Naija Mirror

How Gov Otu dey bring government closer to people with Ogoja Governor's Lodge

Governor Bassey Otu don do something wey many people dey praise for Cross River State. Im don start to build Governor's Lodge for Ogoja, wey be the main town for Northern Senatorial District. This move show say im really want make government reach everybody for the north part of the state.

For long time, Cross River government dey always for Calabar, the state capital. If you dey north, places like Ogoja, Obudu, Yala, Bekwarra, Obanliku, e far from Calabar. Sometimes e hard make government people come visit or hear wetin dey happen for ground. But Gov Otu say make e change this matter.

December last year (2024), Gov Otu go Ogoja carry out foundation laying for this new lodge. E tell people say na im government want make things better for north and other senatorial district. The lodge no go just be place wey governor go sleep when e come north. E go get office, hall for meeting, place for cook, and quarters for workers. So whenever governor come north, e go fit do all im government work from Ogoja.

Why Ogoja? Na the centre of all the local governments for north. From Ogoja, e easy reach Yala, Bekwarra, Obudu, Obanliku and others. So na im be the rallying point for the whole northern district. The governor choose well well.

Few days back, the Deputy Governor, Peter Odey, just show face for the site without information. Im come see how work dey go. Im happy with wetin e see. The workers dey do fast and the work dey strong. The Deputy Governor talk say this project go make government dey close to north people and e go show say Gov Otu really care about everybody for Cross River.

This kind move na wetin Gov Otu call "People First" government. Na im style of work. Instead make everything dey Calabar, im dey spread things go other areas.

For north people, this lodge no be just building. E mean say dem no forget dem. E mean say government see dem and want make dem part of things wey dey happen by bringing government close to them. If governor dey near you, e go hear your wahala quick quick. E no go wait long before e know wetin dey worry you.

Gov Otu dey show say im want change how government dey work for Cross River. No be again make people think say government dey far far away. Im want make government close to everybody, for grassroots level.

If this project finish well, the Ogoja Governor's Lodge go stand as example of how government suppose be - close to the people, dey hear dem, and dey answer dem quickly.

©crossriverblog || Owai Obo

Cross River State to Commence 2026 Measles–Rubella and HPV Vaccination Campaign February 4

The Cross River State Government has announced the commencement of the 2026 Measles–Rubella (MR) Vaccination Campaign, alongside the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination, across the state.

The announcement was made by the Cross River State Primary Health Care Development Agency (CRSPHCDA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and development partners. The vaccination exercise is scheduled to take place from Wednesday, February 4, to Sunday, February 15, 2026, across all 18 Local Government Areas of the state.

Speaking on the campaign, the Director-General of CRSPHCDA, Dr. (Mrs.) Vivien Mesembe Otu, disclosed that the Measles–Rubella vaccine will be administered to children aged 9 months to 14 years, while the HPV vaccine will be given to adolescent girls aged 9 years to protect them against cervical cancer. She added that routine immunization services for children aged 0–23 months will also be provided during and after the campaign.

Dr. Otu explained that measles and rubella remain major public health concerns, capable of causing severe fever, congenital malformations, blindness, miscarriage in pregnant women, and even death if not prevented. She emphasized that vaccination remains the most effective means of protecting children from birth against these diseases.

The campaign, she noted, forms part of a nationwide vaccination exercise by the Federal Government of Nigeria, aimed at strengthening immunity among children and reducing the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases across the country.

According to the Director-General, vaccinations will be administered at health facilities, schools, churches, mosques, markets, recreational centres, palaces, motor parks, shopping malls, and other public locations where eligible children can easily be reached.

The agency assured residents that trained health workers will be deployed to all designated vaccination posts to ensure a smooth, respectful, and child-friendly process. Parents and caregivers have been urged to seize the opportunity and ensure that no eligible child is left unvaccinated.

“All vaccines to be administered during the campaign are free, safe, effective, and fully funded by the government,” the agency stated.

Concluding, she advised members of the public seeking further information to contact 0806 515 3097 or 0703 669 6010.

Senate President Commends Chief of Defence Intelligence at 2025 Annual Conference

The President of the Senate, His Excellency Senator (Dr.) Godswill Akpabio, GCON, has commended the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major General Emmanuel Undiandeye, for his visionary leadership and commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture. The commendation was delivered on his behalf by Senator Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan, PhD, GCON, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Defence, at the Chief of Defence Intelligence Annual Conference 2025 held in Abuja.

