Pioneer female Chairmen of NUJ, Archibong Bassey and Grace Ike, make list of Changemakers: 100 Nigerians Leading Change

The two pioneer female chairmen of NUJ, Grace Ike of the FCT chapter; and Archibong Etim Bassey of the Cross River State chapter; are among distinguished Nigerians listed in the 2025 edition of Changemakers: 100 Nigerians Leading Change. 

In a statement by the editors, Kammonke Abam and Steve Ogah, the two journalists were listed for their outstanding career, and for breaking the glass ceiling of the leadership of NUJ by emerging the first female chairmen of their respective chapters. 

Ike is an unwavering journalist, fervent advocate for inclusive reporting and beacon of professionalism. She has successfully navigated various beats and remains poised to emerge as a prominent voice in the media industry.

She is regarded as an authority in legislative reportings with over 10 years of her sixteen years of media practice in the coverage of the House of Representatives.

She  is a seasoned correspondent at ADBN TV ( Advocate Broadcasting TV) and served as the first female Chairperson of the House of Representatives Press Corps from 2020- 2024 and first female Vice Chairman of the NUJ FCT Correspondents Chapel

Archibong, on the other hand, is a dedicated journalist spanning over two decades whose dynamic approach to journalism has used her platform, the NTA Calabar, to effect change in communities through her reportage. 

Her work takes her to difficult-to-reach communities to produce reports, thereby beaming light into the plight of rural communities and drawing attention of the world especially those in positions of leadership to act and provide relief.

The two journalists join other outstanding Nigerians who do extraordinary work to change Nigeria for the better. They include, among others, Nkechi Onyinyechi Ogbonna, another journalist and the West Africa Correspondent for BBC;  the founder of Moniepoint, Olurowunmi; foremost human rights activist based in Nigeria, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu; Ibuoye, Akinade ("Gaise Baba")

Changemakers is a foremost authoritative biographical compendium on Nigerians doing extraordinary things in their spaces to better Nigeria. It is a response to the variegated stereotypic image of Nigeria 

The compendium containing the profiles of all those that made the sterling list is published in www.livesonline.ng, the media partners of Profiles & Biographies

Bendeghe Ekiem Women, Youths Issue 14-Day Ultimatum to Agric Commissioner Over Planned Cocoa Estate Privatization

Ukorebi Esien | July, 5 2025

CALABAR -Tension is brewing in Bendeghe Ekiem community, Etung Local Government Area of Cross River State, as women and youths have given the Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Johnson Ebokpo Jr., a 14-day ultimatum to reverse the planned privatization of a government-controlled cocoa estate. They have threatened to invoke traditional protest methods, including going unclothed around the plantation, f their demands are ignored.

The protest, which took place on Friday, saw scores of women and youths take to the streets in a peaceful demonstration to express their displeasure over the government's decision.

Speaking during the protest, the women leader of the community, Ntunkai Mary Obi, alongside the women chief, Chief Helen Ogar, called on the Commissioner to initiate dialogue with community leaders as a first step toward resolving the brewing crisis.

"Starting from today, we are giving the Commissioner two weeks to reach out to us. If we don't hear from him, we will escalate the protest," Obi stated. "If he refuses to meet with us, our tradition will guide our next action. According to our culture, when our voices are not heard, we will go naked and walk around the estate. After that, we will leave the land entirely for the government."

Also lending his voice, the Town Council Chairman, Mr. Etta Atu-Ojua, who spoke alongside the community youth leader, Comrade Tandu Kingsley, warned that the privatization plan could throw the community into chaos and encourage criminality.

"We've had dark days in this community when our youths took to crime. The presence of the cocoa estate helped to change that by keeping them engaged," Atu-Ojua said. 

"Does the Commissioner want to send our boys back to prison? An idle hand, as they say, is the devil's workshop. The estate is like a factory that gives our young people purpose and dignity. Just look at how energetic they are."

Echoing similar sentiments, Comrade Kingsley described cocoa as the community's lifeline.

• "Our land is our heritage. The cocoa may belong to the government, but the land is ours. If they insist on going ahead with this plan, let them uproot their cocoa trees so we can reclaim our land and plant new ones ourselves," he declared. "Cocoa is our oil. Cocoa is our gold. Nobody can take that from us."

The protesters demanded that the government: Cancel the planned privatization of the cocoa estate, Open a dialogue with community stakeholders Return control of the land to the community if it is no longer interested in managing the estate.

The youth leaders warned that the protest would continue if the Commissioner fails to respond within the stipulated 14-day period.

