News
C’River’s community revives barter market
Image: Barter trade
Akpabuyo Local Government Area in Cross River State has reopened its centuries-old barter market, a unique trade hub in West Africa, as part of activities marking the council’s 34th anniversary.
The celebration, held at the council headquarters, brought together residents, traditional leaders, and political figures who hailed the return of peace to the area.
They described it as the foundation for Akpabuyo’s renewed economic prospects.
Former Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) Deputy Governorship candidate, Dr. Emana Duke Ambrose-Amawhe, said the reopening of the barter market was a landmark development, crediting Governor Senator Prince Bassey Otu for restoring stability in the community.
Since His Excellency came into power, he put all measures in place to ensure calm and peace.
Today, people can sleep in their houses with their eyes closed, and that is why you see this turnout from far and near,” she said.
Dr. Ambrose-Amawhe highlighted Akpabuyo’s natural maritime position, bordered by rivers, Bakassi, and the Atlantic Ocean.
He emphasised that the government investment in dredging, deep-sea port projects, and marine preservation will reinforce its role in trade and agriculture.
“With the pace of growth, Akpabuyo will contribute even more to the economic advancement of Cross River State and Nigeria. More jobs will mean more stability for our people,” she added.
Council Chairman, Hon. Effiom Bassey Effiong, said hosting the first official anniversary of Akpabuyo’s creation was a privilege, noting that the event was made possible by improved security.
“The place is calm and safe. We have Marine Police, the Navy, the Army, the Airforce, and our local vigilantes. Investors from China and other countries are already showing interest; some have even acquired land to build a university and industries,” he said.
Hon. Effiong also revealed plans to remodel the barter market into a world-class commercial hub to attract more investors and cross-border traders from Cameroon and beyond.
News
FG Begins Disbursement of Tertiary Staff Loans
In a statement by the Ministry of Education, the Minister Dr Tunji Alausa, said that the programme had transitioned from planning to full implementation, with more than 9,000 staff of tertiary institutions receiving payments in the first year.
•Dr Tunji Alausa
The Federal Government has commenced the disbursement of funds under the Tertiary Institution Staff Support Fund.
The fund is designed to strengthen staff welfare, institutional productivity, and innovation across Nigeria’s tertiary education system.
In a statement by the Ministry of Education, the Minister Dr Tunji Alausa, said that the programme had transitioned from planning to full implementation, with more than 9,000 staff of tertiary institutions receiving payments in the first year.
The ministry reaffirms its commitment to transparent fund management, quarterly financial reporting, and continuous engagement with participating institutions to ensure that every naira disbursed translates into improved welfare, motivation, and institutional performance as well as repayments to ensure more members of our tertiary institutions can benefit from the initiative.
News
MTN, Airtel, Global, 9mobile, record 1,100 weekly infrastructure damages – NCC
Telecom infrastructure sabotage is not just a crime against property; it is a crime against progress. These actions paralyze businesses, hamper government services, and jeopardize lives,
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reported that more than 1,100 telecom infrastructure are damaged across the country weekly.
This was disclosed by the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, during the Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) and Sustainability Conference held in Lagos.
“Telecom infrastructure sabotage is not just a crime against property; it is a crime against progress. These actions paralyze businesses, hamper government services, and jeopardize lives,” he said
A report shows that in 2022 alone, over N13 billion was spent by Mobile Network Operators, InfraCos, and other Service Providers in fixing damages to fibre cuts and other telecommunication infrastructure. In 2023, this amount rose to N14.6 billion.
In the same report, operators in the telecommunications sector faced revenue losses amounting to N12 billion in both 2022 and 2023 due to customer compensation, site relocations and fibre resilience costs.
Now N35billion is now lost not just in repairs but in economic opportunity in recent weeks, according to telecom operators.
Nigeria is reported to have over 79,000 kilometres of fiber optic cables laid across the country.
News
FG Unveils NIMC NINAuth Mobile App to curb corruption
The new platform developed by the National Identity Management Commission will allow citizens to verify their identity and control how their personal data is shared across banks, schools, and government agencies.
The Federal Government has launched a digital identity App to boost transparency and curb corruption.
Speaking at the State House in Abuja during the launch of the NINAuth mobile app, President Tinubu said that his administration is leveraging technology to drive transparency, efficiency and accountability in governance.
President Tinubu emphasised that a credible and inclusive national identity system is vital to Nigeria’s development and fight against corruption.
He directed all Ministries, Departments and Agencies to immediately adopt the new platform for staff and data verification saying it will simplify access to public services, cut red tape, and block loopholes where inefficiency and corruption thrive.
The new platform developed by the National Identity Management Commission will allow citizens to verify their identity and control how their personal data is shared across banks, schools, and government agencies.
The Director – General of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Abisoye Coker-Odusote, said that more than 126 million Nigerians are already enrolled on the national database.
He called the app a breakthrough for data privacy and secure digital identification.
Q3 2025: UBA Delivers N538bn PAT, Robust Balance Sheet
Court Halts PDP National Convention, Citing Electoral Breaches
Why I almost quit music after Mo’Hits ended -Don Jazzy
Tech Expert, Zuckerberg trains with UFC champions, Adesanya, Alexander
Organ Trafficking: Ekweremadu bags 10 years in UK prison
SAINT OBI: Between his marriage and his death
-
News3 days agoFG building highways to last 100 years — Umahi
-
Sports3 days agoNFF Extends Super Falcons coach Madugu’s Contract Until 2027
-
News3 days agoNPF to celebrate 70 years of women in policing
-
Sports18 hours agoTottenham’s goalkeeper Whiteman retires at 27 to pursue career as photographer
-
News1 day agoFG Unveils NIMC NINAuth Mobile App to curb corruption
-
Sports3 days agoCAF Confirms Match Venues for 2026 World Cup playoffs
-
News3 days agoPresident Tinubu Signs updated List of Eligible Beneficiaries of State Pardons
-
Entertainment18 hours agoWhy I almost quit music after Mo’Hits ended -Don Jazzy