Representing the Senate President at the event, Senator Lawan described this year’s conference theme: “The Role of Multi-Source Intelligence Innovation in National Security”-as both relevant and timely, given the rapidly evolving security landscape marked by terrorism, cyber threats, and transnational criminal activities.

Declaring the conference open, Senator Lawan stressed the urgent need for a multi-dimensional and technology-driven approach to intelligence gathering in Nigeria. He noted that integrating various intelligence streams, ranging from human and signals intelligence to geospatial and cyber intelligence-would significantly enhance the nation’s capacity to anticipate, prevent, and respond to security threats.

He further expressed satisfaction with the collaboration between Nigeria’s Defence Attachés abroad and State Office Coordinators within the country, describing it as a vital “whole-of-government” strategy essential for countering complex threats.

The Senate President, through Senator Lawan, lauded Major General Undiandeye for convening the conference and for his foresight in steering the Defence Intelligence Agency toward innovation and inter-agency synergy. He also appreciated the dedication of Defence Advisers, Attachés, and State Office Coordinators whose efforts, he said, continue to advance the nation’s security objectives.

Senator Lawan expressed confidence that the outcomes of the conference will contribute significantly to strengthening Nigeria’s national security framework.

He concluded by wishing all participants productive deliberations and reaffirmed the Senate’s commitment to supporting initiatives that enhance national defence and intelligence operations.

Ending Terrorism in Nigeria: The Religious Perspective

Terrorism in Nigeria has evolved into a multidimensional threat that affects the nation’s security, social harmony, and economic stability. From Boko Haram in the Northeast to banditry in the Northwest and other forms of violent extremism in different regions, the challenge demands solutions that go beyond military interventions. One of the most powerful yet often overlooked approaches is the religious perspective, which addresses the moral, spiritual, and ideological roots of terrorism.

Nigeria is a deeply religious nation, with Christianity, Islam, and traditional belief systems shaping the values and behavior of millions. These faith traditions share a common foundation- peace, the sanctity of human life, justice, compassion, and communal harmony. This shared ground gives religious institutions a unique moral authority to counter extremist ideologies that distort faith for violent purposes.

Religious leaders, therefore, occupy a central role in the fight against terrorism. Through sermons, teachings, and community engagements, they can challenge the narratives used by extremists to radicalize vulnerable individuals, especially young people. When imams, pastors, and traditional spiritual leaders consistently preach messages of tolerance, forgiveness, and coexistence, they help build ideological resistance against recruitment by terrorist organizations.

Furthermore, interfaith collaboration is essential. Terrorism often exploits religious differences to fuel division and hatred. Strong alliances between Christian, Muslim, and traditional leaders send a powerful message of unity, proving that Nigeria’s diversity is a strength, not a weakness. Joint prayers, peace walks, community dialogues, and coordinated humanitarian actions can help heal mistrust and reinforce a national identity that transcends religious lines.

Faith-based organizations also play a critical role in post-conflict healing. They provide psychosocial support, mediate local disputes, assist displaced persons, and help communities rebuild trust after attacks. Their presence in grassroots communities places them in a strategic position to prevent retaliatory violence and promote reconciliation.

Ending terrorism in Nigeria requires a blend of security operations, good governance, economic empowerment, and moral reorientation. The religious perspective offers this moral foundation. When religious leaders speak with one voice against violence, when followers refuse to be manipulated by extremist propaganda, and when communities uphold values of compassion and unity, terrorism loses its power to influence.

Ultimately, peace in Nigeria will be sustained not only by force of arms but by the force of shared faith, mutual respect, and a collective commitment to the sanctity of life, principles that lie at the heart of all true religion.

© owaiobo

BREAKING

DSS Arrest Noto*rious Ba*ndit In Bauchi Village, Recover Cash And Amm*unition Zagazola Reports.

THE EX*****ON OF THE 1976 COUP PLOTTERS IN NIGERIA.

