Climate Action: C’River, PROWPMAN Partner to Restore 5,000 Hectares of Forests

Ukorebi Esien  |  October 17, 2025

CALABAR — In a major step toward advancing environmental sustainability and climate change mitigation, the Cross River State Forestry Commission (CRSFC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Processed Wood Producers and Marketers Association of Nigeria (PROWPMAN) to restore 5,000 hectares of degraded forest reserves across the three senatorial districts of the state.

The MOU, signed on Thursday in Calabar by the Chairman of the Forestry Commission, Ntufam Rt. Hon.. (Dr.) George Oben-Etchi, and the National President of PROWPMAN, Chief Ademola Christopher Oyaleke, mark the launch of a Sustainable Green Project targeted at the Oban Group Forest Reserve in Akamkpa Local Government Area (South), Okon River Forest Reserve in Edondon, Obubra LGA (Central), and Yache Forest Reserve in Alifokpa, Yala LGA (North).

According to Chief Oyaleke, the initiative is designed to promote sustainable forest practices, enhance biodiversity, and contribute to Nigeria's climate action commitments under international environmental frameworks. He noted that the project will also support local community development through green jobs and forest-based livelihoods.

"This collaboration reflects our collective determination to restore degraded forest areas and promote responsible forest management," Oyaleke said. "With the unwavering support of the Cross River State Forestry Commission, PROWPMAN is recording its most successful afforestation effort yet in Nigeria."

In his remarks, the CRSFC Chairman, Hon. Oben-Etchi, described the partnership as a turning point in the state's effort to restore and sustain its forest heritage, assuring that the Commission would continue to operate transparently while documenting progress for future reference.

"We want Cross Riverians to know that conscious efforts are being made through tree planting to reclaim our forest reserves," he said. "With this MOU, we now have a working document and a reference point for generations to come."

The Director of Forestry, Mr Donatus Adie, applauded both parties for what he termed a "forward-thinking collaboration," urging other stakeholders, including NGOs, community-based organizations, and private investors, to emulate the initiative rather than rely solely on government intervention.

Similarly, the Secretary of the Forestry Association of Nigeria (FAN), Cross River Chapter, Dr Emmanuel Ugbong, commended the Commission for providing security and technical support during field operations. He expressed optimism that the project would significantly boost afforestation, regeneration, and ecosystem restoration across the state.

On behalf of PROWPMAN's Cross River Chapter, Mr Babatunde Williams disclosed that over 25,000 seedlings of different species have already been planted in Oban, Akamkpa LGA, as part of the 5,000-hectare pilot phase. He appreciated the Forestry Commission for its continuous partnership and support.

Also speaking, PROWPMAN Vice President, Chief Dosunmi Adetola, thanked the Governor of Cross River State, His Excellency Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu, for granting approval and providing logistics support for the project's takeoff, describing the governor's gesture as a testament to his "People-First" environmental vision.

In his closing remarks, Hon. Oben-Etchi reaffirmed the Commission's commitment to ensuring that the partnership stands the test of time, adding that the project will substantially expand the state's forest cover and enhance its contribution to global climate goals.

"This collaboration will not only green our environment but also secure the future of our forest resources," he said.

The Sustainable Green Project is expected to serve as a model for other states, reinforcing Cross River's position as Nigeria's leading champion in forest conservation and climate resilience.

C’River Assembly Moves to Curb Soaring Rent, Ban House Agency

Ukorebi Esien | October 15, 2025 

CALABAR — The Cross River State House of Assembly has resolved to take decisive legislative action to curb the soaring cost of house rents and address what it described as the exploitative practices of housing agents across the state.

The motion, titled "Matter of Urgent Public Importance on the Unreasonable Hikes in House Rent," was sponsored by the Member representing Abi State Constituency, Rt. Hon. (Dr) Davies Etta debated extensively during Tuesday's plenary session in Calabar.

Hon. Etta, in his lead debate, lamented that the state capital, Calabar, and its environs have witnessed an alarming surge in rent prices, with landlords and agents increasing rates arbitrarily without any corresponding improvement in the quality of housing.

"Houses built over 20 to 30 years ago, with leaking roofs, broken plumbing, and outdated fittings, are being rented for millions of naira. House agents now boldly advise landlords to increase rents not because of any renovation or upgrade, but simply because 'others are doing so.' This is exploitative, heartless, and economically destabilizing," Etta stated.

