Category: Metro News

  • C’River Youths Invited to Apply for Plantain Chips, Peanut Processing Equipment

    C’River Youths Invited to Apply for Plantain Chips, Peanut Processing Equipment

    By Elijah Ugani 

    The Cross River State Youth Empowerment Scheme has invited young people across the state who are interested in plantain chips and peanut production to apply for equipment under the forthcoming People’s First Mass Empowerment Programme.

    The initiative is aimed at supporting young Cross Riverians who are already involved in the businesses or have a genuine interest in starting or expanding enterprises in the sector.

    According to the Chairman of the Cross River State Youth Empowerment Scheme, Dr. Kalita Joseph Aruku, selected beneficiaries will receive equipment to enable them to start or upscale their businesses.

    Interested applicants have been advised to provide their name, desired trade, ward and Local Government Area (LGA) when applying. They are also encouraged to attach supporting evidence demonstrating their involvement or interest in the requested trade.

    Dr. Aruku said the information would assist the scheme in ensuring a fair distribution of the empowerment items across communities and promoting inclusiveness in the selection process.

    He, however, stressed that applying does not guarantee selection, as beneficiaries will be chosen based on the programme’s criteria and available resources.

    The scheme also cautioned individuals who have previously been shortlisted to receive an empowerment item against applying for the programme.

    The initiative is part of efforts under the People’s First Mass Empowerment Programme to provide young people with practical support and opportunities to establish or strengthen small businesses across Cross River State.

  • NARD 46th AGM: Odey Reaffirms Otu Administration’s Commitment to Healthcare

    NARD 46th AGM: Odey Reaffirms Otu Administration’s Commitment to Healthcare

     

    Cross River State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Dr Peter Odey, has reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to improving healthcare delivery and enhancing the welfare of medical professionals across the state.

    Odey spoke on Tuesday when he received a delegation of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), led by its outgoing National President, Dr Mohammad Usman Suleiman, at the Deputy Governor’s Conference Room, Government House, Calabar.

    The Deputy Governor said the administration of Governor Bassey Edet Otu had prioritised healthcare as a key component of its People First agenda, noting that the government would continue to implement policies aimed at improving access to quality healthcare services.

    He assured resident doctors and other health professionals that the administration would continue to create an enabling environment for medical practitioners to work, develop their careers and contribute to the state’s healthcare system.

    According to him, the government is also focused on improving conditions of service, strengthening healthcare institutions and addressing factors contributing to the migration of medical professionals, popularly known as “Japa”.

    Odey said such measures were necessary to retain skilled doctors and other healthcare professionals in the state and ensure continuity in the delivery of quality medical services.

    He also commended NARD for choosing Cross River State to host its 46th Annual General Meeting, describing the event as an opportunity for professional exchange, knowledge sharing and discussions on the future of healthcare delivery in Nigeria.

    Earlier, the outgoing NARD National President, Dr Mohammad Usman Suleiman, commended the Cross River State Government for what he described as its commitment to the welfare of citizens and healthcare workers.
    Suleiman highlighted several interventions by the Otu administration in the health sector, including the reported 100 per cent implementation of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS).

    He said the implementation had contributed to improving the welfare and working conditions of medical doctors and other health professionals in the state.

    The NARD leader also commended the government for upgrading Primary Healthcare Centres, strengthening the Hospital Management Board, enacting the Medical Quackery Prohibition Law and establishing the Drug Management Agency.

    He said the measures would help strengthen healthcare administration and improve service delivery across the state.

    Suleiman further cited the extension of the retirement age for health workers to 65 years and the lifting of the employment embargo, including the recruitment of medical specialists, as measures capable of strengthening the state’s healthcare workforce.

    He expressed appreciation to the Otu administration for creating what he described as an environment that supports the professional development and welfare of healthcare workers while improving healthcare services for residents.

