Abi Community Relations Officer, Collins Enyievi, Rallies Communities as 16 Days of Activism Against GBV Begins

Ukorebi Esien | November 25, 2025

ABI — The Community Relations Officer of Abi Local Government Area, Mr Collins Enyievi, has urged community leaders, families, and youth groups across Abi LGA to unite in addressing gender-based violence (GBV) as the world marks the 2025 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with our reporter, Enyievi said that GBV continues to threaten peace, stability, and development in many rural communities, stressing that true progress in Abi cannot be achieved when women and girls live under the fear of abuse or discrimination.

He stated that the administration of Governor Bassey Edet Otu, through its People's First development philosophy, has emphasized community safety, social protection, and inclusive development, a vision that Abi LGA is fully committed to advancing at the grassroots.

"Violence against women and girls destroys families and weakens the fabric of our communities. As the closest structure to the people, the local government must lead the charge in sensitization, reporting, and community response. This is why Abi is taking the 16 Days campaign seriously," he said.

Mr Enyievi disclosed that the LGA will intensify community outreach activities, strengthen relationships with traditional institutions, support GBV reporting channels, and continue partnering with civil society organisations to ensure survivors receive timely assistance. He also encouraged men, boys, and youth groups to challenge harmful practices and attitudes that perpetuate silence around abuse.

"Ending GBV is a collective responsibility. Every household, every village council, every youth group has a role to play. When we safeguard our women and girls, we secure the future of Abi," he added.

The Community Relations Officer commended the ongoing efforts of community volunteers, religious leaders, and women's groups working to curb abuse and promote peaceful coexistence across the LGA.

The 16 Days of Activism, held from November 25 to December 10 each year, is a global call to end all forms of violence against women and girls. Mr Enyievi affirmed that Abi LGA will continue to align its local development priorities with the People's First vision to build safer, more inclusive communities across the state.

Otu’s Aide Ada Charles Pushes Aggressive Mobilization for CVR, as CROs Storm Calabar for Sensitization

Ukorebi Esien | November 27, 225 

CALABAR - The Special Adviser to the Governor of Cross River State on Community Relations, Hon. Chief Mrs Ada Charles, has stepped up the state's grassroots voter-mobilisation drive as Community Relations Officers (CROs) and Ward Relations Officers (WROs) from across Cross River State stormed Calabar on Wednesday for a major sensitisation briefing on the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR).

The sensitisation meeting, held at the Calabar Municipality Local Government Secretariat, brought together royal fathers, women leaders, youth representatives, community mobilisers, and INEC officials to strengthen the state's civic engagement efforts ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Representing the Governor Bassey Edet Otu at the event, Barrister Ekpenyong Akiba, Special Adviser on General Duties, reiterated the Governor's full support for the CVR drive. He thanked CROs and Local Government Chairmen for their efforts so far, pledged continued government backing for logistics and outreach, and urged officers to work with traditional and community leaders to ensure wide coverage. He informed that a similar event will be held in the Central and Northern Senatorial District of the state. Barr. Akiba also called for clear reporting from field teams, so the state government can quickly address gaps in registration points and transport to remote polling areas.

Hon. Ada Charles said the Governor, Sen. Bassey Edet Otu, has given clear instructions for a more aggressive, community-focused mobilisation, especially in rural and hard-to-reach areas. She charged the CROs and ward officers to take the message beyond town halls and into streets, markets, farms, creeks and local settlements.

According to her, Cross River can no longer afford the low voter turnout that has been witnessed in previous elections.

"This is not the time for half commitment. His Excellency wants every eligible voter registered. Go back and mobilize your people. Make sure no community is left out," she said.

The INEC Public Affairs Officer, Mr Godwin Oki, gave a technical briefing on the CVR process, explaining the roles of registration officers, the structure of the exercise, transfer of voter cards, and provisions for persons living with disabilities. He encouraged communities to use the window of the CVR to update their details, correct errors, and register first-time voters.

