BANNER NEWS

Year: 2026

  • NARD Urges IPPIS to Pay House Officers’ Salaries Promptly

    NARD Urges IPPIS to Pay House Officers’ Salaries Promptly

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Calabar

    The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has urged the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) and the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) to ensure the timely processing and payment of salaries owed House Officers.

    The association made the call in a 19-point communique issued after its Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Calabar, where a new executive committee led by Dr Ogar Emmanuel Idoko was elected.

    The communique was signed by Idoko, President; Dr Besongngem Akotanchi, Secretary-General; and Dr Ashimom Timothy, Publicity and Social Secretary.

    NARD also called on MDCN and IPPIS to immediately settle outstanding salary arrears owed affected doctors, warning that continued delays could trigger further industrial disputes.

    The AGM condemned the persistent downgrading by MDCN of membership certificates issued by the West African College of Surgeons (WACS) and West African College of Physicians (WACP), and demanded an immediate reversal of the policy.

    According to the association, the issue has persisted since 2020 without a satisfactory resolution.

    It also demanded the immediate resolution of the non-issuance of Part I certificates by the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria (NPMCN).

    NARD called on the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to urgently intervene and ensure a definitive resolution of both certification issues.

    The association further demanded an immediate resolution of the ongoing industrial crisis at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, and urged Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, to intervene in the dispute, resolve outstanding issues and restore a stable working environment at the institution.

    Expressing concern over the continued brain drain in the medical sector, NARD urged the Federal Government to establish a sustainable and seamless mechanism for the recruitment and employment of doctors to address critical manpower shortages.

    The association gave the government a two-week ultimatum, effective October 1, 2026, to address its 19-point demands.

     

     

  • Independence: Otu Urges Nigerians To Uphold Peace, Unity

    Independence: Otu Urges Nigerians To Uphold Peace, Unity

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Calabar

    Cross River State Governor, Prince Bassey Edet Otu, has urged Nigerians to uphold peace and unity and contribute to the development of the country.

    Otu made the call in Calabar through the Speaker of the state House of Assembly,  Elvert Ayambem, at an interdenominational thanksgiving service held at the Christian Central Chapel, Ikot Eneobong, 8 Miles, to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.

    The governor said the anniversary should remind Nigerians of the sacrifices of past generations and the responsibility of the present generation to build a country that future generations would be proud of.

    He acknowledged the challenges Nigeria had faced since independence in 1960, but said the resilience and enterprise of Nigerians had sustained the national spirit.

    Otu said his administration remained focused on improving opportunities for young people, strengthening education and healthcare, supporting businesses, developing infrastructure and attracting investment to Cross River.

    He said government alone could not drive the required development, calling for the participation of traditional institutions, the Church, private sector, civil society organisations, youths and other citizens.

    The governor also urged Nigerians to see the country’s ethnic, linguistic and religious diversity as a strength, rather than a source of division.

    He called on citizens to reject violence, respect the rule of law and support efforts towards peaceful communities and national development.

    Otu further called for prayers for wisdom for leaders, peace in communities, protection for security personnel and support for families facing hardship.

    In his sermon, titled “Using Your Past Testimonies to Unlock Your New Miracle,” President of Christian Central Chapel International Faith Mansion World Centre, Archbishop Emma Gospel Isong, urged Nigerians to remain hopeful and draw strength from past experiences of God’s faithfulness.

    Isong also urged citizens to engage government through constructive and solution-oriented criticism, rather than divisive rhetoric, while calling for greater unity and rejection of hatred and violence.

  • Ekpenyong Youth Wing Begins Campaign Activities Across Cross River South

    Ekpenyong Youth Wing Begins Campaign Activities Across Cross River South

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Calabar

    The Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong Youth Wing has commenced campaign activities across the seven local government areas of Cross River South Senatorial District, with free internet access in tertiary institutions, educational support and youth empowerment programmes among its proposed initiatives.

    The programme, convened by Obong Ekpe Eyo Ita Okon, is expected to include town-hall meetings and engagements with students, youth organisations and community stakeholders across the district.

    The organisers said the agenda would focus on education, employment, skills acquisition, entrepreneurship and digital access, with plans to provide free Starlink internet services in tertiary institutions within the senatorial district.

    Other initiatives announced include expanded student bursaries and educational support, skills acquisition and entrepreneurship programmes, as well as continued engagement with student and youth organisations.