    Suleiman disclosed that the delegation’s visit was part of activities leading to the 46th NARD Annual General Meeting and the inauguration of the association’s incoming National President, Dr Ogar Emmanuel Idoko.

    The conference is scheduled to hold in Calabar, with the opening ceremony slated for Thursday and the inauguration of the new national president and executive members scheduled for Friday.

  • First-Class Graduate Appeals for Review of Akwa Ibom Civil Service Recruitment Shortlist

    First-Class Graduate Appeals for Review of Akwa Ibom Civil Service Recruitment Shortlist

    By Admin 

    A First-Class Mathematics graduate of the University of Uyo, Emmanuel Udo, has appealed to the Akwa Ibom State Government to review his exclusion from the final shortlist in the ongoing civil service recruitment exercise, citing what he described as concerns over fairness and transparency in the process.

    Udo, who graduated with First Class Honours in Mathematics in 2023, said he scored 81.67 per cent in the Computer-Based Test (CBT) and also participated in the oral interview for the position of Scientific Officer II (GL 08).

    In an appeal addressed to relevant authorities, including the Head of Civil Service and the Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Civil Service Commission, Udo requested a review of his recruitment records and clarification on why he was not shortlisted despite his performance in the selection exercise.

    According to him, during the oral interview, he was asked to state Newton’s First Law and provide two real-life examples.

    He said he answered the question correctly and was “openly applauded and commended” by members of the interview panel.

    Udo also dismissed any suggestion that his exclusion could have been linked to his age, saying his date of birth is consistent across his official documents.

    He stated that he completed his primary education in 2008 and secondary education in 2014 before proceeding to the University of Uyo, where he obtained a First Class degree in Mathematics in 2023. He subsequently completed his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme in 2024.

    On his qualification for the position, Udo said the recruitment advertisement listed a Bachelor’s degree in a Natural or Applied Science as one of the requirements for the position of Scientific Officer II.

    He argued that Mathematics falls within the relevant scientific discipline and therefore requested clarification on the basis for his exclusion from the final shortlist.

    “What makes the situation particularly concerning to me is when I see someone getting the recruitment email with a CBT score of 52,” Udo said.

    He, however, stressed that his appeal was not intended to discredit other candidates or seek preferential treatment.

    “I am not raising this issue to discredit any candidate or to demand preferential treatment. Rather, I am simply appealing for fairness, transparency and accountability in a recruitment process that directly affects me,” he said.

    Udo also appealed to the state government to review the relevant recruitment records, including his CBT result, academic qualifications, interview performance and the criteria applied in determining the final shortlist.

    He acknowledged that Governor Umo Eno might not have direct knowledge of the individual circumstances surrounding every stage of the recruitment exercise, but appealed for his case to be examined by the appropriate authorities.

    “I am not a social media influencer, nor am I seeking unnecessary publicity. I am simply a young graduate who worked hard, met the stated requirements, scored 81.67 per cent in the CBT, appeared before the interview panel and gave my best during the process,” he said.

    Udo described the situation as painful, particularly because, according to him, he has not received an explanation for his exclusion.

    “I am not asking for favour. I am asking for fairness, transparency and an opportunity to have my case properly reviewed, if an error or omission occurred,” he said.

    He said his CBT result and other relevant documents were available for verification by the appropriate authorities.

    As of the time of filing this report, there was no response from the Akwa Ibom State Civil Service Commission or the Head of Civil Service addressing Udo’s specific concerns. The claims regarding the selection process and the comparative CBT scores could not independently be verified from the information provided.

    Udo’s appeal now puts the spotlight on the recruitment process and his request for the relevant authorities to clarify the criteria used in arriving at the final shortlist.

  • Jarigbe Inspects Ongoing Constituency Projects in Ogoja

    Jarigbe Inspects Ongoing Constituency Projects in Ogoja

     

    By Team Jari Media

    The Senator representing Cross River North Senatorial District, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, has commenced an inspection tour of ongoing constituency projects he facilitated across the district.

