BCS Women Groups Award Scholarships To 250 Pupils, Empower 37 Others In Calabar

Iloke Egbe 

Two women groups of the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star (BCS), the Universal Women’s Fellowship (UWF) and Mansion of Blessedness (MOB), have awarded one-year scholarships to 250 pupils and students drawn from nursery, primary and secondary schools.

The groups also provided skills training and welfare support to 37 women as part of efforts to improve their livelihoods and economic wellbeing.

The initiatives were unveiled during a weeklong tripartite celebration organized by the International President of UWF, Matriarch Christ Shepherd Mmama Obele, and the Head of MOB, Matriarch Christ Shepherd Glory Oho.

The events, held from September 28 to October 3, 2026, featured the Holy Mother's Glorification, its 25th anniversary celebration and the consecration of a new set of female priests known as Eminences.

Chairman of the International Organising Committee, MCS Rita Godwin Ibanga, said 13 women received training in tailoring, poultry farming and hairdressing and were provided with starter packs to begin their own businesses.

Ibanga disclosed that 10 elderly women also received cash welfare packages, while another 10 women involved in the sale of fried wheat and soya beans, locally known as "chunks," were given financial support to expand and sustain their businesses.

She added that two women, Adaku Eminike and Oluchi Nwachukwu, donated N100,000 and a furnished apartment to an elderly homeless woman who had been living on the streets of Calabar.

According to her, the gesture was part of the groups' efforts to identify with vulnerable women and children and provide practical support to improve their living conditions.

Another highlight of the celebration was a craft competition, which produced four winners: Victoria Enang, Josephine Frank, Emem Uzoka and Unwana Sunday.

In a related development, a cosmetic scientist and Principal of Imani Aesthetic and Laser Institute, Dr. Imani Silas, offered to train five girls free of charge in beauty therapy and skincare business.

Dr. Silas said the training would equip the beneficiaries with foundational skills to build careers in the beauty, skincare and aesthetics industry and enable them to earn income with relatively low start-up capital.

She described the initiative as an empowerment programme aimed at providing the girls with practical skills that could help them secure employment or establish their own businesses and achieve financial independence.

Coordinator of the celebration, MCS Winifred Okafor, said the empowerment initiative was in continuation of the legacy of the Holy Mother, Elizabeth Esu Olumba Obu, who was the brain behind most humanitarian and infrastructural initiatives within the BCS as well as in neighbouring communities.

Northern Cross River Stakeholders Validate Otu's Second-Term Bid, Seek Bloc Votes For Tinubu in 2027

Stakeholders from the five Local Government Areas of Cross River State's Northern Senatorial District have validated Governor Bassey Edet Otu's second-term bid, reaffirming their support for his administration and calling for bloc votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.

The endorsement was made during an engagement held at the Ogoja Local Government Council Headquarters. The meeting was preceded by a sensitisation walk from Ajengnle Junction to the Council headquarters, drawing political leaders, traditional rulers, youths, women and other stakeholders from Ogoja, Obanliku, Obudu, Yala and Bekwarra Local Government Areas.

Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Elders Advisory Council, Chief Clement Ebri, said the tour, organised by the Cross River State Consultative Forum, provided an opportunity for both the Elders Advisory Council and the Consultative Forum to obtain first-hand assessment of the Otu administration from the people.

Ebri, a former Governor of the state, described the exercise as primarily fact-finding, noting that the team would also engage stakeholders privately to hear concerns that might not be expressed publicly before briefing Governor Otu. "We are more like a fact-finding team," Ebri said, adding that the Governor had asked the Council to give him good advice and was willing to make amends where genuine lapses were identified.

He urged the people to remain patient with the administration as it tackles infrastructure deficits and other challenges accumulated over the years, while commending Governor Otu's efforts to restore Cross River's oil-producing status. On the 2027 elections, Ebri urged the Northern Senatorial District to mobilise massively for both Governor Otu and President Tinubu and ensure their votes count, stressing that the state needed to give the President a strong bloc vote to strengthen the Governor's recognition and bargaining power at the national level.

