WTC News Blog

There Has Never Been A Time Like This In The History Of We Africans When Everything Is Towards Finite Reorientation The Leaders Like Ibrahim Traore And The Others From The North Set A Glorious Part Showing The True Strength Of Africa And What Africans Represent He Questioned The Answers Long Presented By The Colonial Masters Turned The Status quo Dared The Supposed Powers From The Global North Or Rather Western World People Who Should Have Been Slaves To Africans The Icing On The Cake About Ibrahim Traore Is That, "He Is Loved By His Countrymen" And In Africa Seen As Messiah Not Just To His People, But To The African Values The World Today Stood In Awe Of His Resolve As A Frontliner In This Quest For African True Freedom Bearing The Spirit Of Franz Fanon And The Aura Of Mohammad Ghaddafi Demonstrate Who A Solder Is In It Real Sense Not Minding The Noise He And Other Twelve Makes The Thirteen African Warriors That Stood As Baobab Sending A Strong Message To The United State Of...

The wife of the Executive Governor of Cross River State, Bishop. Dr. Eyoanwan Bassey Otu has reiterated her commitment to paying more attention to issues around children in street condition in Calabar. The First Lady made the commitment during a courtesy visit by the Cross River State Ministry of Women Affairs in collaboration with Civil Society Organizations that work with children as part of activities marking 2025  Int'l Day of Street Children observed 12th April, yearly. After a robust  interative session and presentation of copies of Concept Notes on Rehabilitation of Street Children in Calabar, Cross River State Child Rights Law as well as Guidelines and Regulations for Alternative Care for Children in Cross River State to Her Excellency the wife of the Governor of Cross River State,  Bish. Dr. Eyoanwan Bassey Otu promised to double her efforts towards addressing the issue of street children in Calabar as part of her Humanitarian Interventions. Speaking earlier, the...

The Chairman, Cross River State Traditional Rulers Council, His Royal Majesty, Ovai Elder Solomon Osim Edward has  pledged his maximum support towards the implementation of the Cross River State Child Rights Law. The Monarch made the commitment during an Advocacy Visit by members of the State Child Rights Law Implementation Committee led by the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. Edema Irom to his office in Calabar. Ovai Elder Solomon Edward reiterated his passion and commitment towards the welfare of children as well as their Rights, hence, he would not hesitate to give his full support towards the implementation of the Cross River State Child Rights Law. The Chairman, Traditional Rulers Council also informed the committee that the Council will meet in April,2025. He offered to give members of the committee an opportunity to address the Traditional Rulers on the provisions of the Child Rights Law. Speaking earlier, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. Edema Irom who led the t...

Cross River State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. Edema Irom has charged members of the State Child Rights Law Implementation Committee to be committed to ensuring effective implementation of the Cross River State Child Rights Law. Hon. Irom gave the charge at a two - Day Capacity Building Workshop recently organised by the Ministry of Women Affairs in conjunction with Save the Children Int'l for members of the State Child Rights Law Implementation Committee at Ogoja in Cross River State. The Commissioner stated that the capacity building workshop was to acquaint members of the committee with adequate knowledge Child Rights, Child Labour and Protection as well as remediation programmes in Cross River State for effective implementation of the Law. Participants at the workshop were drawn from line Ministries that handle issues related to children such as; Ministry of Women Affairs, Social welfare and Community Development, Education, Health, Information, Justice, Agriculture, St...

 Williams Okoi Arikpo Today is International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation and the Theme for this year is  "Stepping up the Pace: Strengthening Alliances and Building Movements to End FGM" Female genital mutilation (FGM) comprises all procedures that involve altering or injuring the female genitalia for non-medical reasons and is recognized internationally as a violation of the human rights, the health and the integrity of girls and women. Girls who undergo female genital mutilation face short-term complications such as severe pain, shock, excessive bleeding, infections, and difficulty in passing urine, as well as long-term consequences for their sexual and reproductive health and mental health. Although primarily concentrated in 30 countries in Africa and the Middle East, female genital mutilation is a universal issue and is also practiced in some countries in Asia and Latin America. Female genital mutilation continues to persist amongst immigrant popul...

