BANNER NEWS

Month: June 2026

  • Cross River Secures 13,000 Hectares, Seeks Agro-Processors for Value Addition

    Cross River Secures 13,000 Hectares, Seeks Agro-Processors for Value Addition

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Calabar

    The Cross River State Government has secured 13,000 hectares of land across 12 communities for large-scale agricultural production and is seeking investors to establish processing factories close to farming clusters to boost local value addition.

    The Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, Mr. Johnson Ebokpo, disclosed this during a press conference in Calabar while unveiling Project Grow, a six-year agricultural development initiative designed to link farmers directly to structured markets.

    Ebokpo said the programme aims to move farmers beyond subsistence production by creating reliable market opportunities and attracting agro-processing industries to the state.

    According to him, the government has legally acquired the land through agreements with host communities and approved the payment of rents for the 13,000 hectares earmarked for the cultivation of grains, cocoa, pineapples, bananas, plantains and other crops.

    He explained that the state is deliberately encouraging investors to establish processing facilities near production centres to reduce post-harvest losses, create jobs and increase the value of agricultural produce before it reaches the market.

    “We need these crops and grains to be processed locally. That is why we are intentionally attracting investors and processors to the state,” Ebokpo said.

    He added that the government is strengthening the state’s Ease of Doing Business framework to make Cross River more attractive to agribusiness investors.

    The commissioner further disclosed that the state has partnered with the Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC) and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, to provide technical support, improved inputs and advisory services for farmers and agro-processors.

    “We also want to increase the offtake capacity for our smallholder farmers and stimulate greater participation in both primary and secondary processing of agricultural produce,” he said.

    Speaking on the initiative, the Director of Project Grow, Mr. Denis Ikpali, described the programme as a market systems development intervention aimed at addressing longstanding structural challenges in the agricultural sector.

    According to him, the project forms part of the administration’s broader strategy to transform agriculture from a subsistence activity into a viable economic sector capable of creating jobs, attracting investment, improving incomes and strengthening food security.

    Ikpali announced that one of the project’s major achievements is an offtake agreement with Flour Mills of Nigeria for the supply of 2,000 metric tonnes of soybeans and 20,000 metric tonnes of maize.

    He said the agreement is valued at about N18 billion and is expected to provide a guaranteed market for participating farmers while encouraging increased agricultural production across the state.

  • Gov’s Wife’s Aide Backs Padbank Campaign Against Period Poverty

    Gov’s Wife’s Aide Backs Padbank Campaign Against Period Poverty

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Calabar

    The Special Adviser to the Wife of the Cross River State Governor on Political Affairs, Ms Elizabeth Awatt, has pledged support for efforts to end period poverty among vulnerable girls, backing the Padbank Mobile Outreach initiative with sanitary materials and advocacy for broader stakeholder collaboration.

    Awatt demonstrated her support during the June edition of the Padbank Mobile Outreach held at Government Secondary School, Nyaghasang, in Calabar Municipality, where she stressed the need for collective action to tackle menstrual hygiene challenges confronting disadvantaged girls.

    She commended Padbank for promoting menstrual health awareness and restoring dignity to young girls through the provision of sanitary products, noting that stronger partnerships involving government, development agencies, private organisations and individuals are essential to eliminating period poverty.

    The outreach benefited about 170 schoolgirls, with more than 200 sanitary pads and other hygiene materials distributed to support their menstrual health needs.

    Management of Government Secondary School, Nyaghasang, expressed appreciation to Padbank and its partners for choosing the school for the intervention. The Principal described the institution as “a lonely school in a lonely community” and said the programme brought hope and encouragement to the students.

    She noted that the intervention came at a crucial time and would boost the confidence, wellbeing and academic participation of the girls.

    Speaking at the event, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Cross River State Council, Comrade Archibong Bassey, highlighted Padbank’s commitment to eradicating period poverty through advocacy, education and improved access to sanitary products.

    He urged the students to apply the lessons learned during the session and remain focused on their education and future goals.