    The inspection tour began in Nkum-Irede Ward, Ogoja Local Government Area, where the Senator, represented by his Constituency Officer, Mr. Egar Mgbantul, visited the ongoing construction of the PTDF Technology Centre at Ibil Secondary School and the Recreational Centre in Ibil.

    During the inspection, Mgbantul assessed the progress of work at the project sites and commended the engineers, contractors and workers for the work completed so far.

    He, however, called on the contractors to sustain the pace of work and intensify efforts toward ensuring the timely completion of the projects.

    The Constituency Officer also stressed the importance of strict compliance with the approved project specifications, particularly the provisions of the Bill of Quantities (BoQ), while maintaining the required standards of workmanship and quality.

    According to him, the projects are intended to provide lasting benefits to residents of the benefiting communities. He therefore urged all stakeholders involved in their execution to prioritize quality, durability and value for money.

    Mgbantul further noted that upon completion, the projects are expected to contribute to infrastructure development as well as the social and economic advancement of the benefiting communities.

    The inspection is part of Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe’s ongoing monitoring of constituency projects facilitated under his representation, with the stated objective of ensuring that projects are executed according to approved specifications and delivered for their intended purposes.

  • UNICAL VC Directs Health Centre Board to Submit Comprehensive Report on Challenges

    UNICAL VC Directs Health Centre Board to Submit Comprehensive Report on Challenges

    By Elijah Ugani 

    The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Offiong Efanga Offiong, has directed the Management Board of the University Health Centre to submit a comprehensive report outlining the centre’s challenges, strategic needs and plans for improved healthcare delivery.

    The Vice-Chancellor gave the directive when members of the Health Centre Management Board paid a courtesy visit to the university management.

    Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Ekaete Inyang Enang, the Vice-Chancellor welcomed the board members and commended them for supporting the administration’s commitment to the welfare of members of the university community, particularly students.

    He urged the board to prepare and submit a detailed official document outlining the Health Centre’s strategic plans, pressing needs and challenges, noting that the report would enable Management to make informed decisions and effectively address issues affecting the facility.

    The Vice-Chancellor assured the board that Management would continue to explore ways of addressing the challenges confronting the centre, including partnerships with relevant health agencies to strengthen medical services for staff and students.

    He also disclosed that remedial measures would be taken to improve the Health Centre ahead of the forthcoming Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA) games, which the University of Calabar is scheduled to host.

    Earlier, the Chairman of the Medical Board, Dr. Victor Nwagbara, said the visit was aimed at briefing the Vice-Chancellor on the current state of the Health Centre and the challenges affecting its operations.

    Nwagbara explained that the board also came to present its terms of reference, as earlier requested by the Vice-Chancellor, while assuring Management of the board’s commitment to effective service delivery and efficient oversight of the centre.

    He identified inadequate funding as the major challenge facing the facility and appealed to Management to provide the Director of Health Services with adequate impress to enable the centre operate effectively.

    The Medical Board Chairman assured the Vice-Chancellor that the board would submit the requested comprehensive document detailing the needs and challenges of the Health Services.

    He further highlighted several areas requiring urgent attention, including the reintroduction of mandatory medical screening for newly admitted students, upgrading of facilities ahead of the NUGA games, provision of functional medical equipment and appropriate storage facilities.

    Nwagbara also called for proper utilisation of funds from the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and Tertiary Students Health Insurance Programme (T-SHIP), warning that poor utilisation could jeopardise the continued operation of the schemes.

    Also present during the meeting were the Director of Health Services, Dr. Kaiser Etta, and the Secretary of the Medical Board, Mrs. Agnes Atrogor, Esq.

    The meeting underscored the university management’s focus on strengthening healthcare infrastructure and services as part of efforts to improve the welfare of the university community.