Earlier on Friday 1st November, 2024, the attention of the Child Protection Network Nigeria was drawn to the viral video of a significant number of severely malnourished children, who were arraigned at the Federal High Court Abuja on allegations of Treasonable Felony and other charges. These children were said to be have been arrested in August 2024 for participating in the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protest, which took place some months ago. In a swift response, The National Coordinator of Child Protection Network Nigeria in collaboration with state coordinator of the FCT Chapter immediately initiated response actions by first contacting relevant and concerned actors within and outside the Network, and conveyed an emergency case response team to ascertain the true state of the unfortunate incident, the situation of the minors affected and design a well-coordinated approach and response strategy to address the situation. The Network this evening held an emergency stakeholders meeting...

 Today, as we celebrate the girl child – an embodiment of present realities and future hope, we celebrate not only the achievements of women but also the limitless potentials of girls, who are our future leaders, innovators, and change-makers. This year’s theme, “the Girls Vision for the Future” is apt as it gives us the opportunity to envision the future that we all, including our girls, will walk into. When I think of the future, I see a world where every girl is empowered to dream big and pursue those dreams without fear or limitation. Imagine a society where access to education is universal and girls no longer face barriers based on their gender. This is a future where every girl has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive — where her voice is not just heard, but valued. Education is the key that unlocks doors to opportunities. It equips girls with knowledge and skills, enabling them to contribute to their communities and the world. But we must do more than just provide acce...

A delegation from the Child Protection Network (CPN) in Cross River State visited the Obong of Calabar at his palace located. The purpose of this visit was to address pressing child protection concerns within the community and to strengthen collaborative efforts towards safeguarding children’s rights. The team was led by Bajie Ayuk, the CPN Legal Adviser, Other notable members included Mr. Kingsley, who served as the Public Relations Officer (PRO), and Bar.Obaji who is a legal officer within the network, Sectary and 2 others. Their combined expertise provided a robust foundation for discussing legal frameworks and advocacy strategies concerning child protection. Key Discussions Child Protection Concerns During the meeting, the Cross Rier State CPN Coordinator, Kebe Ikpi represented by the CPN Legal Adviser Bajie Ayuk, Esq,  articulated various child protection issues affecting children in Cross River State. These concerns included: Child Abuse: Highlighting instances of physical, e...

WEDNESDAY 10TH JULY,2024 Just recently, the Governor of Cross River State, Senator(Prince) Bassey Edet Otu, made another set of appointments into key positions of the State Government. Obviously the appointment were made to fill exiating vacancies and perhaps to strengthen the machinery of Governance in the state.  While it remains my personal view that it has become very imperative for all strata of government in our nation to deliberately cut the cost of governance,at this point of economic challenges, through minimizing the number of political appointees  and instead according priority to filling up vacancies in the civil/public service of state, I will however differ to the Wisdom and love for the state the Governor is reputed to have by his decision to further expand the size of his government by this latest tranche of appointment he just made. I now look forward to the appointments translating to a HIGHER QUALITY OF GOVERNANCE centered on the primary interest of the peop...

 Introduction Parents of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in Nigeria face numerous challenges that impact their emotional, financial, and social well-being. These challenges are compounded by a lack of adequate resources, societal stigma, and limited governmental support. Understanding these difficulties is crucial for developing effective interventions and support systems. Emotional and Psychological Challenges 1. Stress and Anxiety: Parents often experience high levels of stress and anxiety due to the constant care and supervision required by their children. The unpredictability of the child's needs and behaviors can lead to chronic stress. 2. Depression: The emotional burden of caring for a child with IDD can lead to depression. Feelings of isolation, helplessness, and grief over unmet expectations for their child’s future are common. 3. Stigma and Discrimination: Parents frequently face societal stigma and discrimination. Misconceptions and negati...

