Inside Cross River State: The People,  Culture, & Government

Welcome to Cross River! This guide I’ll take you on a learning journey, unveiling the historical path of the state, including its date of creation, the number of local government areas (LGA’s), population size, languages spoken, and the current governor, among other details. Even if you’ve never been to Cross River before, by the end of this article, you’ll feel as if you’ve experienced the land right from your mobile device. The amazing thing is that the internet has brought the world closer to us. If you’re interested in current news or happenings in Cross River, you can simply tap your device and get the latest updates. Now, let’s get started!

When was Cross River created?

Tracing the footprints of history, Cross River was originally a part of the South-Eastern State, created on May 27, 1967. It was later renamed to Cross River in 1976 under General Yakubu Gowon’s administration. That day marked a significant celebration for the people of Cross River, as they embraced their new state identity.

However, the state’s capital remains Calabar, a popular and beautiful city in the heart of Nigeria. No wonder the state is nicknamed “The People’s Paradise.” Oh, what a place to behold, if you haven’t visited yet! Nevertheless, Cross River was created in 1967, with the name change happening in 1976.

Cross River State
Capital: Calabar
Cross river nigeria map
Nickname: The People’s Paradise

Date of Creation:27 May 1967
LocationSouth South
Executive Governor:Bassey Otu
Deputy Governor:Peter Odey
Population:2.9 million as at 2006 Census
Language:Efik, Ejagham, Tiv, Igbo, Bekwarra
LGA:18
Postal Code540001

What Location?

Cross River State is located in the South-South geopolitical zone of Nigeria. It shares national borders with:

Cross River is approximately between latitudes 4.5° N and 5.5° N and longitudes 7.5° E and 9.5° E. Additionally, it is located north of the equator.

Geographical Features

The Cross River, from which the state derives its name, is one of the most notable geographical features that visitors can easily recognize upon entering the state. This river divides the state and serves as its western border. The Calabar and Kwa Rivers are other important rivers; they flow through the Oban Hills and into Calabar City before entering the Cross River Estuary.

Cross River lies between the savanna mosaic Guinea forest and the Sanaga coastal forest. To the extreme south is the Central African mangrove, while the northeast features the Cameroonian montane forest. The state also boasts wildlife reserves such as the Cross River National Park and Afi Wildlife Sanctuary. In these reserves, you’ll find various animals, including African buffalo, red colobus monkeys, West African crocodiles, bat hawks, and tree pangolins. Notably, some of the last remaining species of Nigeria/Cameroon chimpanzees, Cross River gorillas, and African forest elephants can also be found here.

Climate of the Area

The climatic conditions in Cross River are similar to those of many other Nigerian states, as it experiences a tropical climate. The average temperature ranges from 15°C to 30°C, but temperatures can fluctuate throughout the state. Particularly in the Obudu Plateau, due to its high elevation above sea level, temperatures fluctuate between 4°C and 10°C. The rainy season starts in March and ends in November, transitioning into the dry season, which lasts until March of the following year. The state experiences an average annual rainfall of between 2,000 mm and 3,000 mm, with daily average temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C.

What’s the Population?

According to the National Population Commission, the population of Cross River State in 2006 was estimated at 2.9 million, ranking it 27th among the 36 states in Nigeria in terms of population size. By 2022, the estimated population had increased to approximately 3.7 million, placing Cross River 26th among the states. Comparing the two figures shows that the state’s population has grown, though not by a significant margin. The next census will provide a clearer insight into whether the state is under populated or overpopulated.

Languages Spoken

Cross River State is home to a diverse range of native languages, featuring up to 50 different dialects. Some areas speak Tiv, which has the majority of its speakers in the northern region, while the Igbo dialect is spoken by people from the eastern parts. British English remains the official language of communication in both private and governmental organizations. However, Efik is the most common local dialect, and Ejagham is also prevalent in the central and northern areas of the state. Additionally, people in the LGA widely speak Bekwarra. A list of other languages spoken in the LGAs is provided below.

How Many LGA’s?

Cross River State is currently divided into 18 local government areas (LGAs). See the list and the corresponding dialects spoken in each area.

S/NLocal Government Area
1Abi
2Akamkpa
3Akpabuyo
4Bekwarra
5Bakassi
6Biase
7Boki
8Calabar Municipal
9Calabar South
10Etung
11Ikom
12Obanliku
13Obubra
14Obudu
15Odukpani
16Ogoja
17Yakurr
18Yala

Culture in Cross River State                              

The different ethnic groups present in Cross River State make the cultural heritage of the land rich and diverse. One notable aspect of these people is their love for festivals. Particularly in the month of December, the state features two distinct festivals: the Float Festival, which takes place every 27th of December, followed by the State Christmas Festival, celebrated on 31st of December annually.

Additionally, the Yakurr people celebrate their Yam Festival on 28th August each year, and the Igede New Yam Festival is celebrated across three different towns: Bekwarra, Obanliku, and Obudu. This festival is held on the first Saturday of September annually. The cultural diversity also extends to the Annong people, whose festivities include cultural dances, with Ikpobin being one of the top dances, alongside others like Obam, Etam, and more.

These festival highlights show that Cross River is a place of rich cultural values.

Who Was The First Governor Of Cross River?