In his remarks, Chairman of the Consultative Forum, Barr. Eyo Nsa Ekpo, said the Ogoja engagement was the Forum's first outing in the Northern Senatorial District and thanked the people for their consistent support for the Governor. He stressed that the gathering was not a campaign rally but an opportunity for stakeholders from the five LGAs to deliberate on the future of the state.

Ekpo said the response from the stakeholders represented a strong endorsement of Otu's second-term bid, urging them to sustain mobilisation for the Governor and President Tinubu ahead of 2027. He also called for fact-based assessment of government performance and peaceful political engagement.

On his part, the State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Rt. Hon. Chris Etta, who was represented by his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Ugana Lukpata, commended the stakeholders for their commitment and called for intensified grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections. Etta said the party must mobilise both members and non-members, declaring that "we cannot record anything below five over five" in support of APC candidates.

He highlighted ongoing projects across the Northern Senatorial District, linking the restoration of Cross River's oil-producing status to the improved relationship between the State and Federal Government. According to him, the state now has 46 oil wells in its coffers with exploration and exploitation already commenced, adding that continued support for Otu and Tinubu would help sustain the gains.

At the end of the engagement, a communiqué was issued acknowledging ongoing projects and other interventions under the Otu administration, affirming stakeholders' support for the continuity of President Tinubu and Governor Otu, and calling for the completion of ongoing projects and sustained attention to development needs across the district.

The stakeholders further resolved to intensify grassroots mobilisation, sustain peaceful political engagement and continue consultations with communities and political stakeholders, while reaffirming support for Tinubu, Otu and other APC candidates at national, state and local levels.

The communiqué was unanimously adopted and signed by the Chairman of the Forum, Barr. Eyo Nsa Ekpo; Secretary of the Forum, Dr. Julius Okputu; Chairman of the Drafting Committee, Ntufam (Barr.) Fidelis Ugbo and Secretary, Prof. Michael Okom.

CHIEF HENRY EGBELO BAGS ADVOCACY AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN SOCIAL INVESTMENT AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

It was a moment of pride and celebration for Cross River State as the State Coordinator of NG-CARES, Chief Henry Egbelo, was honoured as an AWARDEE at THE ADVOCACY AWARDS 2026.

Chief Egbelo clinched the prestigious *Advocacy Award for Excellence in Social Investment and Community Development*, organized by ANLevents, held yesterday at the Metropolitan Hotel, Calabar.

The award, themed _Honoring Impact, Celebrating Results_, is in recognition of Chief Egbelo's years of selfless service, quiet sacrifice, uncommon integrity and unwavering commitment to lifting the poor, empowering the vulnerable and restoring dignity to the forgotten in communities across the state.

As State Coordinator of NG-CARES in Cross River State, Chief Egbelo has not just coordinated a program; he has given it a human face. He has turned policy into impact, and impact into testimonies. Through his leadership, countless families have found relief, small businesses have found life, farmers have found hope, and youths and women have found a reason to believe again in the possibility of government intervention. He has proven that social investment is not just about figures and disbursement, but about people, compassion and results.

What makes the award more deserving is the character of the recipient. Chief Egbelo is described as a leader who listens, a coordinator who cares, a chief who serves, and a public servant who understands that true greatness is measured by the lives we touch. His humility in the midst of accomplishments, his accessibility despite the weight of his office, and his consistency in delivering excellence are virtues that have set him apart.

As he mounted the podium to receive the golden symbol of impact and results, Chief Egbelo carried with him the prayers, goodwill and solidarity of all who have watched his journey of service.

In his acceptance speech, Chief Egbelo dedicated the prestigious award first to Almighty God, who is the source of his strength and wisdom, and secondly to the People First Administration of His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu and his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, for giving him the platform, trust and enabling environment to serve Cross Riverians and deliver impactful social investment.