On Friday, February 13, 1976, Nigeria was shaken by a tragic and violent coup d’état led by Lieutenant Colonel Bukar S**a Dimka. The most devastating outcome of this failed coup was the assassination of the nation’s then Head of State, General Murtala Ramat Muhammed. He was gunned down in Ikoyi, Lagos, as he traveled unescorted to his office at the Dodan Barracks. His death sent shockwaves across the country and marked a dark chapter in Nigeria’s post-independence political history.

General Murtala Muhammed had only been in office for approximately 200 days, yet he was deeply admired for his bold reforms, anti-corruption stance, and efforts to return Nigeria to civilian rule. His untimely death sparked outrage, mourning, and swift retribution by the military establishment.

The coup, though partially successful in its initial hours, quickly collapsed. Loyalist forces, particularly those under the command of then Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters, Lieutenant General Olusegun Obasanjo, and General Theophilus Danjuma, regained control of strategic institutions. Dimka had temporarily seized the state radio to broadcast his justification for the coup, accusing the Muhammed regime of corruption and maladministration. However, his broadcast was cut short, and he fled Lagos.

Olusegun Obasanjo, after initial hesitation, accepted the call to leadership and succeeded Muhammed as Head of State. His new regime was determined to punish the conspirators severely and deter future insurrections. What followed was one of the most publicized military trials and mass ex*****ons in Nigerian history.

The Court-Martial and Executions

Over 100 military personnel and civilians were arrested in connection to the failed coup. Following military investigations and tribunals, dozens were convicted of plotting, aiding, or executing the coup attempt. The convicted officers were sentenced to death by firing squad, and the ex*****ons were carried out in two major rounds.

The first set of ex*****ons took place on March 11, 1976, at Bar Beach, Lagos, a location known at the time for public ex*****ons. Under the supervision of General Obasanjo’s military government, 31 individuals were executed, including senior officers, junior ranks, and one civilian. These included:

1. Major General I. D. Bisalla (former Commissioner for Defence)

2. Warrant Officer II Monday Monchon

3. Staff Sergeant Richard Dungdang

4. Sergeant Sale Pankshin

5. Lieutenant Colonel A. R. Aliyu

6. Captain M. Parvwong

7. Captain J. F. Idi

8. Captain S. Wakins

9. Lieutenant Mohammed

10. Lieutenant E. L. K. Shelleng

11. Lieutenant Colonel Ayuba Tense

12. Colonel A. D. S. Way

13. Lieutenant Colonel T. K. Adamu

14. Lieutenant Colonel A. B. Umaru

15. Captain A. A. Aliyu

16. Captain Augustine Dawurang

17. Major M. M. Mshelia

18. Lieutenant William Seri

19. Major I. B. Ribo

20. Major K. K. Gagra

21. Captain M. R. Gelip

22. Mr. Abdulkarim Zakari (a civilian who assisted in the radio broadcast)

23. Lieutenant Peter Ggani

24. Major Ola Ogunmekan

25. Lieutenant O. Zagmi

26. Lieutenant S. Wayah

27. Sergeant Ahmadu Rege

28. Sergeant Bala Javan

29. Warrant Officer II Sambo Dankshin

30. Warrant Officer II Emmanuel Dakup Seri

31. Major J. W. Kasai

A second round of ex*****ons took place between May 15 and 17, 1976, following the capture and trial of the coup leader and his key accomplices. This final round included:

32. Lieutenant Colonel Bukar S**a Dimka (leader of the coup)

33. Joseph D. Gomwalk (former Military Governor of Benue-Plateau State)

34. Lieutenant S. Kwale

35. Warrant Officer H. E. Bawa

36. Colonel I. Buka

37. Major J. K. Afolabi

38. H. Shaiyen

Dimka was captured after a nationwide manhunt and interrogation. During his trial, he remained defiant and refused to express remorse. His ex*****on, along with the others, was carried out in secrecy, though public knowledge of it spread quickly.

These ex*****ons were meant to send a clear signal that treason and political instability would not be tolerated. While controversial, especially due to the scale and speed of the trials, the actions taken by the Obasanjo-led government reinforced military discipline and temporarily stabilized Nigeria's political environment.

General Olusegun Obasanjo would go on to continue the reform agenda of the late Murtala Muhammed and, in 1979, became the first military leader in Nigeria to voluntarily hand over power to a democratically elected civilian government. This marked the beginning of Nigeria’s Second Republic.

