News
NBC Calls for Peaceful Coexistence Amid Efforts to Resolve Abia-Cross River Boundary Disputes
Joel Ajayi
The National Boundary Commission (NBC) has called for peaceful coexistence among border communities in Abia and Cross River States amidst escalating tensions.
The Director-General, Surv. Adamu Adaji, made this appeal following violent clashes between the Isu community in Arochukwu Local Government Area of Abia State and the Ukwa Mbiabong Ukwa Eburutu community in Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State, which claimed lives in early January 2025.
In a statement by Efe Ovuakporie, Head of the Information and Public Relations Unit, NBC condemned the killings and extended condolences to the affected communities. It urged all stakeholders to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could undermine ongoing boundary resolution efforts.
The NBC highlighted its proactive measures, including the Joint Meeting of Officials (JMO) on the Abia-Cross River boundary held on December 11, 2024, at the Metropolitan Hotel, Calabar.
The meeting, chaired by Surv. Adamu Adaji, outlined key steps towards resolving the desputes in the affected areas.
The steps included the agreement to share the disputed triangular land between Okon-Aku and Ikun communities, subject to approval by the Deputy Governors.
Other steps include plans to resolve land issues with respect to point Abia/Cross River (AC)15A (Abia, Achara, and Biakpan communities) at a Joint Technical Meeting scheduled for January 20, 2025, in Abuja.
Aside the foregoing, the meeting also considered the submission of documents supporting claims over disputed points AC19 to AC23 (Mbiabong-Ito and Isu areas) by January 20, 2025 and the formation of a Joint Committee for the rehabilitation and return of displaced communities in the Mbiabong-Ito/Isu sector.
The NBC used the opportunity to reiterate its role as a neutral mediator committed to fairness, consensus, and fostering sustainable peace. It emphasized the importance of dialogue over violence, stressing that any acts of aggression would counter efforts to attract development and resolve disputes.
The Commission also urged traditional rulers, community leaders, and security agencies to collaborate in fostering peace and ensuring productive discussions ahead of the January 20th meeting.
During the December 2024 meeting, Deputy Governors Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu (Abia State) and Rt. Hon. Peter Odey affirmed their states’ commitment to an amicable resolution of the disputes.
Both leaders emphasized the need for peace and mutual understanding among the affected communities.
The NBC remains optimistic that its proactive approach, including its emphasis on accurate surveying and equitable solutions, will achieve a lasting resolution to the Abia-Cross River boundary continued disputes.
As preparations for the January 20, 2025, Joint Technical Meeting progress, the NBC has appealed to all stakeholders to prioritize peace and remain patient as the Commission works towards finalizing boundary resolutions. It is confident that these efforts will pave the way for stability and development in the region.
News
Eagle Times Newspaper Will Be Voice for Nigerians – Publisher Chukwunyere Vows
Joel Ajayi
The Publisher of The Eagle Times Nigeria, Sir Ikechukwu Chukwunyere, has pledged that the newspaper will promote accountability, credible journalism and public-interest reporting in its coverage of national affairs.
Chukwunyere made the commitment on Thursday, October 1, 2026, during the official unveiling and launch of The Eagle Times Nigeria.
He said the new media organisation was established not merely to add another newspaper to Nigeria’s media landscape, but to provide a platform committed to serving the public interest.
According to him, the newspaper’s guiding philosophy, “The Voice for the People, The Watchdog for the Nation,” places a responsibility on the organisation to listen to Nigerians, tell their stories, highlight issues affecting their daily lives and scrutinise those entrusted with public responsibilities.
“To be a voice for the people means that we must listen to Nigerians, tell their stories, highlight their concerns and give visibility to issues that affect their daily lives,” he said.
The publisher added that The Eagle Times would be guided by accuracy, fairness, professionalism, credibility and responsible journalism, stressing that the newspaper would not publish stories merely because they were sensational.
“We will verify. We will investigate. We will seek the other side. We will correct our mistakes when we make them,” he said.
Chukwunyere further stated that the newspaper would endeavour to give individuals and organisations the opportunity to respond whenever allegations were made against them.
“Our commitment is not to any political party, government or individual. Our primary commitment is to journalism, to truth and to the Nigerian public,” he said.
He noted that the newspaper was launching at a time when the media industry was undergoing rapid transformation, with audiences increasingly consuming news through digital platforms, including websites, television, podcasts and social media.
He said The Eagle Times would therefore operate as a multimedia organisation, combining its newspaper with digital platforms and The Eagle Times TV to reach audiences across different channels.
According to him, the organisation also intends to create opportunities for young journalists, writers, photographers, producers, digital creators and other media professionals to develop their skills and contribute to journalism and national development.
Chukwunyere said the newspaper’s coverage would include politics, governance, business, economy, security, judiciary, education, health, technology, sports, entertainment, lifestyle and international affairs.
He, however, said the organisation intended to distinguish itself not only by the subjects it covered but by the quality and approach of its journalism.
We want to tell stories that matter, we want to investigate issues that require investigation, we want to highlight Nigerians who are making a difference, and we want to give communities that are often ignored an opportunity to be heard,” he said.
The publisher acknowledged the challenges involved in establishing a newspaper, saying the venture required investment, commitment, professional discipline and the courage to pursue an idea.
He expressed appreciation to the management, editorial, reporting, production and digital teams, as well as families, friends, partners and supporters who contributed to the establishment of the organisation.
Chukwunyere also assured readers, viewers and the newspaper’s digital audience that The Eagle Times would strive to earn their trust and remain accountable to the standards it had set for itself.
He said the newspaper’s success would not be measured only by circulation figures, website traffic or social media followers, but also by the confidence Nigerians placed in its journalism.
“Today, we spread our wings. Today, The Eagle Times takes flight,” he said, reaffirming the newspaper’s commitment to its slogan: “The Voice for the People, The Watchdog for the Nation.”
-
Featured7 years agoLampard Names New Chelsea Manager
-
Featured6 years agoFG To Extends Lockdown In FCT, Lagos Ogun states For 7days
-
Featured7 years agoChildren Custody: Court Adjourns Mike Ezuruonye, Wife’s Case To April 7
-
Featured7 years agoNYSC Dismisses Report Of DG’s Plan To Islamize Benue Orientation Camp
-
Featured5 years agoTransfer Saga: How Mikel Obi Refused to compensate me After I Linked Him Worth $4m Deal In Kuwait SC – Okafor
-
Featured7 years ago
Board urges FG to establish one-stop rehabilitation centres in 6 geopolitical zones
-
Sports4 years ago
TINUBU LAMBAST DELE MOMODU
-
News2 years agoZulu to Super Eagles B team, President Tinubu is happy with you