Traditional rulers who spoke at the event praised the initiative but appealed that INEC bring registration points closer to the people, especially those living in riverine and difficult terrains, particularly in areas like Calabar South, Bakassi and other remote communities. Market women and youth representatives also pledged support, noting that increased civic participation will strengthen development at the grassroots.

Several CROs commended the Local Government Chairmen for providing logistics, even as they called for more support to reach the deepest parts of their LGAs.
Hon. Ada Charles concluded by urging officers to treat the assignment as a public service duty.

"Our democracy only works when our people participate. Go back home, mobilize your wards and ensure our state registers strong numbers this time," she said.

The sensitisation exercise marks a renewed push by the state government to deepen voter awareness and improve Cross River's overall participation in national elections.

UNICAL: Mgt Fix Date for Offiong's Investiture as UNICAL Prepares for Transformational Leadership

Ukorebi Esien | November 26th, 2025

CALABAR - Information reaching our newsroom has it that all is now set for the Investiture Ceremony of Professor Offiong E Offiong as the  12th Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar. The ceremony, which signals a new phase of growth and reforms of the institution, is scheduled to take place on the 1st of December 2025, at the Godswill Akpabio International Conference Centre, Calabar.

The ceremony, which begins at 11:00 am, is being hosted by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, DIG Udom U. Ekpoudom (Rtd.), OON, with expected attendance from top government officials, academics, alumni, traditional rulers and development partners.

Prof. Offiong is a well-known academic figure within the University. A graduate of the same institution, he holds a B.Sc. and a PhD in Chemistry, and later obtained an international professional certification from Bristol, United Kingdom.
He joined UNICAL as a young lecturer and grew steadily through the ranks, becoming a professor in the Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry. His research interests include inorganic and coordination chemistry, with publications in local and international journals.

For many staff and students, his rise to Vice-Chancellor represents "home-grown leadership" and a continuation of UNICAL's tradition of promoting scholars who understand the university's culture, challenges, and potential.

Apart from teaching and research, Prof. Offiong has also served in leadership and administrative roles. He once occupied the position of Commissioner for Education in the Cross River State Ministry of Education,  a period many observers say helped sharpen his understanding of policy, public service and resource management.

Colleagues describe him as a calm but firm administrator, known for teamwork and fairness in handling academic matters.
The new Vice-Chancellor comes into office at a time when the university community is calling for stronger administration, improved infrastructure and a better learning environment.

Recall that in his declaration of interest to be Vice Chancellor of UNICAL he mentioned key areas he would like to focus on, including: Strengthening academic standards and research culture, Improving staff welfare and administrative efficiency, Upgrading laboratories, classrooms, and student facilities, Promoting discipline, transparency and accountability, and others include Building stronger collaboration with government, industries and international partners.

Also Read:Meet Prof. Offiong Efanga Offiong — An Aspirant for Vice-Chancellorship, University of Calabar

As Prof. Offiong takes over the mantle of leadership, many within and outside the university believe the coming years will determine UNICAL's direction in research, innovation, international visibility and institutional stability.
The investiture ceremony will indeed mark the beginning of that journey.

When the Righteous Stay Away, Desperate Politicians Take Over, Says Akamkpa Chairman

Ukorebi Esien | November 26, 2025 

CALABAR- The Chairman of Akamkpa Local Government Area, Hon. Chief Felix Akposi JSK, has warned that democracy becomes vulnerable when responsible and well-meaning citizens fail to participate in elections.

Chief Akposi issued the warning during the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) sensitisation Workshop held in Calabar, led by the SA Community Relations Hon. Chief Ada Charles and Community Relations Officers (CROs).

Speaking to community leaders, youths, and stakeholders, the council chairman said voter apathy is one of the biggest threats to credible elections, stressing that low turnout only empowers desperate politicians.
According to him, "When the righteous stay away, desperate politicians take over. If good people refuse to go and vote, you give room for those who want to manipulate the system. But when people come out in large numbers, nobody can hijack the process."

Chief Akposi encouraged eligible residents, especially young people and first-time voters, to seize the opportunity of the CVR exercise to register, update their details, and prepare for the forthcoming local government elections.

