Cross River State is a state in the South-South geopolitical zone of Nigeria. Named for the Cross River, the state was formed from the eastern part of the Eastern Region on 27 May 1967. Its capital is Calabar, it borders to the north through Benue state, to the west through Ebonyi state and Abia state, and to the southwest through Akwa Ibom state, while its eastern border forms part of the national border with Cameroon. Originally known as the South-Eastern State before being renamed in 1976, Cross River state formerly included the area that is now Akwa Ibom state, which became a distinct state in 1987.
Donald Duke is a Nigerian politician. He was the Governor of Cross River State, Nigeria from 29 May 1999 to 29 May 2007 and the 2019 Nigeria Presidential candidate for Social Democratic Party, SDP.
The University of Calabar is a federal university situated in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. It is one of Nigeria's second-generation federal universities. The University of Calabar was a campus of the University of Nigeria until 1975. The present Vice Chancellor is Dr. Florence B. Obi (Professor). The post of the DVC (Academic) is held by Dr. Angela Oyo Ita (Professor), while Dr. Grace Eno Nta (Professor) is the current DVC (Administration).
Calabar Carnival is an annual carnival held in Cross River State, Nigeria. Also known as Africa's Biggest Street Party, the carnival holds every December and was declared by the then governor of Cross River State, Mr. Donald Duke as an activity to mark Christmas celebration yearly. He said his vision for creating the festival was to make Cross-River a home of tourism and hospitality in Nigeria and Africa. The quality of the festival has grown over the years making it Nigeria's biggest carnival and an internationally recognized festival. It used to be a month-long event that began on the 1st of December, until the former governor of the state, Benedict Ayade reduced it to two weeks after he was elected. During the 2017 carnival, Former governor Benedict Ayade said in his speech that the carnival is to showcase Africa as the richest continent and a blessed place where the young ones should be proud to belong. The carnival has always been entertaining and colourful as different competitions take place and huge cash prizes are won. Calabar which is also known by the name Canaan City, is a city in south-eastern Nigeria. Calabar is actually the capital city of Cross River State. Calabar sits adjacent to the Calabar and Great Kwa Rivers and Falls as well as the creeks of the Cross River.
Benedict Bengiuoshuye Ayade ; born 2 March 1968) is a Nigerian politician who served as the governor of Cross River State from 2015 to 2023. He served as Senator for Cross River North from 2011 to 2015.
Iyanya Onoyom Mbuk, known by his stage name Iyanya, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. He rose to fame after winning the first season of Project Fame West Africa, and is best known for his hit single "Kukere". He released his debut studio album My Story in 2009; it was supported by the singles "No Time" and "Love Truly". Iyanya co-founded the record label Made Men Music Group with Ubi Franklin in 2011. His second studio album, titled Desire, was released in February 2013. It was supported by the singles "Kukere", "Ur Waist", "Flavour", "Sexy Mama", and "Jombolo". He won the Artist of the Year award at The Headies 2013. In October 2016, Iyanya announced on Instagram that he signed a record deal with Mavin Records. Few months prior, he signed a management deal with Temple Management Company. He first announced his intentions to leave Made Men Music Group in July 2016. In 2024 Iyanya released his new album, 'Once Upon A Cat' Under the Made Men Music Group Record Label.
Desire is the second studio album by Nigerian singer Iyanya. It was released on 6 February 2013, by Made Men Music Group. The album features guest appearances from M.I, Wizkid, D'banj, Emma Nyra, Tiwa Savage, Flavour N'abania, May D, Vector, Tekno, and Yung L. Its production was handled by Tee-Y Mix, D'Tunes, Mr. Chidoo, GospelOnDeBeatz and Young D. Desire was supported by the singles "Kukere", "Kukere" (Remix), "Flavour", "Jombolo", "Ur Waist", and "Sexy Mama".
"Flavor" is a song recorded by Nigerian singer Iyanya for his second studio album, Desire (2013). It was released as the record's third commercial single on 10 November 2012 through Made Men Music Group, a record label he co-owns with his manager, Franklin Ube. Written by the singer and produced by long-time collaborator D'Tunes, "Flavor" is a highlife and pop-influenced song. It features Iyanya questioning his lover through repetitive lyrics.
Ikechi Uko is a Nigerian travel business consultant, tourism developer, media consultant, journalist, and author. He is the organizer of Akwaaba African Travel Market, the first international travel fair in West Africa. He is also the CEO of Jedidah Promotions ; the project director of Seven Wonders of Nigeria (Naija7Wonders), and the publisher of Africa Travel Quarterly Magazine and atqnews.