• "This land belongs to us. We've cared for it, lived on it, and worked on it. If the government won't manage it for the good of the people, we will," Kingsley added.

The protest ended peacefully, but the community insists it will not back down until their demands are met.

INEC Announces Voter Registration Schedule Ahead of 2025 Anambra Governorship Election

Ukpa Ewa | July 4, 2025

AWKA - The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the start of Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) in Anambra State, as preparations intensify for the 2025 Governorship election and scheduled by-elections.

Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state, Dr. Queen Elizabeth Agwu, disclosed this during a meeting with journalists held at INEC headquarters in Awka.

According to Dr. Agwu, the CVR exercise will begin on July 8 and run through July 17, 2025, across all 326 wards in the state. Registration will take place daily from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, excluding Mondays.

She made it clear that the current CVR is strictly for Governorship election slated for November 8, 2025. It will not apply to the Anambra South Senatorial and Onitsha North I State Constituency by-elections scheduled for August 16, 2025.

"This registration is not for the by-elections. It is strictly for the governorship poll. If you register during this window, you won't be eligible to vote in August. Those elections will use the current voter register," she explained.

The registration target individuals who have not registered before, those whose voter cards are missing or damaged and those needing changes to their information. She encouraged eligible residents to take advantage of the opportunity, noting that online platforms can be used for updates, but fresh registration must be done in person to capture biometric data.

Dr. Agwu warned against arriving before or after the designated time. "If you register before 9:00 AM or after 3:00 PM, the system will reject it. The server shuts down automatically and such entries won't be valid," she cautioned.

INEC, she added, has received 376 configured scanners for the exercise to work in line with the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS). Training for adhoc personnel is scheduled for July 4 and July 5, 2025. She confirmed that the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has been officially notified to mobilize corp members for the assignment.

Speaking on the by-elections, Dr. Agwu said arrangements are already in motion. Political parties are expected to conduct primaries and submit their candidates for the elections in eight local government areas. Only voters already on the register in those affected areas will be allowed to vote.

She also announced that after the by-elections, INEC will begin another round of CVR from August 17 to August 26, 2025. However, this phase will not apply to the November governorship election, but rather form part of the preparation for the 2027 general election.

On preparations for the main governorship poll, she explained that INEC has published the list of 16 political parties and their deputy candidates. The Commission has also met with traditional rulers, party executives and community stakeholders to provide election guidelines and expectations.

The REC further urged Ndi Anambra to participate actively and avoid voter apathy. "This is not just a process; it is your right. Registration is free, takes just a few minutes and everything is being handled electronically," she said.

She warned against paying anyone for registration, saying the process is fully funded by the federal government and does not require any payment from citizens.

"Don't wait till it is too late. This is your chance to be part of the decision. Get registered and get ready to vote," she stated.

The Standard Has Dropped: Otu’s Aide Berates Senator Eteng Jones Over Poor Representation

Ukorebi Esien |  July 4, 2025

CALABAR - A storm of political discontent is brewing in Cross River Central Senatorial District as an aide to Governor Bassey Edet Otu has openly criticized the incumbent Senator Eteng Jonah Williams over what he described as a decline in quality representation, ineffective leadership, and underwhelming constituency impact.

In a fiery interaction with pressmen, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Mobilization, Comrade Daniel Obo while reflecting on the youth inclusion drive under the Otu-led administration, took a hard stance on the senator's performance, declaring that "the standard has dropped" in the senatorial district and promising that the youth would no longer support ineffective representation in 2027.

"In the history of Cross River, Central has always produced senators of class. This is the first time our senator is being asked to sit down in the Senate chambers. They never did that to John Owan, not to Ndoma-Egba, not to Sandy Onor. This standard of representation is beneath us," he stated.

Dan Obo who is currently serving as the South-South Vice president, National Youth Council of Nigeria  decried the lack of legacy projects in Central Senatorial District. He pointed to several abandoned projects including the National Youth Centres in Ikom and Akparabong, and dilapidated health infrastructure, citing that "outside of streetlights and exercise books," there is little to show in terms of strategic development under the current senator.

Obo noted that while the Otu-led administration has created deliberate space for youth inclusion and empowerment across sectors, Senator Eteng has failed to maintain engagement with the very youth who rallied behind his 2023 senatorial bid.

"Less than two years into office, he called a youth meeting, all six key youth leaders boycotted it. These are the same people who worked for him, and they have nothing to show for it," he said.

He emphasized that the governor's youth mobilization architecture is not just tokenism but an intentional effort to prepare young people for leadership and policy impact.