    A key highlight of the outreach was a practical menstrual hygiene session facilitated by Victoria Omini, Face of Padbank. She educated the girls on proper sanitary pad use, menstrual hygiene management, nutrition during menstruation and safe disposal of used sanitary products.

    The session featured a practical demonstration by a student, giving participants firsthand knowledge of correct menstrual hygiene practices.

    Students actively engaged in the programme, sharing experiences and asking questions, while many expressed gratitude to Padbank and its partners for the educational support and sanitary materials provided.

    Padbank is a non-governmental organisation dedicated to combating period poverty and improving access to menstrual hygiene products for underprivileged girls, particularly those in vulnerable communities and living with disabilities.

    The outreach underscored growing efforts by stakeholders to ensure that no girl is denied dignity, education or opportunity because of her menstrual health needs.

  • Birthday: Otu Affirms Deputy As Natural Choice For Running Mate

    Birthday: Otu Affirms Deputy As Natural Choice For Running Mate

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Calabar

    Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has now laid the cards bare as he has affirmed his deputy, Dr Peter Odey as his natural choice of running mate in the 2027 governorship election.

    He also affirmed that Odey is a very loyal, trusted and dependable ally.

    He said these in his statement signed by his special adviser on publicity, Linus Obogo to felicitate Odey’s 52nd birthday.

    Otu further commended the Odey’s dedication to the administration’s People-First agenda, describing him as a reliable pillar whose efforts have helped deepen public confidence in government and accelerate the implementation of key developmental initiatives across the state.

    According to him, “Dr Odey has consistently brought energy, vision, and sincerity to every assignment entrusted to him. His work ethic is exemplary, his sense of duty unwavering, and his commitment to excellence unmistakable. Cross River State is richer for his service and stronger because of his contributions.”

    As Dr Odey marks his 52nd birthday, Governor Otu offered prayers for greater accomplishments in the years ahead.

    “As you celebrate this distinguished milestone, I join your beloved family, friends, associates, and millions of Cross Riverians in thanking Almighty God for the gift of your life and service”, Otu stated.

    The Governor described his Deputy as “one of the finest examples of loyalty, honour, and purposeful leadership in contemporary public service,” wishing him many more years of impactful stewardship and enduring relevance in the service of God, Cross River State, and the nation.

    The Governor observed that beyond the formal responsibilities of office, the Deputy Governor has become a symbol of loyalty and teamwork, exemplifying the highest ideals of collaborative leadership.

    “In an era where personal ambition often competes with collective responsibility, Dr Odey has remained an enduring example of selflessness and institutional loyalty. He has demonstrated that true leadership is not measured by personal acclaim but by the ability to support a shared vision, strengthen institutions, and contribute meaningfully to the success of government and the welfare of the people.”

    Otu noted that Dr Odey’s humility, accessibility, and genuine concern for the wellbeing of ordinary citizens have endeared him to communities across the state and earned him the admiration of stakeholders, and development partners alike.

    “His humanity is as remarkable as his intellect. His compassion is as profound as his competence.

    He possesses that rare ability to connect with people across social, political, and cultural divides. These qualities have made him not only an effective Deputy Governor but also a beloved son of Cross River State whose contributions will continue to resonate far beyond the corridors of government.”

  • CAN Declares June 14 ‘Black Sunday’, Expresses Deep Concern Over Worsening Insecurity 

    CAN Declares June 14 ‘Black Sunday’, Expresses Deep Concern Over Worsening Insecurity 

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter

    The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has declared Sunday, June 14, 2026, as a “Black Sunday” to mourn victims of terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent attacks across the country.

    The umbrella Christian body also announced a three-day period of national prayer and reflection from June 12 to June 14, calling on churches nationwide to seek divine intervention for peace and security in Nigeria.

    The declaration was made at the end of the National Church Denominational Leadership Summit 2026, where CAN expressed deep concern over the worsening security situation and the continued loss of lives in many parts of the country.