The Calabar International Convention Centre is located in Calabar, Cross River, Nigeria. It opened in the third quarter of 2015. It was built by the state former governor Liyel Imoke. Liyel Imoke a Nigerian politician served as the governor of Cross River State Nigeria from 29 May 2007 until 29 May 2015. The governor obtained his B.A degree in International Relations and LLB degree from the University of Maryland (U.S.) and Buckingham (England). He was called to Nigerian Bar in 1988.
Hotels.ng is a Nigerian online hotels booking agency which was launched in 2013. The platform was founded by Mark Essien who hails from Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria and claims to list over 7,138 hotels from 320 cities in Nigeria.
University of Cross River State also known as UNICROSS is a state-owned tertiary institution with four campuses spread across four Local Government Areas of the state. The University was formerly known as the Cross River University of Technology (CRUTECH). It was renamed in February of 2021 by a bill passed at Cross River State House of Assembly which was then approved by the former Governor of the State, Benedict Ayade. The change of the tertiary institution's name was to enable the varsity function as a conventional University, which provides the opportunity to offer more professional courses rather focusing on tech-related courses. The present Vice Chancellor of the institution is Prof Augustine Angba.
Emma Chukwugoziam Obi was born in July 18, 1988. She is professionally known by her stage name as Emma Nyra. She is an American-born Nigerian singer, songwriter, actress, and model. Her associate acts include Iyanya, Selebobo, Davido, Cynthia Morgan, Victoria Kimani, and Patoranking.
John Owan Enoh born 4 June 1966) is a Nigerian politician, teacher, farmer, and philanthropist. He is currently the 36th Minister of Sports Development of Nigeria.
Biola Alabi is a Nigerian businesswoman. She is the CEO of Biola Alabi Media (BAM), a production company that produces TV series and movies for the Nigerian market, such as the food travel series Bukas and Joints, movies; Lara and the Beat and Banana Island Ghost. She previously served as Managing Director for M-Net Africa part of the globally-renowned Naspers Group, where she launched seven Africa Magic channels including the indigenous language channels; Africa Magic Yoruba and Hausa. She also developed the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards which is regarded as the “African Oscars”.
Ivara Ejemot Esu OFR, is a Nigerian politician, academic administrator and professor and is the former Deputy Governor of Cross River State. He hails from Agwagune in Biase Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria. He holds the Nigerian National Honours Award in the rank of Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) conferred on him by President Obasanjo in 2005 and the Cross River State Honours Merit Award conferred on him by Governor Donald Duke in 2004 for carrying out excellent management reforms at the University of Calabar. Esu has held many positions of responsibility such as Vice Chancellor, University of Calabar (2000–2005); Honourable Minister of State for Tourism, Culture and National Orientation ; Member, Technical Committee on Privatization and Commercialization (TCPC), Presidency, Lagos (1990–1992); Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture, Water Resources and Rural Development Cross River State (1992–1993); Chairman Federal Medical Centre Board, Owerri (2009–2011) and chairman, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi (2012–2015) and was an Elder Statesman Delegate at the 2014 National Conference of Nigeria. Esu is a Soil Scientist (Pedologist) who has taught in various tertiary institutions, some of which include; the Kaduna Polytechnic; Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, University of Calabar, University of Uyo and the University of Ghana, Legon, Accra.
Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata Jnr. also known as CFA is a Nigerian journalist and a former television presenter at Channels TV. He is into digital marketing and known as a technology entrepreneur with focus on business coaching and public speaking. He hosted the first virtual telehealth conference of Nigeria’s telemedicine company, CareClick with the theme ‘The Future Of Healthcare Today’ on 24 September 2020. He was involved in various ICT-related companies that contributed to the development of the Founder Institute. He is known as the founder of Pacer Venture and has links with Climate Action Africa. He is the MD/CEO of Anambra State ICT Agency.
The 2019 Cross River State gubernatorial election occurred on March 9, 2019. Incumbent PDP Governor Benedict Ayade won re-election for a second term, defeating APC's John Owan Enoh, and several minor party candidates.
The 2023 Cross River State gubernatorial election took place on 18 March 2023, to elect the Governor of Cross River State, concurrent with elections to the Cross River State House of Assembly as well as twenty-seven other gubernatorial elections and elections to all other state houses of assembly. The election—which was postponed from its original 11 March date—will be held three weeks after the presidential election and National Assembly elections. Incumbent APC Governor Benedict Ayade was term-limited and could not seek re-election to a third term.
Paradise Music Festival and Awards was established in 2012 and is endorsed by the Cross River State Government. The award is designed to celebrate outstanding talents in the entertainment industry across South South Nigeria.It is listed on the events calendar of the annual Calabar Carnival. The award is in two segments; the special merit award category which is given to veteran musicians and the competitive category which is done through online voting.