The award has been described by stakeholders as not just a celebration of past achievements, but a divine announcement of greater doors, greater honours and greater platforms for service ahead.

Congratulations poured in from colleagues and the entire team of NG-CARES Cross River State, who hailed him as a star coordinator and an icon of service.

You have earned it. You deserve it. You dignify it. Congratulations, Chief Henry Egbelo!

Congratulations, our Star Coordinator!

C/River Human Capital Ministry Celebrates Retiring Perm Sec, ESV Gold Ita, for Meritorious Service

_By Iloke Egbe_

The Commissioner for Human Capital and Entrepreneurial Development, Hon. Ntufam Emmanuel Anom, has described the retiring Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Estate Surveyor Gold Ita, as a reliable and committed technocrat who understands her duties and has demonstrated vast career experience in executing them.

Hon. Anom stated this during a send-forth ceremony organized in honour of Mrs. Ita following her meritorious retirement from the Cross River State Civil Service.

The ceremony, which was held at the Ministry's Conference Hall, Ministry of Establishments, Training and Pensions Building, New Secretariat Complex, Calabar, was organized in recognition and appreciation of Mrs. Ita's contributions and the cordiality she fostered in her relationship with staff.

The Commissioner expressed mixed feelings, noting that barely a few months after his resumption as Commissioner, the Permanent Secretary is retiring when her service is most needed. He wished her the best of luck in her life after service and appealed to her not to turn down the Ministry whenever her counsel is sought.

In her remarks, ESV Gold Ita thanked the Ministry for the honour and cordiality she enjoyed since her resumption as Permanent Secretary. She said she enjoyed peace of mind, openness with staff and commitment to duty.

She added that staff of the Ministry are very respectful and demonstrate sincerity in their conduct.

According to her, she was filled with mixed feelings because the office ambience resonates with calmness and an accommodating spirit, adding that she will greatly cherish the relationship she built within the short time she spent in the Ministry.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Establishments, Training and Pensions, Mr. Ejemot Esu, described Mrs. Ita as a peaceful personality who is very progressive in her conduct, adding that she always leaves a positive impact behind in all the places she has served, a fact affirmed by staff of the Ministry.

Similarly, the Head of Planning, Research and Statistics, Mrs. Egan Dien, said Mrs. Ita has a heart of gold towards her duties and staff, noting that she does not underrate any staff nor toy with official duties, and commits her time and personal resources to promote the work of the Ministry.

On her part, Mrs. Angela Etowa affirmed that Mrs. Ita is truly a reliable friend, a mother and a senior colleague. The event, which was moderated by the Director of Administration, Dr. Icha Mboto, was well attended by staff of the Ministry and other MDAs, including all Directors and Heads of Departments.

Highlights of the event were prayers for Mrs. Ita and presentation of gifts.

Don't Sacrifice National Interest For Political Gain - Olumba Obu Warns Leaders

By Iloke Egbe

The Spiritual Leader of the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star (BCS), His Holiness Olumba Olumba Obu, has warned Nigerian leaders against sacrificing the enduring interests of the nation for temporary political gains.

Olumba Obu, who is revered by adherents as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, gave the warning on Thursday in his divine message to Nigeria to mark the country's 66th Independence Anniversary at the World Headquarters of the fold in Calabar, Cross River State.

He described leadership as a sacred responsibility, charging those in authority to use their positions to promote the welfare of the people.

"To the leaders of Nigeria, remember that leadership is a sacred responsibility. Use the authority entrusted to you to promote the welfare of the people, protect the vulnerable, uphold justice and peace, and build institutions that will serve generations to come. Do not sacrifice the enduring interests of the nation for temporary political interests," he said.

The spiritual leader said Nigeria must not be understood only by the boundaries drawn upon a map, but through the divine responsibility and purpose that God has entrusted to her.

According to him, the Man Child through whom the New World Government is to be established manifested in Nigeria, making the country occupy a unique position in divine revelation as the seat of the New World Government.