He commended the Governor's representatives for bringing the sensitisation campaign to the grassroots, describing it as a timely and strategic move to strengthen civic participation across the state.

The Akamkpa chairman also urged traditional rulers, community groups, and civil society organisations to support the mobilisation effort, saying the true will of the people can only prevail when citizens play their part.

Speaking earlier, Hon. Ada Charles said the Governor, Sen. Bassey Edet Otu, has given clear instructions for a more aggressive, community-focused mobilisation, especially in rural and hard-to-reach areas. She charged the CROs and ward officers to take the message beyond town halls and into streets, markets, farms, creeks and local settlements.

According to her, Cross River can no longer afford the low voter turnout that has been witnessed in previous elections.

"This is not the time for half commitment. His Excellency wants every eligible voter registered. Go back and mobilize your people. Make sure no community is left out," she said.

The INEC Public Affairs Officer, Mr Godwin Oki, gave a technical briefing on the CVR process, explaining the roles of registration officers, the structure of the exercise, transfer of voter cards, and provisions for persons living with disabilities. He encouraged communities to use the window of the CVR to update their details, correct errors, and register first-time voters.

Traditional rulers who spoke at the event praised the initiative but appealed that INEC bring registration points closer to the people, especially those living in riverine and difficult terrains, particularly in areas like Calabar South, Bakassi and other remote communities. Market women and youth representatives also pledged support, noting that increased civic participation will strengthen development at the grassroots.

Duke Calls on C'Riverians to Take Advantage of NDDC Free Medical Outreach

Ukorebi Esien  | November 26th, 2025

CALABAR — In a bid to improve access to quality healthcare for citizens, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), represented locally by Rt. Hon. Orok Otu Duke has officially flagged off a free medical outreach in Calabar, urging Cross Riverians to take full advantage of the opportunity.

At the launch event, Duke reiterated the commission's commitment to enhancing livelihoods and promoting healthy living across the state, describing the outreach not as a favour, but as a deliberate intervention to bolster healthcare access for all.

He emphasised that the timing of the initiative is particularly critical, especially now that many citizens are struggling to access care due to an ongoing strike by resident doctors in various public hospitals.
Duke also expressed gratitude to state authorities, notably Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu, Governor of Cross River, for supporting healthcare initiatives, and to the management of the Mother and Child Hospital (once led by former First Lady Onari Duke) for making their facility available for the outreach.

According to organisers, the week-long outreach, which began Monday, November 24, 2025, offers a wide range of medical services to the public, including dental care, eye care, general consultations, surgeries, obstetrics and gynaecology, and laboratory services.
Residents who have already benefited described the intervention as life-saving, with many expressing deep appreciation for renewed access to medical services.

This outreach forms part of a broader mandate by NDDC to bring essential health services to underserved communities, particularly in rural and marginalised areas of the Niger Delta, and complements other recent health interventions in Cross River State.
At a time when Nigeria's public health system is under strain, initiatives like this provide critical relief and hope to ordinary citizens who might otherwise go without care.

C’River State Planning Commission Reaffirms Commitment to Ending Gender-Based Violence as 16 Days of Activism Begins

Ukorebi Esien | 25 November 25, 2025

CALABAR — The Cross River State Planning Commission (SPC) has joined governments and civil society across the world to mark the 2025 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening policies and programmes that protect women, girls, and vulnerable groups in line with the developmental vision of the People's First administration of Governor Bassey Edet Otu.

Speaking on Tuesday in Calabar, the Vice Chairman of the Commission, Dr Bong Duke, described the campaign as a crucial reminder that sustainable development is impossible where violence, discrimination, and fear persist. He noted that the Otu-led administration has continued to prioritize human capital development, social protection, and community wellbeing, key pillars necessary for preventing and responding to GBV in the state.

He highlighted the Governor's investments in healthcare expansion, social welfare strengthening, community peacebuilding, and economic empowerment as strategic tools that reduce the vulnerabilities that often expose women and girls to abuse. "Under the People' First agenda, Cross River State is deliberately building a society where every citizen especially women and girls can live, work, and thrive without fear. The State Planning Commission is ensuring that all development plans reflect this priority," Dr. Duke said.