    Speaking at the flag-off, Okon said the initiative was intended to create opportunities for young people while providing a platform for them to raise issues concerning education, employment, governance and development.

    The event was attended by student leaders from tertiary institutions in the district, including SUG presidents, as well as representatives of NACRISS Worldwide, SOCRISS, NANS Cross River State and other student organisations.

    Youth leaders from the Southern Senatorial District of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), APC youth chapter leaders and representatives of youth support groups also attended the event.

    Speaking on behalf of APC chapter youth leaders, Effiom Yellow Duke called for greater youth participation in governance and urged young people to remain involved in issues affecting the district.

    A representative of the youth support groups, Margaret Effiom, highlighted education, entrepreneurship, empowerment and skills development as areas requiring sustained attention.

    The SUG President of the University of Calabar, Comrade Vordina Ebong, welcomed the proposed Starlink initiative, saying improved internet access would support students’ learning and research. He also called for continued engagement with students after the launch.

    The NYCN Vice Chairman for the Southern Senatorial District, Comrade Benjamin Edet, urged the organisers to ensure that the youth engagement translates into practical opportunities for young people.

    Also speaking, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Students Affairs, Comrade Kelvin Joseph Enyiam, encouraged student leaders to remain united and focus on issues affecting students and young people.

    The campaign activities will cover Akamkpa, Akpabuyo, Bakassi, Biase, Calabar Municipal, Calabar South and Odukpani, with further engagements planned for communities and tertiary institutions across the district.

  • 800 Women, 150 Students Listed for Empowerment at Mother Elizabeth Obu Conference

    800 Women, 150 Students Listed for Empowerment at Mother Elizabeth Obu Conference

    Eyo Charles

    At least 800 young women and 150 pupils and students from various secondary and tertiary institutions in parts of Nigeria have been listed to benefit from scholarships and financial support at the third annual Mother Elizabeth Obu Conference in Calabar.

    The conference is scheduled to hold on October 2 and is part of Tripartite Events being organised by two women’s groups, Mansion of Blessedness, headed by MCS (Hon.) Glory Oho, and Universal Women’s Fellowship, led by MCS Dr Mmama Obele in honour of the Universal Mother, Holy Mother Elizabeth Esu Olumba Obu whose legacies of love, mercy, compassion and impactful leadership have reportedly shaped generations.

    The conference coordinator, MCS Winifred Okafor, said 10 elderly women would also receive welfare support, while another 10 beneficiaries would receive assistance for small-scale businesses.

    She added that farmers would receive seedlings, while 13 trainees would be provided with starter packs to support their trades.

    Okafor said the initiatives were part of efforts to sustain what she described as the legacy of Holy Mother Elizabeth Obu in enterprise development, philanthropy and support for women and families.

    She said the annual conference was designed to provide a platform for discussions on women’s development, family values and economic empowerment.

    “The women will transform families, families will transform society, and a transformed society will drive a productive economy,” she said.

    The programme will feature lectures and discussions by women from different professional backgrounds, including the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, and Professor Peace Irefin, a professor of Sociology and Gender Studies.

    Other speakers include MCS Elizabeth Ekong, Chief Executive Officer of Trans Organic, who will speak on career building, mentorship and converting talent into wealth.

    A London-based child rights advocate, MCS Kay Ofo, will speak on the power of forgiveness, while Her Eminence (Dr) Imani Sailas, Clinical Director of Imani Clinic, Abuja, will address personal hygiene and self-branding.

    Professor Emem Ayankop-Chikwe of the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna, will lead a panel discussion on “Virtues of Divine Motherhood in a Modern World,” chaired by MCS Timi Digitieme.

    The conference has as its theme, “Building Women of Capacity, Projecting Virtues of Divine Motherhood,” with the slogan, “Give Opportunity! Gain Capacity! Display Virtues!”

    Okafor also announced a 40-minute craft competition for selected participants, with prizes for outstanding entries.

    She said entries must be original and produced manually at the conference venue rather than bought from stores.

    Categories include beadwork, textile and fashion, household and decorative crafts, including baskets, hats, bags and interior décor, as well as recycled and eco-friendly crafts.

    Other categories are visual arts, painting and sculpture, pastry, food, cake decoration, fast food and simple pastries.

    She disclosed that there will be mouthwatering and consolation prizes.