  • UNICAL VC: We Are Proud to Associate with Students Living Christ-Like Lives

    UNICAL VC: We Are Proud to Associate with Students Living Christ-Like Lives

     

    The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar (UNICAL), Prof. Offiong Efanga Offiong, has expressed the University Administration’s pride in associating with students who are committed to living Christ-like lives.

    Prof. Offiong stated this when members of the Joint Christian Campus Fellowship (JCCF), University of Calabar, paid a courtesy visit to the University Management.

    Represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration, Prof. Anthony Afam Okiwelu, the Vice Chancellor commended the Fellowship for what he described as taking “the right steps” in promoting positive values among students.

    He said the University Administration was committed to ensuring that students completed their academic programmes within the stipulated period.

    Prof. Offiong noted that Management frowned at cultism, examination malpractice, grade sorting and other forms of academic misconduct, urging the Fellowship to continue to educate and sensitise students against such practices.

    The University helmsman assured the Fellowship of Management’s full support and encouraged its members to remain steadfast in promoting good morals, academic integrity and responsible conduct among students.

    Earlier, the President of the Fellowship, Mr. Etan Mark Obun, said the visit was aimed at appreciating the University Management, identifying with it, seeking counsel and advice, and soliciting its continued support.

    The Fellowship President also highlighted some of the concerns affecting the organisation and appealed to Management to involve members of the Fellowship in solemn assemblies and student orientation programmes.

    He said that such involvement would enable members of the Fellowship to contribute to mentoring newly admitted students and guiding them away from negative influences.

    Public Relations Unit University of Calabar

  • C’River Police Denies Cultist Cover-Up, Disciplines Officers Over Viral Video Leak

    C’River Police Denies Cultist Cover-Up, Disciplines Officers Over Viral Video Leak

    The Cross River State Police Command has denied allegations that it is shielding suspected cultists linked to a viral video showing sporadic gunfire from a moving vehicle in Calabar.

    The Command, in a statement signed by its Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, on Sunday, September 20, 2026, said the suspect arrested in connection with the incident remains in police custody and is undergoing investigation.

    The statement was issued in response to allegations published by the social media handle “Portrait Peterson,” which claimed that the police were attempting to cover up the identities of persons allegedly involved in the incident.

    According to the Command, the arrest of the suspect was not a “formality” or an attempt to divert attention from the allegations.

    Police said the suspect would be prosecuted if investigations establish a prima facie case against him.

    The Command also said it was investigating the identities of two masked persons seen inside the vehicle in the viral footage who were alleged to be police officers.

    It said the suspect had not identified the two individuals, adding that investigators were independently working to determine whether they were members of the police force and, if so, establish their identities, roles and circumstances surrounding their presence in the vehicle.

    The police further disclosed that officers involved in an unauthorised video interview with the alleged suspect, which was subsequently leaked online, had been identified and disciplined in line with established police procedures.

    The Command said it would not protect personnel found to have acted improperly or compromised investigations involving suspected offenders.

    It also urged the operator of “Portrait Peterson” and anyone with credible and verifiable evidence identifying the masked persons or others allegedly involved in related cult activities to submit such information to the police to assist the ongoing investigation.

    The Command reiterated its commitment to tackling cultism and violent crime in Cross River State, stressing that anyone found culpable would face the law regardless of status or affiliation.

    Members of the public were advised to report emergencies or provide security-related information through the Command Control Room on 0706 797 7330 or 0705 335 5415.

  • C’River Police Warn Officers Against Extorting Drivers, Riders

    C’River Police Warn Officers Against Extorting Drivers, Riders

     

    The Cross River State Police Command has warned its personnel against demanding or collecting money from commercial drivers and tricycle operators during stop-and-search operations, following allegations of roadside extortion along Calabar Road and adjoining areas.

    The warning came after a recent report by The Punch alleged that commercial drivers and tricycle operators were being extorted along the Calabar Road to Watt Market axis.