"You can see it in the make-up of the House of Assembly, the State Executive Council, and key appointments. The governor is building a system that the youth can inherit, not by default, but by merit," he added.

Senator's Alleged Failures and Call for Merit-Based Ticket
Berating what he called a "sense of entitlement" to a second term, the aide argued that Senator Eteng has not earned a return ticket and insisted that the 2027 ticket should be based on performance, not political maneuvering.

"After two years in the Senate, the people should be agitating for your return, not you lobbying for an automatic ticket. Anyone lobbying for an automatic ticket after failing in performance is a disgrace," he said.

He pointed to other leaders across the state, including those from the South, whom he claimed have supported even aides of Senator Eteng in getting federal jobs, arguing that such gestures have elevated the standard of representation in those areas and should be emulated.

Central Youths Ready to Chart a New Course
The aide expressed support for the Commissioner for Special Duties, Oden Ewa, who he described as providing "visible leadership" in the senatorial district. Though Ewa has not publicly declared interest in the Senate race, Obo said youths from across the 66 wards of Central are already rallying around his leadership credentials.

"The Commissioner hasn't said he wants to run, but they're already jittery. We believe he has the vision to restore dignity to the Central seat. We want a senator who will bring industry, exploit our natural resources, and domesticate leadership, not just share pencils and textbooks," 

he asserted.

Responding to insinuations that he may be sponsored by any political heavyweight, the youth Leader declared:

"I don't have a principal outside of the governor. No one can point to me as their project. I'm loyal only to the vision of His Excellency, and that vision is clear performance over politics."

He concluded by reaffirming his loyalty to the current administration's agenda and reiterated that the youth in Central would not tolerate another round of ineffective leadership cloaked in party loyalty.

"In 2027, the mandate is for the people. And God willing, we will have our own."

Voice of Central Endorse Governor Otu and Odey, Declare "No Vacancy in Government House"

Ukorebi Esien | June 28, 2025

IKOM — In a major show of political solidarity and grassroots mobilisation, the Voice of Central, a leading socio-political support group in Cross River State, has officially endorsed Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu and  Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, for a second term in office as Governor and Deputy Governor of Cross River State, respectively.

The endorsement rally, which was held on Saturday, June 28, 2025, in Ikom Local Government Area, attracted a massive turnout of All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders, councillors, appointees, business leaders, and enthusiastic supporters from across the Central Senatorial District. The event began with a colourful procession from Federal Government College, Ikom. It climaxed at the Ikom Local Government Council field, where party faithful gathered to affirm their support for the Otu-Odey administration.

In his address, the Director-General of Voice of Central, Comrade Victor Bassey, spotlighted the significance of continuity in governance, stressing the need for all stakeholders to remain united and committed to ensuring victory for the APC in the 2027 general elections.

"We are here to reaffirm our support for a visionary leadership that has placed the needs of the people first. Governor Otu's 'People First' agenda has brought meaningful development to Central Cross River and beyond. This endorsement is not just ceremonial, it is a call to action," Bassey stated.

The rally also witnessed the inauguration of the Local Government, Ward, and Polling Unit Executives of the Voice of Central, tasked with mobilising grassroots support for the second-term bid. The event was punctuated with cultural displays, drumming, and dancing, reflecting the region's rich heritage and vibrant political spirit.

A symbolic highlight of the rally was the unveiling of a campaign billboard by respected grassroots mobilizer, Mr. Okim Sama, who lauded the governor's performance and called for sustained development in the Central Senatorial District.

The formal motion to endorse Governor Otu and Deputy Governor Odey for a second term was moved by the Secretary of Voice of Central, Comrade Jones Ekwom, and seconded by the Woman Leader, Mrs. Esame Ogar. The motion was unanimously adopted by all in attendance.

Organisers described the endorsement as a "clear expression of satisfaction" with the current administration's achievements, including infrastructural development, improved healthcare delivery, education reforms, and renewed emphasis on agricultural development.

"There is no vacancy in Peregrino House come 2027," the group declared in unison. "We stand solidly with the Otu-Odey ticket. Only one version of leadership is acceptable: People First."

As Cross River State inches toward the 2027 elections, the Voice of Central's endorsement adds significant momentum to the re-election campaign of Governor Otu and his deputy, underscoring the growing political consensus around the continuity of their leadership. 

Breaking: C'River Govt Makes U-turn, says no restriction of movement during June Environmental Sanitation Exercise

Ukorebi Esien | June 28, 2025 

CALABAR— The Cross River State Government has announced that the June 2025 edition of the Monthly Statewide Environmental Sanitation Exercise will hold today, Saturday, June 28, from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. without the usual restriction of movement.