    Okafor said the two organising groups are affiliated with the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star, adding that its spiritual leader, His Holiness Olumba Olumba Obu, sponsors the conference.

     

     

  • World Harvest Bible College Graduates Over 100, Expands Academic Programmes

    World Harvest Bible College Graduates Over 100, Expands Academic Programmes

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Calabar

    The World Harvest Bible College and Seminary has graduated over 100 students across its certificate, diploma, Bachelor of Arts in Theology and postgraduate programmes for the 2026 academic session.

    The Provost, Rev. Dr. Daniel Ukene, disclosed this at the institution’s graduation ceremony on Thursday, September 17, 2026, saying the graduands had fulfilled the academic and character requirements of the institution.

    Ukene said the 2025/2026 academic session recorded institutional developments, including the establishment of a Directorate of Academic Planning responsible for quality assurance, curriculum development, academic records, accreditation and institutional data planning.

    He also disclosed that the college had secured government approval for a functional health facility on its campus, while additional diploma programmes approved by its affiliate institution, the University of Calabar, were awaiting commencement.

    According to him, the institution also recorded increased enrolment of academic and non-academic staff, which he said had strengthened its staff-to-student ratio, research capacity and service delivery.

    Presenting the Class of 2026, Ukene urged the graduates to remain faithful to biblical teachings, maintain integrity and deploy their training in the service of the church and society.

    He said the graduates should not regard their certificates as an end in themselves but as preparation for greater responsibilities in ministry and community service.

    The guest speaker, Pastor Joseph I. Okoro, reminded the graduates that their graduation marked the beginning of a new responsibility, noting that they would minister in a society comprising people of diverse backgrounds and beliefs.

    Okoro said they would also have to navigate economic difficulties, changing family values and continuing cultural and social transformations.

    He urged them to demonstrate through their lives that Christianity extended beyond the church, stressing that believers should reflect their faith in every sphere of society.

    The guest speaker also charged the graduates to continue acquiring knowledge, urging them to “study to show themselves approved” as they began the next phase of their lives.

    In a valedictory message on behalf of the graduating class, Mrs Kathryn Godswill Emmanuel described the training as a call to educate and transform lives.

    She urged her colleagues to continually ask themselves whom they had transformed or taught through their knowledge and service.

    Emmanuel said graduation should not be seen as the end of their journey but as the beginning of a new chapter of service and impact, whether in teaching, pastoral ministry, counselling or mentoring.

    She thanked the lecturers for their discipline, corrections and commitment throughout the training, while also appreciating the Provost, Chancellor, families and friends for their support.

    The ceremony was attended by the Chancellor, Rev. Dr. Nick Ezeh; Bishop Humphrey Erumaka; Rev. Dr. Mrs Margaret Nick Ezeh; Rev. Dr. Lawrence Ekwok, Sub-Dean, Faculty of Mass Communication, University of Calabar; and Prof. Andrew Uduigwomen, former Dean, Faculty of Arts, UNICAL.

    Others included Rev. Joseph Effiong, District Superintendent, Christ for the World Mission; Rev. Dr. John Ujah, Director of Studies, College of Theology and Administration, Kogi; Amb. Rev. Prof. Aniefiok Akpabio, immediate past Provost of the seminary; and Apostle Frank Umoh, Senior Special Assistant to the Cross River State Governor on Religious Affairs.

    Also present were Prof. Mrs Akon Monday Joshua, former Vice-Chancellor of the Cross River University of Technology, Calabar, and His Eminence Ekpenyong Nyong Akpanika, PhD, among others.

    The ceremony brought together members of the seminary community, families, friends and well-wishers to celebrate the graduating students as they prepare to take on new responsibilities in their various fields.

  • BAYA Gives 150 Youths, Students N50m Empowerment Funds

    BAYA Gives 150 Youths, Students N50m Empowerment Funds

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Calabar

    The Brotherhood All Youth Assembly (BAYA) has disbursed more than N50 million to 150 youths and students as part of its annual youth empowerment and scholarship programme.

    The beneficiaries, who included university students, aspiring entertainers and gospel artists, received between N200,000 and N500,000 each to support their education, businesses, skills development and other productive ventures.

    Chairman of BAYA Enterprises Council and former Rivers State Commissioner for Transport, Chief Ibinabo Michael West, said the financial intervention had become an annual feature of the organisation’s Peace March in states and countries selected for the programme.