    The Command, in response, held a meeting with transport stakeholders at the Atakpa Police Division on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, to address the allegations and strengthen collaboration between the police and transport operators.

    The meeting was held in line with the policing vision of the Commissioner of Police, CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, particularly his emphasis on discipline, accountability and community-oriented policing.

    The Commissioner was represented by the Divisional Police Officer of Atakpa Police Division, CSP Azenda Peter, whose division has jurisdiction over the area where the alleged extortion was reported.

    Among those present were executives of the Unified Commercial Drivers Association of Cross River State, led by its State Chairman, Nta Henshaw, and representatives of the Tricycle Owners Association of Nigeria, led by the Calabar South/Municipality Chairman, Chief Pastor Ekpenyong Ewa.

    The police command made it clear that no police officer is authorised to demand, solicit or compel motorists or riders to make payments during stop-and-search operations or other lawful police dutie

  • FG Sets Up Panel to Probe Deaths of 37 in NSCDC Custody

    FG Sets Up Panel to Probe Deaths of 37 in NSCDC Custody

     

    The Federal Government has constituted a 10-member independent committee to investigate the reported deaths of 37 people who were in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.

    The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the constitution of the committee on Saturday, September 19, 2026, following a directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a comprehensive, transparent and unhindered investigation into the incident.

    The 37 detainees were reportedly being held on suspicion of illegal mining before their deaths on Thursday, September 17.

    The minister also ordered the suspension of all officers allegedly involved in the incident, pending the outcome of the investigation.

    Tunji-Ojo described the deaths as “deeply disturbing”, saying the government owes the families of the deceased and the Nigerian public a transparent account of what happened.

    According to the statement, the committee will establish the identities of the deceased and investigate the circumstances surrounding their arrest and detention, as well as the cause and circumstances of their deaths.

    It is also expected to determine responsibility, complicity, negligence or misconduct and recommend appropriate action, including compensation where applicable, as well as measures to prevent a recurrence.

    The minister directed the NSCDC leadership and relevant officers to cooperate fully with the committee and ensure that all records and material evidence relating to the incident are preserved and made available to investigators.

    He warned that any attempt to destroy or conceal evidence, intimidate witnesses or obstruct the investigation would be treated as a serious offence.

    The committee is chaired by Jonathan Kure, a retired Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services, while Prof. Isa Hayatu Chiroma (SAN), former Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, will serve as secretary.

    Other members are retired AIG Hosea Hassan Karma; Prof. Olayinka Buhari, professor of histopathology and former Chief Medical Director of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital; a representative of the Minna Emirate Council; and a representative of the Niger State Government.

    The committee also includes Alhaji Liman Sulaiman, National Secretary of the Miners Association of Nigeria; lawyer and human rights activist Deji Adeyanju; Blueprint Newspaper’s Zainab Suleiman Okino; and public affairs analyst Dr George Agbakahi.

    The committee has two weeks to complete its assignment and submit its report to the Minister of Interior.

    It may also co-opt relevant experts, access facilities and documents, visit locations connected to the incident and invite memoranda from members of the public.

    In addition to the Niger State Commandant of the NSCDC, the minister announced the suspension of 20 officers linked to the incident.

    They include station guards, arresting and investigating officers, intelligence and investigation personnel, legal officers and officers who were on day, night and guard duties at the facility.

    Those suspended are:
    SC Usman Isah Ndamaka — O/C Station Guard
    ASCI Hassan Mohammed — Station Guard
    CCA Bala Mohammed — Station Guard
    CSC Oluwadare Sunday — Arresting Officer/O/C Investigation
    DCC Obafemi Elvis — Arresting Officer
    CSC Annas Shitto Lamino — Arresting Officer
    DCC Philip Ajayi — HOD INT/INV
    ACC Barr. Stephen Tsado — O/C Legal
    ASCI Alhassan Mohammed — Day/Night Duty Officer
    IC Abdullahi Sale — Guard Duty
    IC Mohammed Sonfada — Guard Duty
    CAI Liman Abubakar — Guard Duty
    CAI Bala Usman — Guard Duty
    IC Mohammed Jiya — Guard Duty
    DSC Isah Suleiman — Guard Duty
    CAI Ahmed Wushishi — Guard Duty
    IC Sale Adamu — Guard Duty
    IC Haruna Mohammed — Guard Duty
    ASCI Aliyu Sallah — Guard Duty
    CAI Isah Sanusi — Guard Duty

    The minister extended his condolences to the families of the deceased and appealed for calm while the investigation is ongoing.

