NYCN Warns Public Against “Fake Youth Bodies” Parading in C'River

Ukorebi Esien | November 29, 2025

CALABAR- The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Cross River State Chapter, has cautioned the public to disregard the activities and claims of a group operating under the name *Nigerian Youth Congress (NYC)*, describing it as a non-statutory and misleading platform with no legal mandate to represent Nigerian youths.

In a statement signed by the State Public Relations Officer, Comr. Melchizedek David, the NYCN said it became necessary to address "false and misleading claims" by the group, which has been presenting itself as the apex youth body in the state and across the country.

According to the Council, investigations show that the so-called Nigerian Youth Congress is not recognized in any law or government policy as a statutory youth organization. The statement further alleged that the group is "a private political association that emerges around election periods, defrauds unsuspecting members of the public and politicians under the guise of youth mobilization, and disappears afterwards."

The NYCN emphasized that it remains the only legally recognized umbrella youth body in Nigeria, established by an Act of Parliament in 1964 and continuously acknowledged by the Federal Government, state governments, and all local government councils.

The Cross River State Chapter, the statement noted, is "validly constituted, legitimately intact, and currently led by Comr. Emmanuel Olayi, under the supervision of the Cross River State Ministry of Youth Development."

Giving details of its mandate, the NYCN restated that it is the sole statutory structure empowered to coordinate youth activities nationwide, from the national level down to states and local government areas. It warned that any parallel claims of being the "apex youth body" are not only false but capable of creating confusion and undermining youth development efforts in the state.

The leadership also highlighted that the current executives of the Council emerged through a transparent and inclusive elective congress held at the U.J. Esuene Stadium, supervised by the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, the State Ministry of Youth, security agencies, and accredited observers.

The Council went a step further to warn that all youth organizations operating in Cross River State must be registered, validated, and approved by the NYCN. Groups failing to comply, it said, risk being sanctioned and handed over to law enforcement agencies.

The NYCN advised government institutions, civil society groups, political actors, and the general public not to engage with any group presenting itself contrary to the law.

It reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining unity, promoting youth development, and advancing the collective interest of young people in Cross River State and Nigeria at large.

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.

Bakassi CRO Nkese Ita Calls for Voter Awakening

Ukorebi Esien | November 27, 2025

CALABAR - The Community Relations Officer (CRO) for Bakassi Local Government Area, Nkese Ita, has called on all Bakassi indigenes to take the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise seriously and fulfil their civic responsibilities.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with our reporter, Nkese described voter registration as the first step toward rebuilding Bakassi and strengthening the political voice of the people. She said Bakassi cannot continue to suffer underdevelopment while its population remains poorly represented politically.

According to her, "Bakassi needs a voter awakening. Every eligible person must come out and register. Our LGA cannot continue this way. We need the numbers to reposition Bakassi politically and attract real development."

Nkese appreciated Governor Bassey Edet Otu for giving her the platform to serve, noting that her role as CRO has been both rewarding and impactful. She commended the current administration for the efforts already made to recover the lost glory of Bakassi, especially in restoring peace and improving the welfare of residents.

The grassroots mobilizer decried the long-standing underdevelopment in Bakassi despite its rich natural and human resources. She said it is time for unity and collective action among leaders, stakeholders, youths, and community influencers.

"Bakassi is blessed, but we are not where we should be. This is why we must come together. Peace, unity, and active participation are the only way forward," she said.

Nkese also appealed to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to create more registration centres across Bakassi LGA, especially in hard-to-reach communities. She noted that many residents face mobility challenges and may be left out if access remains limited.
She maintained that with proper mobilization, Bakassi can record one of the highest CVR turnouts in Cross River State, stressing that voter strength is key to political relevance.

She used the opportunity to call on women, youths, elders, and community influencers to join hands to build a peaceful and progressive Bakassi, noting that development only thrives where peace and civic participation are strong.
Nkese Ita has a long history of grassroots leadership, beginning from her student days. She has served in the Youth Council of Nigeria, worked as a Supervisor at Bakassi Local Government Council, and is currently serving as the Community Relations Officer for Bakassi LGA.

