C'River ATRD to Intensify Automotive Sector Formalisation in 2026

Ukorebi Esien | December 6, 2025

CALABAR — The Cross River State Automobile Technicians Regulatory Department (ATRD) has announced plans to accelerate the formalisation, regulation and standardisation of the automotive industry in Cross River State beginning in 2026. The commitment was reaffirmed on Friday during the department's first anniversary celebration and symposium held at the Kashim Shettima Hall, State Library Complex, Calabar.

The event, which drew technicians, spare-parts dealers, security agencies, government officials and stakeholders across the automotive value chain, highlighted the milestones recorded within ATRD's inaugural year and set clear policy directions for the coming phase of reforms.

Speaking at the event, the Special Adviser to the Governor on ATRD, Chief Ndem Effiong, said the department has completed its foundational work and is now transitioning into full enforcement, compliance monitoring, industry mapping and the establishment of uniform professional standards.

He noted that ATRD was created by Governor Bassey Otu's administration to regulate and professionalise the sector, which plays a crucial role in transportation, public safety and the state's informal economy.

"The year 2026 will mark a decisive shift. We will strengthen the registration of technicians, ensure compliance with operational standards, expand training opportunities and institutionalise quality control within the industry," Effiong stated.

In its one-year performance report, ATRD showcased key accomplishments,  including:

Construction of an Automobile Training Centre (ATC) at the University of Education and Entrepreneurship (UEE), Awi-Akamkpa.

The facility is designed to train, certify and upskill thousands of automotive technicians.

 Establishment of a CNG and Electric Vehicle (EV) charging point at the University of Calabar (UNICAL), positioning Cross River among early movers in Nigeria's shift towards cleaner and modern mobility.

Registration of technicians and ongoing development of a statewide automotive database.

Deepened collaboration with the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) to align state policies with national automotive sector reforms.

Effiong described these achievements as foundational investments that will support large-scale regulation and compliance activities beginning next year.

In their separate speeches, representatives of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigeria Police, DSS, NSCDC and other agencies commended ATRD for its commitment to safety and professionalism.

FRSC officials noted that standardising workshops and technicians is critical to reducing road crashes linked to poor vehicle maintenance.

The symposium also recognised the contributions of mechanics, panel beaters, auto-electricians, welders, vulcanizers, painters, motor dealers and spare-parts traders whose work sustains the mobility and logistics sectors in the state.

ATRD disclosed that 2026 activities will include:

* Full activation of the Automobile Training Centre for certification programmes

* Mandatory registration and categorisation of automotive workshops

* Enforcement of environmental, safety and operational standards

* Collaboration with security agencies to curb auto-related crimes

* Strengthening of partnerships with academic and technical institutions

* Improved access to modern tools, technology and alternative-fuel vehicle knowledge

Effiong also appealed for government support to enable wider participation of Cross River stakeholders in the West Africa Automotive Show (WAAS) 2026, describing it as a strategic gateway for partnerships, investments and innovation.

Offiong Vows to End Admission Racketeering and Indiscipline in UNICAL

Ukorebi esien | December 3, 2025

CALABAR - The newly inaugurated 12th Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar (UNICAL), Prof. Offiong Effanga Offiong, has pledged to stamp out admission racketeering, indiscipline, and all forms of administrative and academic corruption within the institution. He made the declaration on Monday during his official investiture held at the Godswill Akpabio International Conference Centre, Calabar.

Prof. Offiong, who assumed office following his confirmation by the university's governing council, outlined a comprehensive reform agenda aimed at repositioning UNICAL for excellence. Central to his vision is the eradication of fraudulent admission practices, a recurrent challenge that has dented the institution's reputation in recent years.

The Vice-Chancellor announced the reactivation of the Central Admissions Committee, insisting that "all admissions must strictly follow due process and JAMB guidelines." He warned that his administration would maintain zero tolerance for racketeering, illegal payments, and manipulation of admission lists, stressing that there would be "no sacred cows" in the enforcement of discipline.

Prof. Offiong also condemned the growing trend of fraudulent NYSC mobilisation and indiscipline among staff and students. He assured that robust internal monitoring systems and stronger disciplinary measures would be implemented to restore integrity to the university's operations.

Beyond discipline, the new VC unveiled a 12-point development blueprint focusing on academic excellence, ICT strengthening, enhanced student welfare, quality assurance, environmental sustainability, community engagement, and improved infrastructural management.

He announced plans for a Vice-Chancellor's scholarship scheme, expansion of the work-study programme, upgrading of staff quarters, reopening of closed access roads, and renewed collaboration with host communities to rebuild trust.

Prof. Offiong appealed for cooperation from staff, students, alumni, and stakeholders, stating that the new administration would be firm but fair. He emphasized his commitment to restoring the university's dignity and ensuring that UNICAL "is no longer in the news for the wrong reasons."

The inauguration was attended by top government officials, academics, traditional leaders, and members of the university community, all of whom expressed optimism that the new leadership would usher in a more disciplined and progressive era for the institution. 