In a public notice signed by the Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Moses Osogi, the government stated that the exemption was made to accommodate the nationwide conduct of the 2025 Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) Mop-up, which is scheduled for the same day.

"This exception is to facilitate the free movement of candidates and examination materials for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) 2025 UTME Mop-up examination taking place across the country, including Cross River State," the notice read.

Despite the lifting of the restriction, residents are urged to actively participate in the sanitation exercise within their homes and communities to maintain a clean and healthy environment.

The Commissioner further emphasized that the People's First administration of Governor Bassey Edet Otu remains committed to environmental sustainability and a greener Cross River State.

Authorities have advised citizens to cooperate with sanitation officials and community volunteers to ensure the exercise is effective, even without movement restrictions.

This move reflects the government's continued support for educational advancement while not compromising public health and environmental hygiene.

Fix Abandoned Projects in C'River, Otu Tells NDDC as Partnership Deepens

Ukorebi Esien | June 27, 2025

CALABAR — Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has called on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to expedite the completion of stalled and abandoned projects across the state. The governor made this appeal during a courtesy visit by the NDDC Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, at the Executive Council Chambers, Calabar.

While welcoming the NDDC delegation, Governor Otu emphasized the need for the Commission to pay urgent attention to long-neglected projects that could significantly improve the livelihoods of Cross Riverians.

"Cross River is a state eager to develop, but often constrained by limited resources," he noted. "We appreciate NDDC's willingness to re-engage stalled projects, especially the Adiabo–Ikoneto road and the abandoned Ikom Medical Centre. Projects like these must not be allowed to deteriorate further," Otu stated.

The governor also highlighted other critical NDDC interventions that require attention, including the long-delayed youth centre in Akpabuyo and support for over 54,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the state.

"We do not have any issues with NDDC," Otu added. "Where communication failed in the past, we are now committed to resolving those gaps. However, greater inclusion of state-specific priorities must be built into the Commission's work plan."

In his remarks, NDDC MD/CEO, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, assured the governor of the Commission's commitment to completing legacy projects and improving accountability. "We are shifting from transactional to transformational impact. Our focus is on completing projects that matter most to our communities," he said.

Dr. Ogbuku was accompanied by Rt. Hon. Orok Duke, the NDDC state representative on the Board, and other management staff. He commended the state's cooperation and invited Governor Otu to the Commission's 25th Anniversary Celebration scheduled for July 6–12, 2025.

Both parties agreed to intensify technical engagement, with Governor Otu directing state officials to work closely with NDDC's Executive Director of Projects to prioritize interventions across the state.

UNICAL Defies Gov. Otu’s Sanitation Order, Insists on Holding Exams Despite Filthy Hostels

Ukorebi Esien  |  June 27, 2025 

CALABAR —The University of Calabar (UNICAL) has come under scrutiny for insisting on holding examinations during the Cross River State Government's mandatory monthly environmental sanitation exercise, despite earlier criticism over the deplorable sanitary conditions on campus.

In a memo issued by the Director of Information, Students' Union Government, Comr. Ogbodum Alex Gift, the university community was informed that exams scheduled for Saturday, June 28, 2025, will proceed as planned. The memo emphasized that there will be no shift or postponement of any examination, urging students to arrive on campus before the sanitation exercise begins at 7:00 a.m. and remain until their exam time to avoid being affected by movement restrictions.

This directive directly contradicts the state's environmental sanitation policy, which mandates a full restriction of human and vehicular movement across Cross River State from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., as part of Governor Bassey Edet Otu's "People First" campaign for a clean and green environment.

The state's Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Moses Osogi, had earlier issued a public statement warning that defaulters of the sanitation exercise would be prosecuted. He encouraged citizens to use the sanitation period to clean their surroundings, emphasizing government's commitment to environmental health.

Ironically, it was just last month that Commissioner Osogi visited the University of Calabar during the May edition of the exercise and described the sanitary conditions of the hostels as "appalling." Both male and female hostels were flagged for poor hygiene, and the commissioner expressed deep concern about the university's failure to maintain a clean living environment for students.

"The hygiene situation on campus is unacceptable. The state government is ready to support the institution, but UNICAL must also show seriousness in addressing these concerns," Osogi had stated.

Despite these observations, the university has chosen to go ahead with its exam schedule, sparking reactions from stakeholders who fear that the school is setting a poor example by disregarding a critical state policy aimed at improving public health and hygiene.