    The government said the investigation is intended to provide a transparent account of the incident and establish responsibility for the deaths.

  • Jarigbe Flags Off Ugboro-Ukpah Road, Calls for Support for Tinubu, Otu

    Jarigbe Flags Off Ugboro-Ukpah Road, Calls for Support for Tinubu, Otu

    By Elijah Ugani 

    The Senator representing Cross River Northern Senatorial District, Senator Jarigbe Agom, has flagged off the construction of the 1-kilometre Ugboro–Ukpah road in Bekwarra Local Government Area of Cross River State.

    Represented at the ceremony by his Constituency Officer, Mr Egar Mgbantul, Senator Jarigbe said the project had earlier been approved but was delayed due to the non-release of funds.

    “Today, we are here to flag off the construction of the 1KM Ugboro–Ukpah road, and I thank all of you for the support you have given me,” he said.

    He assured residents that the road would be completed, adding that the project was awarded before the state government flagged off work on the same road.

    Addressing concerns from some constituents who described the intervention as a duplication of the state government’s project, Senator Jarigbe said there was no controversy between him and the state governor, Bassey Edet Otu.

    According to him, both interventions were aimed at complementing government services for the benefit of the people.

    “We didn’t move this road to another location because it has been awarded before the state government flagged off the road. And this intervention will not prevent the state government from undertaking the road for the betterment of our people,” he said.

    The senator urged the community to establish a monitoring team comprising engineers and other professionals from the area to ensure proper supervision of the project.

    “I would like to charge the community to set up a team that will monitor this job. Experts should be put together, comprising engineers who are our sons, to ensure thorough monitoring,” he said.

    Senator Jarigbe also appealed to residents whose properties are close to the road to make the necessary adjustments to allow construction work to proceed. He explained that the federal government does not provide compensation for this category of road project.

    He further announced that the Obepa road leading to the palace of the paramount ruler would soon be flagged off.

    The lawmaker said Bekwarra had stood by him and that he considered it his responsibility to continue to address the needs and challenges of the community.

    Senator Jarigbe also called on residents to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Bassey Edet Otu and other candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Mr Chris Ojugbo commended Senator Jarigbe for initiating the road project, noting that residents had long experienced the difficulties associated with the condition of the road.

    “We are happy that this project is coming at this time. All of us passed through this road and know what is happening here. We pray God to bless the distinguished senator who is our son,” Ojugbo said.

    Mr Omang Simon described Senator Jarigbe as a “servant leader,” saying the senator had demonstrated commitment to his constituents.

    He expressed support for the lawmaker and prayed for his continued wellbeing.

    Speaking on behalf of the women, Elizabeth Akwaji said the women were pleased with the commencement of the project, particularly because of the challenges the road had posed to pregnant women and other residents.

    Also speaking, Barrister Cecy Adams commended Senator Jarigbe and expressed her support for his continued political career.

    She urged residents to support his re-election, saying his interventions had demonstrated his commitment to the people of the senatorial district.

    Similarly, Mr Paulinus Oshaka described Senator Jarigbe as a leader who understands the needs of his constituents and knows when and how to respond to them.

    “We need people and leaders like Senator Jarigbe. Let us pray and support him. Jarigbe is a signature for the people of the North,” he said.

    The road project is being handled by Ibrotoomuch Construction Company Ltd.