The Commission also announced that it is working with Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to integrate GBV prevention and response indicators into the State's Medium-Term Sector Strategies (MTSS) and annual budgets. This, it said, will help ensure that interventions, from safe spaces and legal support to education, economic empowerment, and community mobilization are properly funded and effectively implemented.

Dr. Duke called on community leaders, faith institutions, schools, men's groups, and youth organisations to actively support the campaign, emphasising that ending GBV requires collective responsibility. "Our development goals as a state cannot be achieved when half of our population is held back by violence or inequality. Ending GBV is not just a social obligation, it is a development imperative," he added.

The 16 Days of Activism, observed globally from November 25 to December 10, is an annual campaign that calls for the prevention and elimination of all forms of violence against women and girls.

The Cross River State Planning Commission reiterated its commitment to coordinated, inclusive planning that puts people first and advances Governor Otu's vision of a safer, stronger, and more prosperous Cross River State.

PadBank Calls on Nigerians to Support Girls as 16 Days of Activism Against GBV Kicks Off

Ukorebi Esien | November 25, 2025

CALABAR – As the global community marks the beginning of the 2025 International 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, PadBank Mobile Outreach has called on Nigerians, development partners, community leaders, faith organisations and well-meaning individuals to support its campaign to end menstrual poverty among girls in underserved communities across Cross River State.

In a press statement issued in Calabar at the commencement of the global campaign, the organisation noted that menstrual poverty remains one of the most overlooked contributors to emotional abuse, exploitation, shame and school dropout among adolescent girls. PadBank stated that thousands of girls in rural and hard-to-reach areas still lack access to sanitary pads, menstrual hygiene education and psychosocial support, leaving many vulnerable to different forms of gender-based violence.

"Ending gender-based violence requires all of us," the statement read. "Menstrual inequality is a silent crisis affecting the safety, dignity and confidence of young girls. We call on government agencies, NGOs, churches, private organisations and public-spirited Nigerians to partner with us in ensuring that no girl is left behind because of her period."

PadBank, which launched its Monthly Community Intervention Project earlier this year, aims to reach over 2,000 girls and young women, distribute 8,000 sanitary pads, and conduct 36 menstrual health and psychosocial support sessions over a one-year period. The outreach is being delivered across remote communities where access to basic menstrual supplies remains a major challenge.

The organisation emphasised that providing sanitary pads is not charity but an investment in education, dignity and gender equality. "When a girl cannot afford a pad, she becomes exposed to shame, stigma, exploitation and poor academic performance. By supporting a girl, you are protecting her future," the statement added.

PadBank urged individuals and organisations interested in supporting its mission to reach out as the campaign continues throughout the 16 days and beyond.

The global 16 Days of Activism runs annually from 25 November to 10 December and serves as a worldwide call for action to end all forms of violence against women and girls.

Mens Life Matters: C’River State Planning Commission Marks 2025 Int’l Men’s Day

Ukorebi Esien | November 19, 2025

CALABAR — The Cross River State Planning Commission on Wednesday joined the global community to commemorate the 2025 International Men's Day with a renewed pledge to prioritize men's issues in government budgeting, programming, and policy implementation.

This was revealed in a statement by Vice Chairman of the Commission, Dr. Bong Duke, stating that the Cross River State Government would no longer ignore the unique social, economic, and health challenges faced by men across communities in Cross River State.

He noted that, despite assumptions that men are always positioned at the forefront of governance, evidence shows that many critical concerns affecting men have received little or no policy attention over the years. These include rising mental health struggles, poor health-seeking behaviour, prostate-related illnesses, substance abuse, economic pressures, unemployment among young men, and cases of male-targeted violence that often go unreported.

"Men's lives matter just as much as every other demographic group in our state. Balanced development requires that we stop assuming men are doing fine simply because they appear strong. Going forward, the Planning Commission will ensure that men's issues are reflected in the State's development plans, budget frameworks, and programme implementation strategies," he said.