    West spoke in Port Harcourt on September 20, 2026, at the conclusion of the weeklong BAYA Peace March held under the theme, “Celebrating the Divine Glory of BCS Youth.”

    He said the initiative was aimed at providing practical support to young people and encouraging them to channel the funds into education, entrepreneurship and technology.

    The programme attracted participants from several parts of Nigeria, other African countries and beyond.

    Activities during the week included a procession through Port Harcourt, evangelism, youth and women’s conferences, the commissioning of five worship centres and humanitarian outreach programmes.

    BAYA is the youth empowerment arm of the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star, a worldwide spiritual organisation led by His Holiness Olumba Olumba Obu.

    The spiritual leader, while blessing the mammoth attendance of faithful, invited guests and other dignitaries prayer for Nigeria, saying a new chapter has opened for the country.

    He announced that the next BAYA Peace March and empowerment exercise will hold in September next year in Ghana.

     

  • UN Secretary-General: Ahiakwo Urges Nigeria To Consider Support for Nigerian Candidate

    UN Secretary-General: Ahiakwo Urges Nigeria To Consider Support for Nigerian Candidate

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Calabar

    A legal practitioner and public commentator, Justice Osai Ahiakwo, has urged the Federal Government to take a clear position on the reported Nigerian candidature for the position of United Nations Secretary-General.

    Ahiakwo made the call in an analysis on the ongoing process to select a successor to UN Secretary-General António Guterres, whose second term ends on December 31, 2026.

    He said Nigeria should determine whether the reported candidature of Nigerian Akasoba Zainab Duke-Abiola meets the required international standards and, if so, consider mobilising diplomatic support for her.

    According to him, the succession process is not simply about filling an international office but involves extensive diplomatic negotiations among UN member states. Under Article 97 of the UN Charter, the Secretary-General is appointed by the General Assembly upon the recommendation of the Security Council.

    Ahiakwo noted that no woman had served as UN Secretary-General since the organisation was established, making gender representation one of the issues featuring prominently in the current succession process.

    The UN’s official list of candidates currently includes former Senegalese President Macky Sall, former Costa Rican Vice-President Rebeca Grynspan, Guyana’s UN Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues Birkett, Ecuador’s former foreign minister María Fernanda Espinosa, former IAEA Director-General Rafael Mariano Grossi, former Ugandan diplomat Olara Otunnu and Ivonne A-Baki.

    However, Ahiakwo’s analysis associates Duke-Abiola with the succession contest while acknowledging that her name does not currently appear on the UN’s official list of formally nominated candidates.

    He said the immediate issue for Abuja was whether the Federal Government considered the Nigerian candidature sufficiently qualified and credible to warrant official consideration and diplomatic backing.

    Ahiakwo said any serious Nigerian bid would require extensive diplomatic engagement with African governments, the African Union, ECOWAS, countries of the Global South and, critically, the five permanent members of the Security Council.

    He noted that Africa had produced two former UN Secretaries-General — Egypt’s Boutros Boutros-Ghali and Ghana’s Kofi Annan — but no African woman had occupied the position.

    The legal practitioner, however, stressed that regional or gender considerations should not replace merit, saying a candidate must possess leadership ability, diplomatic experience, integrity, independence and the capacity to command confidence across competing geopolitical interests.

    Ahiakwo said Nigeria could not determine the outcome of the process single-handedly but should not remain passive if a credible Nigerian candidature was formally presented, urging the Federal Government to make a deliberate foreign-policy determination and decide the extent to which it was prepared to deploy the country’s diplomatic capital in support of it.

     

  • Otu Unveils Oil, Gas Skills Programme for 2,000 Cross River Youths

    Otu Unveils Oil, Gas Skills Programme for 2,000 Cross River Youths

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Calabar

    Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has unveiled an oil and gas skills training programme for 2,000 youths in the state as part of efforts to prepare them for emerging opportunities in the energy sector.

    Otu disclosed this on Thursday at the Youth Empowerment Oil and Gas Training and CPD-Accredited Empowerment Programme held under the theme, “Skill Up in the Season of Sweetness (SUSOS).”

    The governor was represented at the event by the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Elvert Ayambem.

    Ayambem, speaking on behalf of the governor, said the programme was designed to provide young Cross Riverians with practical skills and professional certification to improve their chances of securing opportunities in the oil and gas industry.