She called on all eligible voters in Bakassi and across Cross River State to seize the opportunity to register, saying a stronger voter base will help secure a better future for the area.

Case for Retaining APC Chairmanship in Cross River North

Pat Phil | November 27, 2025

CALABAR – In the political landscape of Cross River State, the All Progressives Congress (APC) is currently facing a critical juncture as stakeholders advocate for the retention of the party chairmanship in the Northern Senatorial District. This appeal comes amidst calls for the resignation of the current APC chairman, Barr. Alphonsus Eba, who hails from Yala local government area.

Cross River State has a rich political history characterized by an unwritten but widely respected rotational zoning formula that has guided its governance since 1999. This principle dictates that the governorship and key party positions rotate among the three senatorial districts: South, Central, and North. The practice aims to promote inclusivity and fairness, ensuring that every senatorial zone has an opportunity to lead.

Previous Governorship and Chairmanship Patterns in Cross River State:

Donald Duke (1999-2007). The Southern Senatorial District produced the governor, with Rev. Ben Ikobi from the Central District serving as the party chairman. During Duke's second term, Ambassador Soni Abang, also from the Central, took over the chairmanship.

   

Liyel Imoke (2007-2015). Imoke, from the Central District, saw the party chairmanship shift to the South, with Ntufam Ekpo Okon serving until he was succeeded by another southerner, Ntufam John Okon.

Ben Ayade (2015-2023). Ayade, representing the Northern District, maintained the party chairmanship in the South with Ntufam Inok Edim until Barr. Alphonsus Eba was appointed as the APC State Chairman, just before the end of Ayade's administration.

This historical pattern reveals a consistent alignment between the governorship and party leadership, reinforcing the need for stability and continuity within the APC.

As the tenure of Barr. Alphonsus Eba approaches its conclusion, the Northern Senatorial District is advocating for the retention of the chairmanship, particularly in the Obudu/Bekwarra/Obanliku (OBO) federal constituency. This call is not merely about senatorial representation but is rooted in the principles of fairness and political equity. The demand for the  District to retain the chairmanship is fundamentally about justice. Historically, each district has had the opportunity to serve in leadership roles twice within the 8 years lifespan of each governorship and to deny the North this chance would disrupt the established norms of equity and fairness.

Thus, maintaining the current leadership structure will help to preserve unity within the party as any attempt, as being rumored, to replace the current chairman with a candidate from the South or Central zone could create a rift within the party, particularly among Northern members who would feel sidelined. Such actions would be viewed as political strong-arming and could lead to discontent and factionalism. This unhealthy resentment could undermine the party's strength heading into elections.

The tradition of allowing each senatorial zone two terms at the helm of party leadership is not just a matter of convenience; it is crucial for the political survival and sustainability of the APC. The Northern District has a right to continue its leadership role, which aligns with past practices.

As the leader of the state and a proponent of inclusive governance, Governor Otu is in a pivotal position to ensure that the principles of equity and fairness are upheld. His leadership style has been characterized by a commitment to justice and inclusion, making it imperative for him to resist pressures from vested interests seeking to disrupt the established order.

Governor Otu must intervene decisively to reinforce the party's commitment to its foundational principles. Upholding the tradition of allowing each senatorial district two terms at the helm of party leadership is essential for maintaining trust and cohesion within the APC. Any deviation from this norm would not only betray the party's values but could also jeopardize its electoral prospects.

The call for the Northern Senatorial District to retain the APC chairmanship, particularly in OBO federal constituency, is a reflection of the broader principles of equity, fairness, and political stability. As the party prepares for the upcoming elections, it is crucial to uphold the traditions that have historically preserved unity and inclusivity within Cross River State's political landscape.

As we inch closer to the Party's next Congresses, it is now the responsibility of all APC stakeholders to rally behind this cause, advocating for the retention of the chairmanship in the North. By doing so, they will not only be preserving the integrity of the party but also reinforcing the principles of justice and equity that are vital for the progress of Cross River State.

Ukorebi Esien

Editor-in-Chief, 

The Daily News Ng

Lead Consultant

Achievers Center for Community Development Initiative

+2348161527978

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.