    Speaking on behalf of the association, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, said while prayers remain important, they must be complemented by decisive government action to address the persistent insecurity confronting the nation.

    He urged the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on insecurity, arguing that the scale of the crisis requires urgent and extraordinary measures to protect citizens and restore public confidence.

    According to him, the continued attacks on communities, abductions and killings have reached alarming proportions and demand a coordinated national response.

    CAN also renewed its call for the establishment of state police and the decentralisation of the country’s security architecture, saying such reforms would enable quicker responses to threats and improve intelligence gathering at the grassroots level.

    The association further demanded the unconditional release of all kidnapped persons across the country and called for justice to be served against perpetrators of violent crimes.

    It appealed to political leaders, security agencies and other stakeholders to work together to end the wave of insecurity and safeguard the lives and property of Nigerians.

    CAN said the planned Black Sunday observance would serve as a solemn reminder of the thousands of lives lost to violence and a call for urgent action to secure the nation.

  • Police Arrest Four Suspected Cultists, Recover Firearms in Lagos Raid

    Police Arrest Four Suspected Cultists, Recover Firearms in Lagos Raid

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Lagos

    The Lagos State Police Command has arrested four suspected cult members allegedly linked to a series of violent crimes and killings in Ajanmgbadi, Ojo and neighbouring communities.

    The suspects, identified as Emmanuel Nwokolo, popularly known as Oblo, Ayola Israel alias Essy Pawpaw, Ebuka Nnamdi and Chinedu Okafor, were apprehended during a police operation at a hotel in Ajanmgbadi following actionable intelligence.

    Spokesperson of the Command, SP Abimbola Adebisi, said the operation was part of ongoing efforts by the Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani Fatai, to curb cultism, violent crime and other criminal activities across Lagos State.

    According to her, preliminary investigations linked the suspects to several violent incidents that had unsettled residents of Ajanmgbadi and surrounding communities.

    Adebisi disclosed that investigators recovered a video from one of the suspects’ mobile phones which allegedly captured the killing of unidentified persons within the area.

    She said the suspects confessed during interrogation to being members of the notorious Aiye Confraternity and admitted involvement in a number of killings and other criminal activities.

    The police spokesperson further revealed that a search conducted during the operation led to the recovery of three firearms, including two locally fabricated pistols and a revolver pistol, as well as 13 live cartridges allegedly used in criminal operations.

    She added that investigations were ongoing to establish the full extent of the suspects’ involvement in other criminal cases, identify additional gang members and apprehend all accomplices connected to the alleged crimes.

    The suspects are expected to be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.

    Commending the operatives for the successful raid, Commissioner of Police Tijani Fatai reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.

    He assured residents that the police would continue to intensify efforts to dismantle criminal networks, combat cult-related violence and bring offenders to justice.

    Fatai also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and support law enforcement agencies with timely and credible information to strengthen crime-fighting efforts and enhance public safety throughout Lagos State.

     

  • Be Disciplined, Committed In Your New Ranks – CP Charges Newly Promoted Police Cops

    Be Disciplined, Committed In Your New Ranks – CP Charges Newly Promoted Police Cops

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Calabar

    458 police personnel promoted from the rank of Constable to Corporal in the Cross River State Police command have been charged to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, discipline, integrity, and commitment to duty.

    The Commissioner of Police, Cross River State Command, Rashid B. Afegbua made the charge in his office in Calabar while decorating the newly promoted.

    He emphasized that promotion comes with greater responsibility, urging them to remain dedicated to effective service delivery and the core values of the Nigeria Police Force.

    The newly promoted Corporals expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, the Police Management Team, and the Commissioner of Police for the promotion, assuring them of their continued loyalty and dedication to duty.

    The ceremony was attended by members of the Command Management Team and other senior officers.

    The promotion exercise is part of the welfare and motivation initiatives of the IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu.