    He said the initiative was in line with the administration’s People First Agenda, particularly its focus on human capital development.

    According to him, opportunities in the oil and gas sector extend beyond exploration and production to areas including engineering, logistics, safety, environmental management, procurement, maintenance and data services.

    Otu said government had a responsibility to equip young people with the technical competence, knowledge and professional credentials required to compete in the changing global energy sector.

    He described the training of 2,000 youths through CPD-accredited certificate and diploma programmes as an investment in the productive capacity of the state.

    The governor urged the beneficiaries to take the training seriously and use the skills acquired as a foundation for professional development, entrepreneurship and participation in the wider economy.

    He assured youths in the state that his administration would continue to support programmes aimed at expanding access to skills, enterprise opportunities and productive employment.

    “We are building a State in which talent is recognised, skills are rewarded, and young people are equipped to become employers, professionals and contributors to sustainable development,” Otu said.

    The governor commended the organisers and technical partners for supporting the initiative and urged the beneficiaries to apply the knowledge acquired to create economic value.

    He also charged them to “skill up, stand out and contribute meaningfully to the Season of Sweetness,” while urging them to serve as ambassadors of the state in their professional pursuits.

  • Nigeria’s Maritime Sector Key to W/African Economic Growth – MOWCA

    Nigeria’s Maritime Sector Key to W/African Economic Growth – MOWCA

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Calabar

    The Secretary-General of the Maritime Organisation of West and Central Africa (MOWCA), Dr Paul Adalikwu, has said Nigeria’s maritime sector holds significant potential for driving economic growth across West and Central Africa.

    Adalikwu stated this in his message to mark the 2026 World Maritime Day, describing the blue economy as a major avenue for job creation, food security, port development and regional integration.

    He urged Nigeria to move beyond policy pronouncements and take practical steps to harness the economic potential of its maritime resources sustainably.

    The MOWCA chief said World Maritime Day offered an opportunity to reflect on the importance of the maritime industry to global trade, economic development and environmental sustainability.

    “Powering maritime excellence requires collaboration among member states, investment in maritime infrastructure, capacity building, and strict adherence to safety and environmental standards,” he said.

    Adalikwu reaffirmed MOWCA’s commitment to promoting policies that would ensure a safe, secure and sustainable maritime domain across its 25 member states.

    He also commended the International Maritime Organization (IMO) for its role in advancing sustainable shipping and called on maritime stakeholders in the region to adopt global best practices.

    World Maritime Day is observed annually on the last Thursday of September to highlight the importance of shipping, maritime safety, security and protection of the marine environment.

    The 2026 celebration is taking place against the backdrop of growing global attention to decarbonisation, innovation and sustainable exploitation of ocean resources.

    The theme of this year’s celebration is “Blue Economy for a Sustainable Future,” with the focus “From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence.”

  • IPAC Tasks C’River Lawmakers on Oil Wells, Economic Interests

    IPAC Tasks C’River Lawmakers on Oil Wells, Economic Interests

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Calabar

    The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Cross River State chapter, has called on the state’s representatives in the National Assembly to protect its interests in the ongoing issues surrounding disputed oil wells.

    State Chairman of IPAC, Engr. Effiom Edet Okon, made the call in a statement issued on Thursday, stressing the economic importance of the oil wells to Cross River.

    Okon urged senators and members of the House of Representatives representing the state to adopt a common position on issues affecting Cross River’s economic interests.

    According to him, actions and legislative engagements concerning the oil wells should be guided by constitutional responsibility, equity and the welfare of the people.

    The IPAC chairman also called for greater accountability and proactive engagement by the state’s federal lawmakers in matters concerning Cross River’s resources.

    He appealed to the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, and other public officials to exercise caution when commenting publicly on issues relating to Cross River’s territorial and economic interests.

    Okon said public statements by senior officials carried significant weight and should not create tension between neighbouring states or communities.

    He said Cross River’s tradition of peaceful coexistence and hospitality should not be interpreted as compromising its interests or claims over its resources.

    The IPAC chairman said the council would continue to support dialogue and peaceful democratic engagement in resolving issues affecting the state.

    The statement comes as federal authorities have reopened the verification of disputed and newly drilled oil and gas wells, with a reconstituted Inter-Agency Technical Committee mandated to examine the locations and coordinates of wells drilled from 2017 to date.