MEDA Holds 2nd Enterprise Awards, Splashes Over N6m on Deserving Entrepreneurs

Ukorebi Esien | December 3, 2025

CALABAR - The Cross River State Micro Enterprise Development Agency (MEDA) has hosted the second edition of the People's First Enterprise Awards, where over 13 entrepreneurs drawn from various sectors received ₦500,000 each in recognition of their outstanding performance and potential. TDN can confirm.

The beneficiaries encompass both established businesses and promising startups across key sectors, including agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, logistics, entertainment, content creation, fashion, media, and community development.

Speaking at the event, the Director-General of MEDA, Great Ogban, described the awards as a strategic effort by the agency to strengthen enterprise development across Cross River State under the visionary leadership of Governor Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu.

Ogban noted that the People's First Enterprise Awards is more than a ceremonial gathering, but a deliberate platform to reward excellence, stimulate innovation, and motivate entrepreneurs contributing to the state's economic transformation.
He highlighted the Governor's unwavering commitment to enterprise growth, citing the recent approval of ₦500 million, which has been matched by partnering financial institutions to raise a ₦4 billion SME fund, accessible to Cross River–based entrepreneurs at single-digit interest rates.
The DG further revealed that over 500 retirees recently trained by MEDA on enterprise development received ₦500,000 each to begin their business ventures, with more than 80–90 new enterprises already established as a result of the initiative.

"When we place people first, enterprises do not just survive—they thrive. These awards demonstrate our belief in the boundless potential of our people," Ogban said.

Chairman of the MEDA Board, Mr Essessien Bassey Edem, applauded the dedication of the awardees while encouraging aspiring entrepreneurs to position themselves for next year's edition. He emphasized that MEDA's impact is driven by teamwork, innovation, and accountability.

List of Awardees

Competitive Categories
• Agricultural Value Chain – Alexi Newtown and UT Martins
• Tourism & Hospitality – Queenie Kitchen
• Fashion & Styling – Ajeboo Printing and Branding
• Transportation & Logistics – Now Now Logistics
• Event Management – Jenate Touch Event
• Manufacturing & Production – Seekee's Cooties
• Entertainment & Lifestyle – Roman Premium
• Retail/Wholesale/Distribution – Babie & More
• Content Creation & Filmmaking – Patrick Dominic
• Health & Fitness – Hogis Fitness
• Artisans & Skills – Benco Fabrication
• Education & Advocacy – The Orange Show
• Media & Journalism – Calabar Gist

Special Categories
• Most Influential Personality – High Chief Peters Higgins
• Professional of the Year (Academic) – Asst. Prof. Elder Mrs. Virginia Ironbar
• Leadership Personality of the Year – Rt. Hon. Hilary Bisong
• Lifetime Achievement – Chief Effiong Etim Okon
• Entrepreneur of the Year – Prince Ejah Igwe Ejah
• Social Entrepreneur of the Year – Henry Ojong Foundation
• Most MSME-Friendly Chairman – Hon. Yibala Igri Inyang
• Most MSME-Friendly Legislator – Hon. Cyril James Omini
• Most MSME-Friendly Foundation – Sir Augustine Agbor Odere Foundation
• Most Compliant Gaming Operator – KC Gaming Network (Bet9ja)
• Community/Social Impact Personality – Quinesta Ekom

The event, themed "Empowering Dreams and Transforming Futures," affirmed the state's commitment to enterprise growth, innovation, and job creation.

  

C’River APC Impeaches Chairman, Appoints Acting Leader Amid Prolonged Internal Crisis

Ukorebi Esien | December 4, 2025

CALABAR – The crisis within the Cross River State chapter of the APC has deepened further as members yesterday impeached sitting State Chairman Alphonsus Ogar Eba (JP), appointing an acting chairman to steer party affairs. 

The move follows months of internal turbulence, including public protests by chapter chairmen and secretaries, a vote of no confidence, and the temporary lock-down of the party's state secretariat by aggrieved members demanding Eba's resignation over alleged financial impropriety, withheld stipends, and mismanagement of funds at the grassroots.

In the official statement made public today, the forum of local government chapter chairmen and secretaries argued that Eba's leadership had "crippled party operations" at the ward and LGA levels, worsened the welfare of over 5,700 party officials, and breached internal party trust. 

Consequently, the party appointed Ekum Ekok Ojogu as Acting Chairman, instructing him to oversee the re-structuring and reconciliation of party organs pending convening of a full state congress. 

Observers note that the impeachment marks a dramatic turn in a saga that began with grassroots dissent, a rare but serious shake-up that could reshape power dynamics within APC in Cross River ahead of the 2027 general elections.

C’River Youth Ministry Releases First Batch of UN Jubilee Fellowship Beneficiaries.. Full List Inside

Ukorebi Esien | December 4, 2025 

The Cross River State Ministry of Youths and Skills Development has released the official list of 56 successful applicants selected for the first phase of the UN Jubilee Fellowship Programme, following a rigorous evaluation of 307 applications submitted for the state-level edition.

The announcement was contained in an evaluation report submitted by the Programme Consultant, Dr. MacFarlane Ejah to the Honourable Commissioner on Wednesday, December 3, 2025. According to the report, the shortlisted candidates scaled through a transparent and merit-based screening process designed to identify young graduates with strong potential for professional growth.