     

  • NUT Stages Nationwide Protest, Demands Urgent Action on School Insecurity

    NUT Stages Nationwide Protest, Demands Urgent Action on School Insecurity

    By BANNERNEWS Reporters

    Teachers across several states of the Nigeria on Tuesday joined a nationwide protest to demand urgent government intervention in the growing insecurity threatening schools, teachers and students across the federation.

    The protests, organised by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), took place in several states, where educators condemned the rising wave of kidnappings, attacks and killings linked to educational institutions.

    In Akwa Ibom State, hundreds of teachers marched through major streets of Uyo carrying placards with inscriptions such as “An Attack on Teachers Is an Attack on Education,” “Protect Teachers and You Protect the Future,” and “Education Cannot Thrive Under Terror.”

    Addressing the protesters, Akwa Ibom NUT Chairman, Comrade Edet Emenyi, decried the increasing threats facing teachers and students, warning that schools were gradually turning into targets of violence rather than centres of learning and hope.

    He lamented that insecurity had created an atmosphere of fear in classrooms across the country, making it difficult for teachers to carry out their duties effectively.

    “An attack on teachers is an attack on education. Protect teachers and you protect the future. Schools must be safe havens, not crime scenes.

    “Today, many teachers teach while constantly looking over their shoulders. Education cannot thrive under terror,” Emenyi stated.

    The union also called for improved welfare packages for teachers and demanded the immediate release of kidnapped students, teachers and other education workers being held by criminal groups.

    In Ondo State, members of the NUT staged a solidarity rally in Akure to protest the recent abduction of 39 pupils and seven teachers by suspected kidnappers in Ahoro Esinele Community, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

    The demonstration, which began at the Teachers’ House and ended at the Governor’s Office, attracted hundreds of teachers, union leaders and education stakeholders carrying placards bearing messages including “Let Teachers Teach in Peace,” “Secure Every School, Save Every Dream,” and “Government Must Wake Up and Act Now.”

    Speaking during the rally, Ondo State NUT Chairman, Comrade Ayodele Samuel Leke, described the Oyo incident as tragic and disturbing, saying it reflected the worsening security situation confronting educational institutions nationwide.

    Leke noted that the attack not only resulted in the abduction of pupils and teachers but also claimed the life of a mathematics teacher, Michael Oyedokun, as well as a motorcyclist and some security operatives involved in rescue efforts.

    He called on the Federal Government, the Oyo State Government and security agencies to take immediate and decisive steps to secure the unconditional release of all victims while strengthening measures to prevent future attacks on schools.

    According to him, persistent attacks on educational institutions pose a serious threat to access to education, particularly in rural communities where many schools already struggle with inadequate infrastructure and staffing.

    “As a union committed to the welfare and safety of teachers and learners, we declare unequivocally that enough is enough. We say no to the kidnapping of teachers, pupils and other innocent citizens.

    “Our schools and learning environments must be safe, secure and conducive for quality education,” Leke said, while urging Nigerians to remain vigilant and united against insecurity.

    Responding on behalf of the Ondo State Government, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Union Matters and Special Duties, Comrade Bola Taiwo, commended the teachers for conducting a peaceful protest and assured them that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration remained committed to protecting lives and property through strengthened security initiatives, including increased recruitment into the Amotekun Corps, provision of operational vehicles and enhanced collaboration among security agencies.

    In Cross River State, the teachers marched through major streets in Calabar, the state capital, chanting solidary songs.

    They marched to the Ministry of local government affairs and ended at the Governor’s Office where they condemned the abduction of school children and teachers.

    They lamented the violent treatment of children as young as two years by the abductors as well as the beheading of one of the abducted teachers.

    Chairman of the NUT in the state, Comrade Gregory Olayi said the abduction is an attack on the education sector, adding that the NUT has a directive to embark on indefinite strike if government did not rescue the abducted colleagues and school children immediately.

  • Cross River Stakeholders Advocate Increased Forest Guard Recruitment

    Cross River Stakeholders Advocate Increased Forest Guard Recruitment

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Calabar Stakeholders in Cross River State have renewed calls for the recruitment of more forest guards and rangers to strengthen security across the state’s vast forest reserves and combat growing threats posed by criminal activities and illegal exploitation of natural resources.