Udokaha Jacob Esuene., the first governor of cross river state

The state has experienced many rulers since its creation in 1967, but the very first person to govern Cross River was Udokaha Jacob Esuene. He served as a military administrator, a title typically used for governors under the military regime. Jacob’s administration began in 1967 and lasted until 1975 when the state was known as Southeastern State. Udokaha Esuene was born in 1936 to an Ibibio father. He rose to the position through an appointment by General Yakubu Gowon. Before becoming governor, he was a fighter pilot. His political career suffered a setback in 1975 when General Murtala Mohammed dismissed him from office, but he later regained his position under Ibrahim Babangida, the then military president of Nigeria.

Who is the Current Governor of Cross River State?

Bassey Edet Otu, governor of cross river state

Bassey Edet Otu is the current governor of Cross River State. Otu won the 2023 gubernatorial election and assumed office on May 29, 2023. He will serve a four-year term and may have another opportunity to remain in office if re-elected in 2027.

Bassey Otu began his political career as a senator in the Federal Republic of Nigeria from June 6, 2011, to June 6, 2015. During this time, he represented the Cross River South Senatorial District. While in the Senate, he chaired the Senate Committee on Banking and the Financial Industry, as well as the Committee on Power, Petroleum, and Water Resources, among others. Due to his political strength, President Muhammadu Buhari appointed Otu to his cabinet to serve under the National Health Insurance Scheme.

In addition to his political offices, Bassey Edet Otu was a former member of the House of Representatives, representing the Calabar Municipality/Odukpani Federal Constituency from 2003 to 2011.

The governor was born on October 18, 1959, and hails from Odukpani Local Government Area. He spent his childhood in both Calabar and Jos. He holds a B.Sc. degree from the University of Calabar. Before joining Nigerian politics, his early career was in the banking and oil sectors.

Who Is the Current Deputy Governor of Cross River State?

Peter Odey, deputer governor of crossiver state during Bassey Otu being the execuitive governor

The current deputy governor of Cross River State is Peter Odey. He was born on June 2, 1974, in Cross River State and grew up there. He completed his primary and secondary education in Ogoja and obtained his first degree in the state. Odey holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of Calabar (UNICAL) and later pursued further studies abroad. In 2002, he traveled to Belgium to study Political Sociology at the Catholic University of Leuven. He also obtained an MSc in International Relations during his time abroad.

Odey’s political career has been diverse, with several leadership positions held during his time at UNICAL, including roles in the Students’ Union Government (SUG). He continued to display leadership skills during his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) year, where he served as the CLO (Corps Liaison Officer) for his batch.

Odey’s political journey has not been without challenges, as he faced setbacks in several attempts to run for the Ogoja Local Government Area and the Cross River State House of Assembly. However, his breakthrough came in 2015, when he was elected to represent Ogoja at the Cross River State House of Assembly, a position he was re-elected to in 2019. His political fortunes reached new heights when he was selected as Bassey Otu’s running mate in the 2023 governorship election, which they won, making him the deputy governor of the state.

Who are the Past Governors of Cross River State?

Like every other state in Nigeria, Cross River has had both past and present governors who have been in charge of the state’s administration. In addition to civilian government, the state has also experienced military rule. Below is a list of the governors, including their names, titles, years in office, and party affiliation.

Name and TitleStart OfficeEnd OfficeParty
Uduokaha Esuene
(Governor)
28 May 1967Jul 1975Military
Paul Omu
(Governor)
3 Feb 1976Jul 1978Military
Babatunde Elegbede  
(Governor)
Jul 1978Oct 1979Military
Clement Isong
(Governor)
Oct 1979Oct 1983NPN
Donald Etiebet
(Governor)
Oct 1983Dec 1983NPN
Dan Archibong
(Governor)
May 19841986Military
Eben I. Princewill
(Governor)
1986Dec 1989Military
Ernest Attah
(Governor)
Dec 1989Jan 1992Military
Clement Ebri
(Governor)
Jan 1992Nov 1993NRC
Ibrahim Kefas
(Administrator)
9 Dec 199314 Sep 1994Military
Gregory Agboneni
(Administrator)
14 Sep 199422 Aug 1996Military
Umar F. Ahmed
(Administrator)
22 Aug 1996Aug 1998Military
Christopher Osondu
(Administrator)
Aug 1998May 1999Military
Donald Duke
(Governor)
29 May 199929 May 2007PDP
Liyel Imoke
(Governor)
29 May 200729 May 2015PDP
Benedict Ayade
(Governor)
29 May 201529 May 2023APC
Bassey Otu
(Governor)
29 May 2023PresentAPC

Higher Institutions in Cross River State

With the number of higher institutions, Cross River is an educational hub. Aspiring students can choose from the list of options below:

NameTypeRemark
University of CalabarFederalEstablished in 1975, offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in various fields including arts, social sciences, sciences, and education.
University of Cross River State (UNICROSS)StateState-owned, located in Okuku, offers degree programs in management, sciences, arts, and education.
College of Health TechnologyStateLocated in Calabar, offers health-related programs and awards diplomas and certificates in nursing, medical laboratory science, and public health.
Ibrahim Babangida College of AgricultureStateLocated in Obubra, offers programs in animal husbandry, crop production, and agricultural technology.
Cross River State College of EducationStateState-owned, located in Akamkpa, offers education programs and awards NCE certificates for aspiring teachers.
Federal College of Education, ObuduFederalOffers NCE programs and vocational training in education and other disciplines.
Polytechnic UgepStateLocated in Yakurr, offers HND and ND programs in technology, business, and engineering fields.
Arthur Jarvis University, AkpabuyoPrivateOffers undergraduate programs in arts, sciences, law, and management.

 

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