The 1976 coup attempt remains one of Nigeria’s most defining political crises, remembered not only for the tragic loss of a visionary leader but also for the massive response it provoked from the military and the Nigerian public.

Finally Atiku has become a full member of the ADC party.

BREAKING: Tinubu Orders Withdrawal of Police Officers From Politicians and Wealthy Individuals.

Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has directed that all police officers assigned to provide security for VIPs be withdrawn and returned to their primary policing duties in order to strengthen security across the country.

President Tinubu said that influential individuals who require personal security should seek protection from the Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and not from the police.

The commissioning of newly acquired Toyota buses into the AKTC fleet of vehicles.

To God be the glory.

BREAKING: Complete Forty-Seven (47) names of Federal Unity Colleges Close by Federal Government:

1. FGGC MINJIBIR
2. FTC GANDUJE
3. FGGC ZARIA
4. FTC KAFANCHAN
5. FGGC BAKORI
6. FTC DAYI
7. FGC DAURA
8. FGGC TAMBUWAL
9. FSC SOKOTO
10. FTC WURNO
11. FGC GUSAU
12. FGC ANKA
13. FGGC GWANDU
14. FGC BIRNIN YAURI
15. FTC ZURU
16. FGGC KAZAURE
17. FGC KIYAWA
18. FTC HADEJIA
19. FGGC BIDA
20. FGC NEW-BUSSA
21. FTC KUTA-SHIRORO
22. FGA SULEJA
23. FGC ILORIN
24. FGGC OMUARAN
25. FTC GWANARA
26. FGC UGWOLAWO
27. FGGC KABBA
28. FTC OGUGU
29. FGGC BWARI
30. FGC RUBOCHI
31. FGGC ABAJI
32. FGGC KAZAURE
33. FGC KIYAWA
34. FTC HADEJIA
35. FGGC POTISKUM
36. FGC BUNI YADI
37. FTC GASHUA
38. FTC MICHIKA
39. FGC GANYE
40. FGC AZARE
41. FTC MISAU
42. FGGC BAJOGA
43. FGC BILLIRI
44. FTC ZAMBUK
45. FTC IKARE AKOKO
46. FTC IJEBU-IMUSIN
47. FTC USHI EKITI

Gov Otu Bags Best Governor in Agriculture, Food Security

Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has been honored with the Best Governor in Agriculture and Food Security at the 2025 Africa Food Heroes Awards.

The event which held thursday at the Shehu Musa Yar'adua Center in Abuja was in recognition of Senator Otu’s administration's significant contributions to agricultural development and food security in Nigeria.

The award ceremony, organized by the Center for Agropreneurship and Green Economy, celebrated outstanding achievements in the agricultural sector across the continent.

Governor Otu's transformative efforts in improving agricultural practices and enhancing food security were key factors in his selection for this accolade.

Represented by Commissioner for Agriculture Hon. Johnson Ebokpo, the governor expressed gratitude to the organizers and Nigerians who supported Governor Otu in the voting process.

"This award testifies to the hard work and dedication of our team in the Ministry of Agriculture, the agricultural cluster, and the entire government of Cross River State," Governor Out stated.

He dedicated the award to the people of Cross River State, emphasizing the importance of their support in achieving this recognition, averring that the award would inspire his administration to further innovate within the agricultural sector and enhance its value chain.

"We are proud to have made significant progress in ensuring food security in our state and contributing to the nation's agricultural development," he said.

Governor Otu reaffirmed his commitment to improving the lives of citizens through agriculture, stating that his administration would continue to create an enabling environment for farmers, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders in the agricultural sector.

Also honoured was the Executive Chairman of Ogoja Local Government Area, Hon. Chief Christopher Agbe in recognition of his exceptional strides in driving productivity in agriculture in rural areas.

Hon. Agbe emerged the Agro-Achiever of the year in the "B" category of the awards which involved council Chairmen in Nigeria pushing the frontiers of food security in the Agriculture sector.

The Africa Food Heroes Awards is a renowned event that gathers key stakeholders in the agricultural sector to honor individuals and organizations making impactful contributions to food security and agricultural advancement in Africa.

This year's edition witnessed the participation of various dignitaries, including governors and ministers, all united in celebrating the progress and innovations within the agricultural field.