    The call comes on the heels of President Bola Tinubu’s approval of 1,000 forest guards for Oyo State following the abduction of pupils and teachers in parts of the state.

    Stakeholders contend that states with extensive forest cover, particularly Cross River, should benefit substantially from the Federal Government’s broader forest security initiative.

    Chairman of the Cross River State Forestry Commission, George Oben-Etche, disclosed that the state government is already taking steps to align with the federal programme.

    He noted that approximately 300 forest rangers were recruited when the current administration assumed office and that plans are underway to further expand the workforce.

    According to Oben-Etche, the presidential directive on forest guard recruitment is a nationwide intervention aimed at strengthening security within Nigeria’s forest reserves and should not be misconstrued as a measure designed solely for Oyo State.

    Cross River is home to some of Nigeria’s largest and most important tropical rainforests, including areas that serve as habitats for endangered wildlife and vital ecological resources.

    However, concerns have persisted over illegal logging, unauthorised mining, poaching and the use of remote forest corridors by criminal elements.

    Commander of the Nigeria Hunters and Forest Security Services in Cross River State, Joseph Omini Ogburuwa, described the Federal Government’s latest move as timely and necessary.

    He urged authorities to integrate community-based forest security organisations into the national framework to enhance intelligence gathering and rapid response operations.

    Ogburuwa said the organisation has about 2,000 members in Cross River State and thousands more across the country, insisting that their local knowledge and familiarity with difficult terrains place them in a strategic position to support conventional security agencies.

    A forest ranger, Efiok Emmanuel, lamented what he described as inadequate manpower for effective forest surveillance in the state. He disclosed that only about 400 rangers are currently available to cover Cross River’s extensive forest areas.

    He recalled that Governor Bassey Otu had in 2024 directed the recruitment of 2,000 additional forest rangers, a proposal that was not implemented.

    Emmanuel also revealed that plans for local government-based recruitment were suspended, stressing that increased manpower would significantly improve forest protection, environmental conservation and security operations across the state.

     

     

  • Teachers Threaten To shut Down Schools in Cross River Over Unpaid Salaries, Insecurity

    Teachers Threaten To shut Down Schools in Cross River Over Unpaid Salaries, Insecurity

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Calabar

    Public and private schools across Cross River State may be shut down from next week as teachers intensify pressure on the state government over unpaid salaries and worsening insecurity in schools.

    The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in the state, Comrade Gregory Olayi, issued the warning at the end of a public rally organised by the union to express solidarity with teachers and pupils abducted by gunmen in Oyo State.

    The rally, held in parts of the state, also drew attention to the security challenges facing schools nationwide, the welfare of teachers and unresolved issues surrounding salary payments and career progression.

    Olayi said the national leadership of the NUT had directed all state chapters to prepare for an indefinite strike if the Federal Government failed to take decisive action to secure the release of abducted teachers and school children and improve security in educational institutions.

    He disclosed that the Cross River chapter had given the state government a one-week ultimatum to clear salary arrears owed teachers since September 2025 and address grievances relating to grade levels and promotions.

    According to him, the union would not hesitate to shut down the education sector if the demands were not met within the stipulated period.

    “If our members are not paid their salaries as and when due, we will shut down the education sector in seven days. We are serious about this position,” he said.

    The NUT chairman also expressed concern over the security situation in schools across the state, describing many school premises as porous and vulnerable to attacks.

    He urged the state government to strengthen security measures around schools to guarantee the safety of both teachers and students, noting that government has a responsibility to protect lives and property.

    Olayi further lamented that the abduction of school children and teachers in Oyo State had created widespread fear among pupils, especially younger children, and called on all levels of government to treat school security as a matter of urgent national importance.

    He also reminded political leaders that they usually swear to protect lives and property, saying this oath is a challenge to them.