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.

Stakeholders Gather in Calabar for One Day Workshop on Translating Evidence, Community Voices into Political Commitment for Onchocerciasis Elimination and Accountable Primary Healthcare

Iloke Egbe 

In an effort to push back the frontiers of ignorance, myth on the negative impact of some Neglected Tropical Disease that is endemic in the State, Stakeholders gathered in Calabar to brainstorm on the best approach and protocol to address challenges hindering the speedy elimination of some neglected Tropical diseases in the State.

The one day Workshop held at Dannic Hotel Ekorinim Calabar and sponsored by Nigeria Health Watch, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing health outcomes in Nigeria in partnership with the Cross River State Government brought relevant stakeholders from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the State Ministry of Health, CRS Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Neglected Tropical Disease Unit, the Carter Center, Development Partners and the traditional institution. 

Also in attendance were local government and community health officers, Civil Society Organizations, religious leaders, etc. and featured goodwill messages from partners,  plenary and panel discussions and the release of 21 points resolutions through a Communique on the next steps.

The programme which is at the pilot stage currently operates in Akamkpa, Etung and Boki Local Government Areas of the State due to the endemic nature of their locations and features of the areas characterized by Forest, high current running waters and their borderline with the Republic of Cameron which makes the Local Government Areas very fertile for the breeding and spreading of the Onchocerciasis commonly known as River blindness and lymphatic disease.

In her remarks, the Cross River State Coordinator Nigeria Health Watch, Ms Hannah Achu asserted that the programme is also in collaboration with Global Institute for Disease Elimination, and Nigeria Health Watch is an advocacy and communication organization while the project is currently running advocacy on the elimination of Onchocerciasis in the State. Adding that the State is of serious concern on the Onchocerciasis map due to many borders which stretch to Cameron where there is a report of recrudescence disease.

She expressed satisfaction with the quality of deliberations and participants in attendance, pointing out that the Communique reached can be adopted for further action.

While the clan head of Etung urban- Ekiem, His Royal Highness, Elder. Malloy Erem expressed satisfaction with the outcomes of the workshop, the sincerity and seriousness witness in activities carried out by Health Watch organization, adding that the workshop has opened a new chapter of community participation in the elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases.  Also, Dr Ekpo Ofem a public health epidemiology admitted that the engagement was very important as it seeks collaboration with experts to identify gaps in the field and build Synergies to overcome the challenges. 

While the State coordinator, Neglected Tropical Diseases Mr. Godwin Omeji admitted that the event added more value as it has to do with sensitization and it will enhance improved community participation and reduce challenges where health workers bring medicine to a community and some community leaders expect the health workers to attach some incentives in the name of tradition. He acknowledged the good governance the State is enjoying courtesy of the Governor, and appealed for more funding,  "let the State Government support interventions in this sector through funding" he added.

Some of the sub-topics presented include evidence base-findings from GLIDE and KAPB baseline assessment, key findings on NTD knowledge. Listening to communities - insights from integrated community engagement and closing the coverage gap through PHC and community health systems. Other topics presented were Community perspective - Enablers and barriers to Onchocerciasis Elimination and quality PHC services and action planning and co-creation, from evidence to commitments.

Nigeria at 66th Reassuring Unity and Growth

66 years is an indication of stability, growth and development and we are blessed to have Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu as Governor that has made the State an embodiment of good governance.

As Nigerians celebrate 66th years of steady progress and development as a sovereign, independent and democratic nation, being able to overcome challenges and crises of varied degree with visible achievements.

The chairman Cross River State House of Assembly Service Commission Hon. Ntufam Victor Okon on behalf of the commission has congratulated the President, Federal Republic of Nigeria His Excellency Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR and Vice President, Senator Kashim Ibrahim Shetima CFR. 

The State Governor, His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu and his Deputy, His Excellency RT. Hon. Peter Odey PhD, The Speaker Cross River State House of Assembly, RT. Hon. Elvert Ayambem. The State Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Akon Ikpeme and Honourable members of the House of Assembly. 