As part of its Waste Management Initiative, the Ministry of Environment recently received waste bins from the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to assist with evacuation efforts across the state. Commissioner Osogi noted a sharp increase in waste tonnage and urged institutions and residents in need of waste receptacles to apply for the bins, stressing they are for public benefit.

Saturday's sanitation exercise will be the latest test of public compliance with the environmental directive. Meanwhile, UNICAL's stance has reignited concerns over institutional accountability and the need for alignment between state policies and academic institutions.

Observers say that while the university's concern for academic scheduling is valid, it must not come at the cost of environmental safety especially after being flagged for unsanitary conditions.

NDDC Celebrates Women in Calabar Amidst Calls for Greater Inclusion and Transparency

Ukorebi Esien  | June 27, 2025

CALABAR — In a colourful ceremony held in Calabar to mark the 2025 edition of the International Day for the Celebration of Women, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) reaffirmed its commitment to gender inclusion and women empowerment across the region. However, the event, which took place in Calabar, was not without its share of controversy and public concern over access and participation.

Speaking at the event, the State Director of the NDDC, High Chief Ambassador Sir Daniel Ajumwa, PhD, described the celebration as a symbolic recognition of the enormous contributions women make to society. He praised the NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Obuku, for what he called "his gender-neutral leadership style", noting that the MD had championed initiatives that cut across gender lines.

• "Women are the mothers of the nation, the captains of industry, and they have shown great leadership in every sphere," Dr. Ajumwa declared. "This celebration today is part of our national and global obligation to recognize and honour them."

According to Ajumwa, the selection of participants for the event was based on nominations forwarded by relevant stakeholders, including the Governor of the State, senators, the NDDC state representative other stakeholders , and various women's groups. He clarified that attendance was not based on party affiliation but on recommendations made from across political and social sectors.

• "It is not party-driven, it is women-driven. Some attendees were drawn from market women associations, cooperative societies, and grassroots organisations," he emphasized.

However, the event sparked concern from some attendees and observers who complained about the limited access to the venue. Many women, reportedly drawn to the celebration by publicity surrounding the event, were left outside and unattended, with some alleging they left without food or participation. When asked about the exclusion, Ajumwa acknowledged the situation but attributed it to logistical and procedural constraints.

• "Some people came without being on the official list, which was prepared from the head office. We are only executing what was sent down," he explained.

Addressing the participants at the event, Hon. Mercy Akpama who represents Yakurr 2 state constituency in the Cross River State House of Assembly, encouraged women to be bold in taking up leadership roles.

In her keynote Address, Magistrate Nkechi Usani of the Customary Court of Appeal urged women to break barriers and embrace leadership touching on the progress and gaps in achieving gender parity in Nigeria. Citing national statistics, she revealed that of the 1,391 judges in Nigeria's superior courts, only 449 are women.

• "This disparity is not due to lack of education or competence. Women make up 49.4% of the national population, yet they are grossly underrepresented in positions of authority across sectors," she lamented.

She further referenced the historical role of women in Nigeria's fight against oppression, highlighting the 1929 Aba Women's Riots and the Ikot Abasi Revolt, during which 33 women lost their lives protesting unjust taxation.

• "The subjugation of women is not cultural—it is structural. We must revisit our history to correct present injustices," she said, receiving thunderous applause from the audience.

The NDDC used the occasion to also showcase its infrastructural upgrades in Cross River, including the fully renovated state office which now serves as a hub for Niger Delta development programs in the state.

While the event succeeded in spotlighting women's achievements and struggles, it also exposed ongoing concerns about inclusivity and equitable access in public programs, especially those funded by federal agencies.

Environmental Sanitation: Cross River to Restrict Movement on June 28th, 2025

Ukorebi Esien | 24th June 2025

CALABAR — In keeping with its "People-First" campaign mantra for a clean and green environment, the Cross River State Government, led by His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, has announced the date for the June edition of the statewide Environmental Sanitation Exercise.

In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Moses Osogi, the exercise will hold on Saturday, 28th June 2025, from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

Citizens are encouraged to use this period to clean up their surroundings, including drainages and gutters, while both human and vehicular movements will be restricted during this time.

The statement further added that defaulters will be prosecuted.

The general public is hereby informed that the statewide Environmental Sanitation Exercise for the month of June 2025 will hold on Saturday, 28th June 2025.

"…Consequently, business owners and residents are urged to participate in the cleaning of their surroundings and drainages/gutters, and evacuate their waste during this period of sanitation.

Restriction of human and vehicular movements will be in effect from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., except for those on essential duties. Defaulters will be prosecuted by the Cross River State Government," the statement reads in part.