"This also gives deeper meaning to the remarkable constitutional and political journey of this nation, which has passed through different systems and forms of government since independence. Yet the fundamental aspirations of the Nigerian people for lasting Peace, Justice, equality, security and prosperity remain," he said.

He explained that Nigeria is that Kingdom which shall not be left to other people, but shall ultimately be ruled by God Himself, and urged Nigerians not to place their entire hope in human systems.

"Systems of government will surely change, administrations shall come and go, and political structures shall be transformed, but the Divine Will of God cannot be altered," Olumba stated.

Olumba Obu called on all Nigerians to rise above tribalism, regionalism, religious division, political differences and selfish interest, stressing that the strength of Nigeria is not in one tribe, one region, one political party or one religion.

"Let every Nigerian therefore rise above tribalism, regionalism, religious division, political differences and every form of selfish interest, and let us begin to see Nigeria not merely as a geographical territory, but as a nation carrying a responsibility of profound significance to Creation," he said.

He said Nigeria's continued existence despite many difficult experiences is a testimony of God's grace and mercy, noting that many situations capable of producing consequences beyond human control have been averted through divine intervention.

He also addressed citizens and the youth, urging Nigerians to love and protect their country, exercise their freedoms responsibly and preserve the nation they hope to inherit.

"To the young people of Nigeria, recognize that you are both the present and future of the nation. Pursue knowledge, develop your talents, reject violence and destructive influences, and channel your energy toward creativity, innovation, service, and national development," he said.

Speaking to the international community, he urged world powers not to underestimate Nigeria or judge her by her present difficulties.

"Do not judge Nigeria only by her present difficulties, economic statistics, political disagreements or the challenges confronting her people. There is something greater being revealed in this nation than what may be visible upon the surface.

"Nations of the world, I urge you to watch Nigeria closely, for something great and glorious is about to unfold in this nation—something that will bring honour, distinction, and remarkable transformation to Nigeria and shall place this nation ahead of the world", he stated.

Olumba Obu said true freedom must go beyond freedom from colonial rule to freedom from hatred, tribalism, religious intolerance, corruption, violence and oppression.

"Today, I have once again covered this Nation with My Peace and Grace. Nigeria is Brotherhood and Brotherhood is Nigeria. Therefore, no force can destroy this Country in the Mighty Name of OOO!" he declared.

NUJ Cross River Lauds First Lady, Gov Otu Over N25m Support to SPAR Fire Victims, Raises Alarm Over Bad Roads, Schools

 Iloke Egbe

The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Cross River State Council, has commended the Wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and the Cross River State Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Otu, for the release of Twenty-Five Million Naira cheques each to the 18 business and shop owners affected by the August 22, 2026 fire incident at the SPAR Shopping Mall, Barracks Road, Calabar.

This was contained in a seven-point Communiqué issued at the end of its September 2026 State Congress held on Wednesday, September 30, at the Ernest Etim Bassey Press Centre, Calabar.

The Congress, which deliberated on issues affecting the welfare of journalists and the development of Cross River State, also lauded the State Government for supporting delegates who attended the 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) in Enugu State.

The Communiqué further received a report from the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Cross River State Chapter, led by its Chairman, Comrade Mike Akpang and Secretary, Comrade Esien Ita, describing the recently concluded 2026 SWAN National Triennial Delegates Conference in Kaduna as successful and fruitful.

On state affairs, the Congress expressed concern over the deplorable condition of several roads within the Calabar metropolis and called on the State Government to urgently rehabilitate them to ease movement for motorists and residents.

Similarly, it urged residents to desist from indiscriminate dumping of refuse in unauthorized locations and to take responsibility for keeping their surroundings clean in order to restore and sustain the clean and green status of Calabar.

The Congress also decried the poor condition of some public schools across the State and called on relevant agencies to urgently address the situation, including declaring a state of emergency in severely affected schools to bring them up to modern standards.

On welfare, the NUJ advised practicing journalists across the State to prioritize regular medical check-ups and pay greater attention to their health and well-being to reduce the incidence of sudden and untimely deaths among media practitioners.