Members of the State Executive Council and all Cross Riverians. 

The task of nation building is a collective responsibility. Let's continue in the unity we are known for.

Long live Federal Republic of Nigeria!

Long live Cross River State!!

Long live the State House of Assembly Service Commission.

Ntufam. Hon. Victor Okon 

Chairman, 

Cross River State House of Assembly Service Commission

CSDA, Agricultural and Loan Board Explore Partnership to Boost Community Development in Cross River

The Cross River State Community and Social Development Agency (CSDA) and the Cross River State Agricultural and Loan Board (ALB) are exploring areas of strategic collaboration aimed at deepening community development and expanding economic opportunities for beneficiaries across the State.

The move followed a courtesy visit by the former Board Chairman of the CSDA and current Chairman of the Cross River State Agricultural and Loan Board, Sir Toni Ikpeme, to the Agency.

The visit, which took place at the CSDA Board Room, brought together the Chairman of the CSDA Board, High Chief Cyril Anthony Asuquo, and members of the Management Team, including the General Manager, Mr. Collins Edet; Monitoring and Evaluation Manager, Dr. Josephine Ayuk; Finance Manager, Mr. Agbor Akwaji; and Operations Manager, Dr. Esther Awa. During the engagement, The team presented the Agency’s mandate and development approach, with particular emphasis on its Community-Driven Development (CDD) model. 

That the CDD approach places communities at the centre of the development process by enabling residents to identify and prioritise their most pressing needs. The CSDA then facilitates interventions in critical areas such as education, healthcare, water and sanitation, while promoting community ownership, participation and sustainability.

Mr. Ikpeme reflected on his tenure as Chairman of the CSDA Board and commended the Agency’s workforce for its professionalism, commitment and passion for delivering development interventions that positively impact communities across the State, stressing the importance of strengthening the link between agricultural interventions and existing community infrastructure. 

He noted that beneficiaries of agricultural programmes could maximise the use of CSDA-facilitated facilities within their communities to support their activities.

According to him, stronger coordination between agricultural programmes and community infrastructure would enhance the sustainability and overall impact of development interventions at the grassroots.

Mr. Toni also identified Calabar Bayside and Eniong Abatim communities as areas where further development needs could be assessed, urging the CSDA to consider engaging the communities to identify their priority needs and determine appropriate interventions.

He commended the agricultural transformation initiatives of the Cross River State Government under the leadership of Governor Bassey Edet Otu, noting their potential contribution to food security and economic development in the State.

Responding, the CSDA Board Chairman, High Chief Cyril Anthony Asuquo, welcomed Sir Toni Ikpeme and expressed appreciation for the visit, describing it as an opportunity to strengthen institutional cooperation between the two agencies.

Mr Asuquo acknowledged the positive reports concerning Sir Toni’s tenure as Chairman of the CSDA Board and expressed optimism that his current position at the Agricultural and Loan Board would provide an opportunity for both institutions to develop stronger areas of collaboration.

He noted that greater synergy between the agencies could create opportunities for communities and beneficiaries to benefit from their respective programmes and mandates, particularly through access to agricultural grants, loans and credit financing available through the Agricultural and Loan Board.

The meeting further highlighted the importance of inter-agency collaboration in advancing inclusive development, strengthening community resilience and expanding access to basic social infrastructure and economic opportunities across Cross River State.

Both institutions expressed their readiness to explore practical areas of partnership and develop stronger institutional synergy that would translate into tangible benefits for communities, farmers and other beneficiaries across the State.

The collaboration, if effectively implemented, is expected to strengthen the connection between community infrastructure and agricultural development, while supporting the State’s broader efforts towards grassroots development, food security and improved livelihoods.

Independence: Otu Urges Nigerians to Embrace Self-Reliance, Dignity

Cross River State governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has called on Nigerians to give deeper meaning to the nation’s 66 years of independence by transforming political freedom into self-reliance, human dignity and shared prosperity, urging citizens to look beyond the rituals of October 1 and embrace the patriotism, integrity, tolerance and collective responsibility required to build a stronger and more prosperous nation.