According to him, a single-room self-contained apartment along Marian Road now rents for as much as ₦1.5 million annually, while a one-bedroom apartment in Calabar South costs between ₦800,000 and ₦1 million. In Parliamentary Extension, E1, and State Housing areas, two-bedroom apartments now go for ₦2 million or more — far beyond the reach of civil servants, students, and small business owners.

Etta described the trend as a social and economic threat that could fuel homelessness, increase urban inequality, and endanger public stability. He therefore called for immediate government intervention to regulate rental prices and introduce a clear legal framework governing landlord-tenant relations.

In contributions to the debate, several lawmakers expressed outrage over the role of housing agents, accusing them of manipulating the property market for selfish profit.

Standley Nsemo (Calabar Municipality) described agents as "middlemen profiting from people's suffering," calling for strict regulation or outright proscription of their activities.

Francis Ogban (Biase) linked the rising rent crisis to increasing crime rates in the state, arguing that many youths are being driven into desperate situations due to unaffordable housing.

Omang Omang (Bekwarra) insisted that the welfare of Cross Riverians must remain the government's top priority, urging the Ministry of Housing to step up enforcement of fair rental practices.

Also contributing, Ashakia Pius (Obanliku) demanded the complete abolition of housing agents, stressing that their operations have worsened the living conditions of the average citizen. He argued that direct dealings between landlords and tenants would eliminate unnecessary fees and exploitation.

Lawmakers also expressed worry over the skyrocketing cost of building materials, particularly cement produced by Lafarge and iron rods from the Export Processing Zone (EPZ), both located within the state.

The Member representing Akpabuyo Constituency said it was unacceptable that materials produced in Cross River remain unaffordable to the very people of the state. He called on the state government to engage manufacturers and distributors to review pricing and consider introducing subsidies to make construction more affordable.

Similarly, the Member representing Obubra I Constituency urged the Assembly to review the role of property agents in tenancy agreements, noting that many exploit both landlords and tenants, inflating rent prices under the guise of "agency charges."

Responding to the motion, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem commended Hon. Etta for what he described as a "timely and people-centred motion." He assured that the 10th Assembly would prioritize the issue of affordable housing and ensure that both landlords and tenants are treated fairly under the law.

"This Assembly belongs to the people. We will continue to stand with them to create balance, fairness, and affordability in housing across Cross River State," Ayambem said.

The Speaker also noted that the Assembly will not tolerate any exploitative practice that undermines the dignity of citizens or widens economic inequality in the state.

At the end of deliberations, the House resolved to mandate its Committee on Housing and Urban Development to liaise with the Ministry of Housing, landlords' associations, and relevant stakeholders to design an actionable framework for rent regulation and the review of agent operations.

The committee is expected to present recommendations that will lead to the drafting of a Property Rental Regulation Bill, setting clear standards for rent increases, tenancy rights, and building material pricing.

Lawmakers unanimously emphasized that housing is not a luxury but a basic human necessity, warning that the current trend of unregulated rent hikes, if not urgently checked, could push more Cross Riverians into poverty and social distress.

Cross River Youth Leadership Reacts to NYCN Delisting by CAC

Ukorebi Esien | October 8, 2025

CALABAR –The recent decision by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) to withdraw the registration certificate of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has continued to generate nationwide reactions, with youth leaders and government officials urging calm, dialogue, and respect for due process.

While the development has raised concerns about the legal status of the apex youth body in Nigeria, key stakeholders in Cross River State have maintained that the state's youth leadership remains intact and functional.

Speaking in Calabar, the Chairman of the NYCN Cross River State Chapter, His Youthfulness Emmanuel Olayi, described the viral document announcing the delisting as "unofficial and unconfirmed," noting that no formal correspondence has been received from either the Federal Ministry of Youth or the CAC.

"We have seen flying news here and there about the delisting of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, but as of this morning, the status of the council is still active on CAC's portal," Olayi said.

"For us in Cross River, there is no crisis. The youth of the state are united, peaceful, and working together. Our structure remains intact under my leadership," he assured.

Olayi, who emphasized that leadership struggles were natural in large organizations, appealed to national actors to prioritize peace and the unity of Nigerian youths over power tussles.

"We should not continue to fight over what we should not fight over. Our generation deserves peace, not endless power struggles," he added.

"Action in Contempt of Court" — NYCN National Deputy Secretary

Corroborating Olayi's position, the Deputy National Secretary of NYCN, Prince Ndiyo Ndiyo described CAC's action as a possible contempt of court, alleging that an existing appeal court judgment had restrained the commission and the Federal Ministry of Youth from taking such steps.