The Communiqué was drafted by a four-man committee chaired by Comrade Esien Ita, with Comrade Aniekan Aniekan as Secretary, Comrade Maxwell Effiong and Comrade Sylvia Okoi as members.

It was signed by the State Chairman, Comrade Archibong Bassey.

Gov Otu Restores 3,000 LG Workers After Meeting With Labour

Cross River State Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, has approved the restoration of about 3,000 local government workers earlier removed from the State’s payroll, following an extensive engagement with organised labour comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP), Cross River State chapters. 

The Governor’s decision followed a frank and comprehensive discussion on workers’ welfare, recruitment, promotions, salary harmonisation, pensioners’ entitlements and other matters affecting industrial relations in the State.

The meeting, held at the State Executive Council Chambers, Calabar, provided the labour leaders an opportunity to present their concerns directly to the Governor. The NLC leadership particularly appealed for the reconsideration of the disengagement of workers who had already spent about two years in service, arguing that the affected persons were sons and daughters of Cross River who had built their livelihoods around their employment. 

Responding, Governor Otu acknowledged the human dimension of the issue, noting that “people have been used to particular remuneration,” and that “to cut them off at short notice will be too much to absorb,” particularly when the withdrawal affected their entire source of livelihood.

The Governor explained that the administration’s intervention in the public service was motivated by the need to correct anomalies, restore due process and ensure that employment and remuneration were founded on appropriate qualifications and fairness. “I want you to believe that their feelings were based on the fact that people have been used to particular remuneration,” he said, stressing that the government was equally mindful of the consequences of abrupt changes. 

He, however, maintained that the State must establish a public service in which opportunities are distributed equitably. “Somebody cannot be a secondary school [leaver] and already be getting an appointment,” he said, adding that “because you have the opportunity, that does not mean it is your family alone; others also deserve the opportunity.”

Governor Otu said his administration was determined to rebuild the State on the principles of fairness, productivity and shared responsibility, rather than perpetuating practices that could undermine the public service. “We are committed to the rebuilding of all these elements,” he declared, while appealing to labour leaders to “join hands” with government in the task of rebuilding Cross River. 

He emphasised that government alone could not carry the burden of transforming the State, noting that “our relationship is principally a corporate relationship” and that the administration would continue to require “maximum cooperation” from organised labour to navigate the challenges confronting the State.

The Governor also drew attention to the State’s difficult financial circumstances, explaining that government had been grappling with inherited obligations and substantial recurring commitments while simultaneously trying to improve workers’ welfare and develop infrastructure. He said the administration had worked hard to reduce the burden of outstanding liabilities, but that fresh obligations continued to emerge. “Almost every month we are taking out 300 to 600 [million],” he said, underscoring the pressure on the State’s finances. He nevertheless expressed optimism that sustained efforts to improve revenue and manage existing commitments would enable government to address more of its outstanding obligations.

On the broader economic question, Governor Otu urged labour to look beyond confrontation and become a partner in the State’s development. “The real foundation for the economy has been laid,” he said, pointing to the administration’s efforts to improve infrastructure, create investment opportunities, strengthen human capacity and empower citizens. He declared that the State must move away from a “hand-to-mouth economy” towards one driven by productivity, enterprise and sustainable opportunities, stressing that “we must be ready to fold our shirts and take up the challenge” of rebuilding Cross River.

The Governor also acknowledged the other concerns presented by labour, including outstanding promotions, salary harmonisation and the welfare of low-income workers and pensioners. He assured the unions that the issues raised would receive further consideration through the examination of relevant official documents and briefs. “For the other issues, I will need at least some briefs,” he said, directing labour to submit the necessary documentation while government would equally review its own records.

 The meeting, he said, had provided an important opportunity for both sides to better understand the issues, resolve outstanding concerns and strengthen the partnership between government and organised labour, culminating in his approval for the restoration of the 4,000 affected local government workers.