programme.

The UNICROSS centre is expected to strengthen access to modern digital and educational resources for students and support the university's academic and research activities.

The project also marks an addition to the infrastructure of the university and provides a platform for digital learning, creativity and innovation.

The Vice-Chancellor's engagement with TETFUND and other stakeholders was instrumental to the establishment and completion of the facility, according to the university.

Bassey's collaboration with the First Lady of Cross River State also contributed to the participation of the First Lady of Nigeria in the commissioning ceremony.

The university used the occasion to showcase its facilities and academic capabilities, with the event attended by members of the TETFUND Board of Trustees, state officials, service commanders, traditional rulers and members of the university community.

At the ceremony, Bassey presented Tinubu with a commemorative plaque, Efik traditional gifts and an Adire fabric bearing the First Lady's name and the UNICROSS crest.

The event also featured cultural performances by groups and students of the university.

The commissioning of the centre is expected to enhance UNICROSS's digital infrastructure and further expose its students to modern technological resources as the university seeks to strengthen teaching, research and innovation.

https://www.negroidhaven.com/2026/09/renewed-hope-tinubu-commissions-second-ict-centre-at-unicross/

04/09/2026

Cross River Moves to End Multiple Taxation in Central District

The Cross River State Internal Revenue Service has partnered with the Ikom Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture and the six local government councils in the Central Senatorial District to address multiple taxation and duplication of levies affecting businesses in the area.

The stakeholders are expected to hold a one-day sensitisation conference on tax harmonisation between the state and local governments on Wednesday in Ikom.

The conference, with the theme, **“Tax Harmonization Between State and Local Government: Cross River Central Experience,”** is aimed at promoting a coordinated, transparent and efficient revenue administration system across the district.

The initiative is also expected to provide an avenue for government representatives, business owners, taxpayers and other stakeholders to discuss practical measures for eliminating duplication in taxation.

According to the organisers, the collaboration is designed to improve coordination between state and local government revenue authorities while reducing the burden of multiple taxation on businesses operating across the six local government areas in the district.

The Executive Chairman of CRIRS, Prince Edwin Okon, is expected to attend the conference as the Special Guest, while the Executive Chairman of Yakurr Local Government Council and Chairman of the six councils in Cross River Central, Hon. Yibala Inyang Ingiri, will serve as Co-Host.

The President/Chairman of Council of IKOMCCIMMA, Mrs Flora Takim-Ndifon, will host the event, while Dr Akornaye U. Adie, Managing Partner, Akornaye Adie & Co, is the Guest Speaker.

The conference is scheduled to take place at 10am at the ICC Hotel Hall, Four Corners, Ikom.

The organisers said the engagement would deepen understanding of tax responsibilities among taxpayers and promote greater cooperation between government and the business community.

The initiative is expected to address concerns over overlapping revenue collection by different tiers of government, which can increase the cost of doing business and discourage investment.

It will also focus on ways to make tax administration more transparent and efficient, while improving compliance and revenue generation for government.

The CRIRS said it would continue to engage taxpayers, businesses, local government councils and other stakeholders as part of efforts to promote coordinated revenue administration across Cross River State.

The agency added that sustained engagement remained necessary to create a more predictable tax environment and improve the ease of doing business in the state.

https://www.negroidhaven.com/2026/09/cross-river-moves-to-end-multiple-taxation-in-central-district/

04/09/2026

Bakassi Littoral Status Restoration Nears Completion — Stakeholders

CALABAR—Stakeholders in Bakassi Local Government Area of Cross River State have said the process of restoring the state’s littoral status as an oil-producing state has reached an advanced stage.

The stakeholders said the restoration, being pursued by the state government with the backing of the Federal Government, would have significant economic implications for Bakassi and Cross River State if concluded.

The pro-tem leader of the Bakassi Elders’ Forum and former Deputy Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Hon. Patrick Antigha Ene, disclosed this during a stakeholders’ meeting in Bakassi.

Ene said the administration of Governor Bassey Otu, supported by President Bola Tinubu, had made progress on issues that had remained of concern to the people of the area.

He said, “Under Governor Otu’s leadership, with the backing of the President, the process to restore Cross River State’s littoral status as an oil-producing state has reached an advanced stage.”

The former deputy speaker said the restoration of the state’s status would bring economic benefits to Bakassi and the state, particularly by improving access to resources accruing to oil-producing areas.

He also identified the proposed Bakassi Deep Seaport as another major development being pursued by the Federal Government, saying President Tinubu had demonstrated commitment to the project.

According to him, the seaport is currently awaiting a formal flag-off date, while the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway would provide an important transportation corridor for the evacuation of goods from the facility when completed.