The UN Jubilee Fellowship Programme, supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), is a national initiative aimed at reducing youth unemployment by equipping fresh graduates with market-ready skills. The programme offers 12-month paid work placements, professional coaching, mentorship, and a monthly stipend of ₦100,000, positioning the selected interns for career advancement across public and private sector organizations.

In his submission, Dr. Ejah requested the Ministry's approval to publish the list and commence documentation and onboarding. He also proposed a joint meeting with interns and desk officers scheduled for Friday, December 5, 2025, at the Ministry's Conference Hall.

The successful applicants will be deployed to various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and approved corporate organizations, where they will begin their year-long professional fellowship.

Below is the full list of the 56 nominees as contained in the official submission:

1. Comfort Israel Akor

2. Gift Daniel

3. Ayang Daniel Ayong

4. Abang Micheal Edore

5. Janet Ukeh Ebajo

6. Iyamba James Ugobo

7. Maureen Etete Ekpeyong

8. Ita Laura Oku

9. Ene Esther Bassey

10. Ogbe Raphael Lomba

11. Ugar Rita Andokie

12. Elvis Okim Attah

13. Orim Henry Besong

14. Eyong Benjamin Eyong

15. Christopher Asuquo Okon

16. Saviour Eyong Okon

17. Enun Ekup Ogholo

18. Ukam Igbor Etan

19. Ekpenyong Okon

20. Gabriel Owali

21. Ida Inyang O.

22. Onete Ogbor

23. Elot Aja Onughu

24. Sunday Gabriel Bassey

25. Umera Ethorti Kanu

26. Nyok Bassey Edet

27. Lawrence Effio-Ita Effiom

28. Ikwa Micheal Obongha

29. Eqwu Inamang

30. Odey Romanus Olah

31. Ofem Samuel

32. Ezikiel Effiom Etim

33. Goodness Eyare Osang

34. Victoria Effiom Ironbar

35. Emem Edet

36. Jenigift Uke Egbaji

37. Abang Micheal Edore

38. Iyamba James

39. Ita Laura Oku

40. Igung Jeoseph Igung

41. Ogar Evlyn Etonke

42. Eyong Ukpo

43. Edom John Usang

44. Ekpenyong Ekpeyong

45. Ilok Onete Ilok

46. Christiana Archibong Edet

47. James Eku

48. Helen Eja

49. Anita Micheal Edem

50. Andem-Ewa Henry Effiom

51. Ejah Grace

52. Ofegobi Balinwo Ofem

53. Aka Lucia Iquo-Basse

54. Abang Ogon

55. Sunday Egor

56. Akan Stephen Onabe

The Ministry is expected to make a formal public announcement in the coming days, signaling the commencement of documentation and deployment for the selected fellows.

 a national youth employment initiative aimed at equipping fresh graduates with market-ready skills through a 12-month paid internship, mentorship, a monthly stipend of ₦100,000, and professional coaching across approved MDAs and private sector organizations.

Underdevelopment Fueling GBV in Bakassi -Nkese Ita Warns as World Marks 16 Days

Ukorebi Esien | November 28, 2025

IKANG - As the world observes the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the Community Relations Officer (CRO) for Bakassi Local Government Area, Nkese Ita, has raised serious concerns over how years of underdevelopment continue to expose women and young girls in Bakassi to different forms of abuse.

Speaking during the global campaign, Nkese said many of the GBV cases recorded in Bakassi are directly linked to the harsh conditions faced by families living in the creeks and hard-to-reach communities of the LGA. She explained that lack of access to education, healthcare, livelihood opportunities, and basic protection systems has created an environment where young girls are unsafe and vulnerable.

According to her, underdevelopment has led to child motherhood, abandonment, out-of-school girls, multiple sexual assaults, exploitation, and poor reporting of cases, especially in riverine settlements where support services rarely reach.

Nkese said: "Bakassi is rich in natural and human resources, but underdevelopment has made our women and girls suffer more than they should. Many of the abuses happening in the creeks are tied to poverty, displacement, and lack of access to essential services. We cannot continue like this."

She called on the Cross River State Government, humanitarian agencies, civil society organisations, women groups, youth leaders, and traditional institutions to intensify their efforts in the area. Nkese stressed that Bakassi needs targeted interventions that will reach the interior communities, not just the urban centres.
Nkese also expressed her readiness to partner with organisations willing to support women and girls in Bakassi. She said she is open to collaborations that will bring education, empowerment, protection, and awareness programmes to communities most affected by GBV.

"I am ready to work with any organisation that wants to help our girls. We need stronger support systems, safe spaces, and community sensitisation. This 16 Days of Activism should not end with awareness alone; it must lead to action," she added.

The CRO commended Governor Bassey Edet Otu for his ongoing efforts toward peace and development in the LGA but noted that more needs to be done to protect vulnerable groups living along the waterways.
Nkese further urged community leaders, parents, and youths to join hands in building a safer environment for women and girls, emphasising that lasting peace and development cannot be achieved without addressing gender-based violence.