He further announced that the Commission will direct all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to incorporate men-specific indicators into their Medium-Term Sector Strategies (MTSS) and annual work plans. This, he explained, will help the state respond more effectively to issues such as suicide prevention, mental health support, workplace safety, positive masculinity, and strengthening fatherhood and family stability.

The Vice Chairman stressed that the new commitment does not diminish the government's ongoing focus on women, children, and vulnerable groups but instead promotes a holistic gender-responsive development framework.

"A society is stronger when every group is supported. When men are healthy, emotionally stable, and economically empowered, families thrive, communities are safer, and development outcomes are better for all," he added.

International Men's Day, celebrated annually on November 19, focuses on six pillars, including improving men's health, promoting positive male role models, strengthening family relations, and reducing negative gender stereotypes.

The Planning Commission said it will continue to champion inclusive planning as part of its mandate to drive sustainable development in Cross River State.

C'River Judiciary Faces Backlash Over Prolonged Probate Delays

Ukorebi Esien | November 18, 2025

CALABAR — The probate system in Cross River State is facing heightened scrutiny as lawyers, grieving families, and rights advocates raise alarm over persistent delays, alleged corruption, and bureaucratic inefficiencies slowing down the issuance of letters of administration. TDN can confirm.

According to multiple sources who spoke with our reporter, what should ordinarily be a routine legal process lasting a few weeks now reportedly drags on for several months, leaving applicants stranded and emotionally distressed.

Findings show that crucial stages of the probate workflow, including first filing, verification, and newspaper publication, have become increasingly cumbersome. Several applicants say their files remain unattended for weeks, with many pointing fingers at bottlenecks allegedly created within the Chief Judge's office.

For families dependent on estate assets to settle debts or resolve disputes, the delays have triggered significant financial hardship.

"This process is supposed to bring closure, but it has become a nightmare," said one applicant who has waited over six months for a first-filing publication.

Sources within the judiciary system in Cross River State have attributed the backlog to several factors ranging from poor staff commitment to alleged rent-seeking behaviour and the frequent absence of the Chief Judge.

A senior judiciary officer, who asked not to be named, said:
"Many files are left unattended for weeks because of the Chief Judge's constant travels and lack of delegated authority. It's weakening public confidence in the judiciary."

When contacted, the Cross River State Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Barr. Enome Amatey, said he was not aware of widespread delays but promised to investigate and revert by Monday. 

Adding that he hasn't carried out first filing for a while, and that he hasn't faced delays during second filing processes.

Unfortunately, Amatey, didn't get back to the reporter by Monday as agreed, when contacted on Tuesday, he neither took nor returned calls as at press time.

Speaking with another Lawyer, who also pleaded not to be mentioned, he however, admitted that probate matters inherently come with challenges.

"You cannot completely rule out the Nigerian factor. Probate has two stages, first filing and second filing, each with its own demands. Order 61 of the High Court Rules clearly spells out timelines, but practical realities sometimes interfere." He said. 

He further explained that first filings require multiple sureties and consents from all applicants, while second filings involve publication, which must run for 21 days to allow potential caveators to challenge the application.

He noted that publication delays often occur because the probate division waits to gather a required number of applicants before sending names for newspaper announcements.

Describing his personal experience, another young lawyer confirmed that there have been instances where letters of probate were completed but remained unsigned for up to a month due to the Chief Judge's absence.

"I applied about a year or two ago. Everything was ready except the Chief Judge's signature, and it took about a month. She had traveled for an official assignment, and unless she delegates that responsibility which the law does not compel her to do applicants simply have to wait."

He added that while discretion allows the Chief Judge to assign signing duties, there is no legal requirement mandating such delegation, thereby leaving room for administrative stagnation.

Speaking to Bar. Arikpo Ikpi, a Calabar-based legal practitioner, he described the situation as "frustrating, draining, and completely unacceptable."