Ene said the combination of the restoration of the state’s littoral status, the deep seaport and the coastal highway could significantly alter the economic prospects of Bakassi and the wider Cross River region.

“There are many silent achievements that the people of Bakassi can credit to the federal and state governments,” he said.

The stakeholders also expressed support for the continuation of the Tinubu and Otu administrations, linking their position to what they described as developments affecting the people of Bakassi.

The meeting, which brought together political office holders, elected representatives and other stakeholders from the area, was held at the APC chapter secretariat before the delegation proceeded to the Bakassi Local Government Council Secretariat.

The stakeholders met with the council chairman, Hon. Effiong Etim Okon, council appointees and workers as part of efforts to consolidate their political position ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The council chairman and other participants also highlighted improvements in security in the area, with Effiong Eyen Okon saying the situation had improved to the extent that investors and residents were no longer fleeing the area because of insecurity.

He said council operations were no longer being disrupted by criminal elements as was previously the case.

Okon also pledged to lead stakeholders on a tour of project sites where state and local government interventions were being implemented.

The meeting ended with the participants pledging to mobilise support for the APC and its candidates in the 2027 elections.

They said the restoration of Bakassi’s fortunes, improved security and ongoing infrastructure projects would remain central to their mobilisation efforts.

https://www.negroidhaven.com/2026/09/bakassi-littoral-status-restoration-nears-completion-stakeholder

04/09/2026

CNG Plant to Create Opportunities for Cross River Communities — HBM

By Efio-Ita Nyok

HBM Nigeria Plc has said its newly commissioned Compressed Natural Gas facility at its Mfamosing plant in Cross River State will create opportunities for communities, contractors, transporters and customers across the state and beyond.

The company stated this during the commissioning of the high-capacity CNG station at its Mfamosing Plant, saying the facility formed part of its broader drive to build a cleaner, faster and more efficient logistics network.

The Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of HBM Nigeria Plc, Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, said the investment would not only improve the company's operational efficiency but also open up opportunities for people and businesses connected to its logistics value chain.

According to him, the facility would support the company's transition towards cleaner and more cost-effective energy sources while creating opportunities for communities, customers, contractors and transporters.

“We are happy that this would create more opportunities for our communities, customers, contractors, transporters, people in Cross River and the wider community in Nigeria,” Alade-Akinyemi said.

The new CNG facility has an installed capacity of 144,000 standard cubic metres per day and is designed to serve up to 150 trucks daily in its first phase.

The company said the facility, which operates round the clock, is equipped with two pumps and four dispensing points to reduce refuelling queues and truck waiting time.

HBM added that the second phase of the project, expected to come on stream by October 2026, would increase the facility's capacity to approximately 250 trucks daily.

The Logistics Director of HBM Nigeria, Osaze Aghatise, said the project represented a major shift in the company's deployment of CNG, noting that the company had used the fuel in its logistics operations for nine years.

He said the difference with the new facility was the scale of deployment, which would improve truck availability, reduce waiting time and accelerate the delivery of products to customers.

“For us, the real value is what this does for our customers and our operations — shorter refuelling queues, reduced truck waiting time, better truck availability and faster turnaround,” Aghatise said.

He added that every reduction in waiting time would enable the company's trucks to return to the road faster and improve delivery efficiency.

Also speaking, the Cross River State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Pastor Ekpenyong Ene Cobhams, congratulated HBM Nigeria on the investment and said the state government remained committed to creating an investment-friendly environment.

Cobhams said the development demonstrated the importance of adopting more efficient sources of energy for the movement of goods and services.

“This is an era of not just mobility but also of efficiency in the choice of power sources used to deliver goods and services. We are proud of HBM Nigeria Plc, especially for its commitment to corporate social responsibility,” he said.

The commissioner said the state government's support for investors was aimed at ensuring that businesses operating in Cross River derived value from their investments while contributing to the state's economic development.

A transporter and Managing Director of Joza Global Logistics Limited, Emmanuel Usiakpor, also described the CNG facility as a development with significant benefits for transporters.

HBM Nigeria said the expansion of its CNG infrastructure was part of its wider logistics transformation agenda, which focuses on operational efficiency, improved asset utilisation, faster delivery and the gradual reduction of reliance on conventional fuels.

The company said the investment would strengthen the resilience of its logistics network while supporting its sustainability objectives.

The commissioning was attended by the Cross River State Commissioner for Mineral Resources (Solid Minerals), Ntufam Effiom-Ekaha Otu; Village Head of Mfamosing, Ntufam Paul Ntui; Member representing the area in the Cross River State House of Assembly, Linus Bassey, and other government officials, community leaders and HBM Nigeria executives.

https://www.negroidhaven.com/2026/09/cng-plant-to-create-opportunities-for-cross-river-communities-hbm/