Otu who was represented by his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, made the call in his Independence Day goodwill message to Cross Riverians at the U.J. Esuene Stadium, in which he described the anniversary as an opportunity for “solemn national introspection” and a renewed commitment to the ideals for which Nigeria’s founding nationalists sacrificed. He said independence should not be viewed merely as freedom from external rule, but as “the capacity of a people to determine their destiny, provide for their needs, protect their dignity and build institutions worthy of their aspirations.”

The Governor said the sacrifices of Nigeria’s nationalist generation were “deliberate, selfless and animated by an abiding faith in the possibility of a sovereign Nigeria”, stressing that their legacy imposed a responsibility on present and future generations to preserve the values for which they struggled. He specifically cited the national ethics enshrined in Chapter II, Section 23 of the 1999 Constitution, including patriotism, integrity, self-reliance and religious tolerance, as indispensable foundations for a stable and prosperous society.

Otu said Independence Day should transcend ceremonial pageantry and official rituals, insisting that it should provide an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey and the responsibilities of citizenship. “Independence Day must mean more to us than the ceremonial pageantry and official rituals that accompany it,” he said, describing the anniversary as “a solemn moment of national introspection” and an occasion to consider “the Nigeria we desire to bequeath to generations yet unborn.”

According to him, Nigeria’s progress in infrastructure, education, healthcare, maritime development and other critical sectors demonstrates that nation-building remains a continuing enterprise requiring “patience, sacrifice, unity of purpose and the determination to transform our enormous potential into tangible prosperity.” He said Cross River, too, had remained “in motion”, progressively evolving economically, socially and politically while giving practical expression to the ideals of national independence.

The Governor highlighted Cross River’s tradition of religious harmony, social justice and inclusive governance, saying his administration had consciously translated the national ethics of patriotism, integrity, tolerance and self-reliance into the State’s ethos.

He pointed to the longstanding proximity and peaceful coexistence of the Calabar Central Mosque and the Apostolic Church along Mary Slessor Street, Bogobiri, as a vivid illustration that “faith need not be a source of division”, but could coexist with “mutual respect, fellowship and understanding.”

Otu also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to equity, human rights and the rule of law, declaring that “no one, regardless of social or economic standing, is above the law.” He added that no citizen, “irrespective of how modest his or her circumstances may be”, should be subjected to oppression, intimidation or injustice, stressing that “justice must remain the shield of both the weak and the strong.” He said his administration had opened the doors of public service to “well-meaning Cross Riverians, irrespective of political affiliation”, in keeping with its commitment to participatory and inclusive governance.

On economic empowerment, the Governor said his administration was investing in the capacity of young people through apprenticeship, skills acquisition and empowerment programmes, while providing local entrepreneurs with training, institutional support and start-up assistance. He identified agriculture as a major pillar of the State’s self-reliance agenda, noting that government was supporting smallholder and large-scale farmers with loans and grants, improving rural feeder roads and promoting mechanisation. “Our ambition, however, goes beyond food sufficiency. We seek absolute food security,” he declared, adding that the revitalisation of agro-based cottage industries would help transform agricultural produce into semi-finished and finished products. “This is the meaning of Food Independence,” he said.

The Governor, however, stressed that the task of building a prosperous Cross River could not be accomplished by government alone, urging citizens to embrace unity, cooperation and collective responsibility. Comparing governance to an orchestra, Otu said: “As Governor, I am the conductor, responsible for setting the tempo and directing the symphony. But no conductor, however committed, can produce beautiful music if the instrumentalists refuse to play in harmony.” He called on Cross Riverians to reject “distrust, ethnic prejudice, needless division and every tendency that diminishes our collective strength”, insisting that “Cross River belongs to all of us” and that its future remains “a shared inheritance and a shared responsibility.” He urged citizens to honour the sacrifices of Nigeria’s founding heroes by becoming “worthy custodians of the nation they envisioned”, while wishing Nigerians and Cross Riverians a peaceful, meaningful and rewarding Independence celebration.