"Before now, there was a court judgment barring CAC and the Ministry from delisting the Youth Council. If it is true that CAC has gone ahead with this, it is contempt of court," he stated.

Prince Ndiye insisted that the NYCN remains a legally recognized institution and not a factional body, dismissing suggestions that the action affects the state structures.

"Cross River and other states remain intact. Nobody has withdrawn Sokubo's presidency; what they are fighting is the entire youth council system, not an individual," he maintained.

He, however, called on all stakeholders to "choose dialogue over destruction" to preserve youth representation in national policy processes.

We Await Federal Directive — Cross River Commissioner for Youth

Reacting to the development, the Cross River State Commissioner for Youth Development, Barr. Ijom Ukam, said the state government was aware of the situation but would wait for official communication from the Federal Ministry of Youth before taking any action.

"CAC is legally empowered to regulate corporate entities in Nigeria. However, as a sub-national, we await the directive from the Federal Ministry of Youth on what steps to take," the Commissioner stated.

On the legal controversy surrounding the move, Ukam said the action appeared to be post-election, following the disputed national congress of the NYCN, rather than a pre-emptive move.

"The delisting does not mean the Council cannot be re-listed if it puts its house in order. Once the internal crisis is resolved, the CAC may have no reason not to restore its registration," he added.

Analysts Question Oversight and Youth Representation

Analysts and youth observers say the situation exposes long-standing tensions between the Federal Ministry of Youth, the CAC, and NYCN leadership: particularly regarding oversight, transition, and autonomy. They warn that unless addressed through dialogue, the move could weaken youth representation nationwide, disrupt state-level programs, and affect Nigeria's engagement with international youth development partners.

Call for Peace and Reconciliation

As the controversy unfolds, the consensus among stakeholders remains clear: the need for dialogue, reconciliation, and institutional reform to safeguard youth governance in Nigeria.

In the words of the Cross River NYCN Chairman:

"Our youth must learn to build bridges, not walls. Power comes and goes, but unity keeps the dream of a better Nigeria alive."

–End–

Expect Steady and Constant Water Supply Soon Calabar — Water Board MD Assures Residents

Ukorebi Esien  I October 7, 2025 

CALABAR — The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Cross River State Water Board Limited, High Chief (Dr.) Godwin Inyam, has assured residents of Calabar and its environs that the era of water scarcity will soon be over, as the state government under Governor Bassey Edet Otu finalizes a major Public-Private Partnership (PPP) to revive the state's water supply system.

Speaking in Calabar, Dr. Inyam explained that the partnership, which involves Agua Global Services as concessionaire, has been carefully designed to restore regular water supply to households and businesses in the state capital and beyond. The arrangement, he said, gives the private firm 85 percent operational control, while the state government retains 15 percent, ensuring both efficiency and accountability in service delivery.

"I can confidently assure residents that water will soon flow again in Calabar. His Excellency, Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu, has approved the engagement of a private partner to manage the Water Board, and all due processes are nearing completion," Inyam stated. "This administration is determined to end water scarcity and restore public confidence in the Water Board."

The Water Board boss revealed that the agency had for years faced severe operational challenges, including obsolete equipment, energy deficits, vandalized meters, and broken distribution networks. According to him, most of the Water Board's machines were installed over two decades ago, and the infrastructure had suffered significant wear and tear, making large-scale water production impossible.

He further noted that water production is a capital-intensive venture, citing the cost of a single water abstraction machine at ₦460 million, with standard operation requiring at least three to five units. These financial realities, he said, made government's decision to embrace a PPP arrangement not just practical but necessary.

"No state government can single-handedly sustain the cost of running a water utility at the required scale," Inyam explained. "That's why the PPP model, backed by His Excellency's vision, is the right path forward. It ensures we bring in the needed expertise, investment, and technology to serve the people better."

He disclosed that the state currently has over 1,200 distribution networks, out of which about 25 percent are damaged, mostly due to erosion and road construction. The incoming private partner, he added, will focus on rehabilitating these networks, replacing broken meters, and modernizing the entire production and reticulation system.

Dr. Inyam assured residents that the state government has completed all preliminary processes through the Bureau of Public-Private Partnership and the Council on Privatization, chaired by the Deputy Governor, in preparation for final approval by the State Executive Council (EXCO).