Ikpi, who is currently handling multiple probate applications, said one of his cases has remained stuck at first filing for over four months with no clear explanation from the registry.

"I have a matter that has been in first filing for more than four months now. Each time I go there, it's either the file is 'still being processed' or 'waiting for approval.' It is painful, frustrating, and honestly embarrassing that families going through grief must suffer like this," he stated.

He added that the prolonged delays are affecting lawyers' credibility and straining relationships with clients who expect timely results.

On his part, Barr James Ibor, informed this reporter that he wasn't aware of such delays since he wasn't in charge of probate in his organisation but will enquire from his colleague who's responsible for probate matters.

Stakeholders are now urging the Cross River State Government to open an inquiry into the probate registry, alleging systemic corruption and administrative laxity. 

Our reporter notes that many lawyers declined speaking on the matter while those who openly agreed there are  corrupt and sharp practices within the system thus leading to the delays experienced by lawyers warned the reporter not to take their views nor mention their names. Many described it as THE NIGERIAN FACTOR 

Should all this be true, then the probate process in Cross River State now stands at a defining moment. Unless the judiciary implements reforms that guarantee speed, integrity, and transparency, countless families will continue to suffer unnecessary hardship. Restoring efficiency, they argue, is not merely a bureaucratic necessity but a moral obligation, ensuring that justice is not only done but seen to be done.

Ukorebi Esien

Editor-in-Chief, 

The Daily News Ng

Stop the Witchcraftcy, Restore Light to Akamkpa, LG Boss Warns PHEDC, Others

 

Ukorebi Esien | Novemeber 14, 2025

AKAMKPA - The Chairman of Akamkpa Local Government Council, Hon. (Ophot) Felix Akposi KSJI, has issued a one-week ultimatum to Sterling Global and the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHEDC) to restore power to Akamkpa or face strict sanctions, including the impounding of Sterling Global's trucks operating within the local government.

Akposi described the prolonged blackout and the attitude of both companies as negligent, calling their delay in restoring electricity "witchcraft."
The directive followed a tense meeting in his office on Thursday, November 13, 2025, where the Chairman confronted both parties over the lingering power outage and their failure to act swiftly on issues that should have long been resolved.

Akamkpa had been scheduled to regain electricity on November 1 after multiple stakeholders' engagements that addressed accumulated arrears and PHEDC's commitments. But the plan collapsed when a Sterling Global truck, conveying materials to a site in Ikot Abasi, rammed into a PHEDC pole, killing two people and leaving another critically injured.
Akposi, who had earlier intervened to mediate between both sides, said he was shocked that neither company made meaningful progress weeks after the incident.

"I intervened so this problem could be fixed immediately," he said. "I even visited your company personally and appealed to PHEDC to reduce the cost implications attached to energy loss. But more than two weeks later, nothing has been done. You cannot frustrate Government or sabotage what has already cost millions to restore."

He cited a similar case in Lagos where a company promptly replaced a transformer after an accident, questioning why Sterling Global and PHEDC allowed the Akamkpa issue to drag.

Sterling Global's Chief Security Officer, Mr. Victor Usang, accused PHEDC of presenting inflated quotations and allegedly understating the vandalism recorded along the Isong Inyang axis following the crash.
The meeting compelled both sides to re-examine the facts, including Akamkpa's earlier disconnection from the national grid due to poor bill remittances and the widespread vandalism that has kept large parts of the community in darkness for over eight years.

After listening to submissions from both parties, Akposi directed PHEDC and Sterling Global to jointly review the disputed quotations and commence repair works immediately. He insisted that electricity must be restored within one week or Sterling Global's trucks would be impounded by the council.

Beyond electricity concerns, the Chairman warned Sterling Global over recurring cases of reckless driving involving its vehicles, describing the trend as alarming and avoidable. He said persistent incidents could compel the council to introduce stricter safety regulations to protect residents.
Reaffirming his administration's stance, Akposi said the people of Akamkpa have endured darkness and unsafe roads for too long and that no company—public or private—would be allowed to undermine public safety and wellbeing through carelessness or indifference.