"Once the final approval is given, Agua Global Services will officially take over operations. From that point, Cross Riverians, especially residents of Calabar, will begin to experience steady water flow," he said.

The MD commended Governor Otu for his visionary leadership and commitment to public welfare, describing him as "a governor who truly puts the people first."

"Water is life, and the Governor understands that access to clean and safe water is not a privilege but a right. His administration's intervention in the Water Board will mark a turning point for Calabar and the entire state," he affirmed.

Dr. Inyam also appealed for public understanding and support as the transition process unfolds, assuring that the forthcoming reforms will deliver lasting improvements in water supply and quality of service.

"We are optimistic. The light is already shining at the end of the tunnel. Very soon, water will flow again in Calabar," he concluded.

Obong-Anwan Barbara, Peterside, Sanusi, Kukah, Others Call for Calm Over Dangote Refinery Dispute

Ukorebi Esien  |  October 7, 2025

ABUJA – A group of eminent Nigerians, including Obong-Anwan Barbara Etim James, Atedo Peterside (CON), Khalifa Muhammad Sanusi II, and Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah (CON), has called for calm and dialogue over the recent industrial dispute involving the Dangote Refinery.

In a joint statement released in Abuja on Monday, the group urged stakeholders to act with restraint and national interest, describing the refinery as a vital symbol of local investment and industrial growth.

"The Dangote Refinery is more than a private venture, it represents what bold domestic investment can achieve after decades of public-sector failure. Protecting such ventures while ensuring fair labour practices is vital to our shared future," the group said.

The statement, also endorsed by Arunma Oteh, Aisha Yesufu, Dr. Salamatu Hussaini Suleiman, and Opeyemi Adamolekun, was signed by Osita Chidoka, OFR, and Obong-Anwan Barbara Etim James.

The group outlined three guiding principles for Nigeria's economic progress: respect for workers' rights, protection of productive enterprises, and a commitment to transparency and social responsibility by major investors.

They cautioned that recurring disruptions around strategic national assets could weaken investor confidence and derail economic recovery efforts. Concerns about monopoly or market dominance, they added, should be handled through legal institutions such as the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) rather than industrial actions that harm ordinary Nigerians.

"This crisis is not about one refinery or one company. It is about the direction of our economy, whether we continue in a cycle of scarcity and rent-seeking or build a future anchored on productivity, fairness, and shared prosperity," the group stated.

They commended the Federal Government, organised labour, and the management of Dangote Refinery for embracing dialogue to resolve the dispute and urged that this cooperative approach become a model for future industrial relations in Nigeria.

FRSC Boss Vows Tougher Sanctions as 46 Drivers Convicted in C'River Mobile Court

Christian Njoku  | 6, 2025

CALABAR —The Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Cross River State, SC Innocent Etuk, has issued a stern warning to motorists to desist from violating traffic regulations or risk imprisonment, following the conviction of 46 out of 49 offenders during a mobile court session along the Calabar-Odukpani Road on Monday

Etuk who made the call on Monday along Calabar-Odukpani Road, during a mobile court proceeding to try drivers for various traffic infractions, said on his assumption of office he made it clear that he was ready to send many drivers to jail unless they repented.

The sitting presided by Magistrate Mr Eno Iyamba arraigned 49 traffic offenders, convicted 46 while three were discharged.

114 Offences were recorded with Drivers Licence Violation (DLV), Seatbelt Use Violation (SUV), Attempting Corrupt Marshal on duty (ACS) as most prevalent.

Road Safety Mobile Court in Session 

Speaking further, the sector commander said the exercise was the Corps strategic intervention to cut down the excesses of the motoring public in terms of traffic infractions.

"Today is another mobile court sitting to fulfill our mandate to bring down road crashes; at least once or twice every month, we carryout these intervention patrols to achieve our mandate.

"It is sad that despite our advocacies through the media and others, traffic infractions are not abating, last month many drivers were convicted for attempting to corrupt our men and this month it is still on the increase.

"In the month of Sept. we did not convict any driver for Dangerous Driving (DGD) but this month we have already convicted one and it took our synergy with sister agencies to get this done," he said.

He noted that as the "ember" months continued, the Corps had identified flash points in the state where it normally encounters challenges such as Odukpani Junction, Okurikang, Ikom Four Corner and Ogoja towards Vandekia.

He said they are also planning to have a camp around Okurikang that would be on and effective till late in the night to enable the Corps reduce response time in the case of any emergency.