The Cross River State Planning Commission in collaboration with Civil Society Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN) have begun massive advocacy and policy documentation for an increased nutrition budget and implementation of 6 months paid maternity leave in the State. During a stakeholders consultative forum  and policy Dialogue held 11th June, 2024, at the conference room of the State Planning Commission, The Vice Chairman/CEO of the State Planning Commission, Mr Bong Duke, in his opening remark, restated Cross River State Government’s commitment to an increased Nutrition budget which had already begun with the increase of nutrition in the budget for 2024 from 30 million to 200 Million of which funds have been released. The policy Dialogue which was put in place to secure commitment from policy makers and ensure adequate and prompt release for Nutrition in the state had in attendance, Government Officials, Representatives from ministries of the State Government, Civil society,...

 The New National Anthem Nigeria, we hail thee, Our own dear native land, Though tribe and tongue may differ, In brotherhood, we stand, Nigerians all, and proud to serve Our sovereign Motherland. Our flag shall be a symbol That truth and justice reign, In peace or battle honour’d, And this we count as gain, To hand on to our children A banner without stain. O God of all creation, Grant this our one request, Help us to build a nation Where no man is oppressed, And so with peace and plenty Nigeria may be blessed.

Today, 23rd day of May, 2024, the Cross River State Command of National Agency For The Prohibition of Trafficking In Persons  (NAPTIP) secured conviction in Charge NO: FHC/CA/86C/2023 between the Federal Republic of Nigeria V. Prince Joseph Mark Ekpo filed on the 20th day of June, 2023. The Defendant is a man of 32 years old who sexually assaulted two minors: 11 years old and 6 years old. The Defendant was charged with 2 Counts Charge bothering on Trafficking in Persons by means of deception and abuse of position of vulnerability contrary to Section 13(2)(b) of the Trafficking in Persons Prohibition Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015 in Counts 1 and Sexual Exploitation contrary to Section 15(b) of the Trafficking in Persons Prohibition Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015 in Counts 2. The Court per Hon Justice Ijeoma L. Ojukwu sitting in Court 1 of the Federal High Court, Calabar found the Defendant guilty on the counts 1 & 2 respectively  On Count 1, the Court s...

Written By Ngozi Cyril Dibia  In a recently concluded training; which took place on the 14th of May 2024, at the Police Officers' Mess, Moore Road, Calabar; the Cross River State Police Command inaugurated a training Programme for Drones/UAV Aerial Surveillance Operations. The training is aimed at enhancing the state's security apparatus by integrating cutting-edge technology into its surveillance efforts. In attendance were: CP G.A Grimah, PSC, FCAI, (Commissioner of Police, Cross River State Command), Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu represented by State Security Adviser to the Executive Governor, Cross River State, the Facilitators of the training, Members of the Command Management Team, Media Representatives and Police personnel drawn across the state. The training program is designed to equip personnel with the necessary skills and knowledge to operate drones effectively for aerial surveillance purposes. By harnessing the capabilities of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), the ...

The Federal Government has approved an increase of between 25% and 35% in salary Increase for Civil Servants on the remaining six Consolidated Salary Structures  The Salary Structure is the Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure (CONPSS), Consolidated Research and Allied Institutions Salary Structure (CONRAISS), Consolidated Police Salary Structure (CONPOSS), Consolidated Para-military Salary Structure (CONPASS), Consolidated Intelligence Community Salary Structure (CONICCS) and Consolidated Armed Forces Salary Structure (CONAFSS). It will be recalled that those in the Tertiary Education and Health Sectors had already received their increases which involved Consolidated University Academic Salary Structure (CONUASS) and Consolidated Tertiary Institutions Salary Structure (CONTISS) for Universities. For Polytechnics and Colleges of Education, it involved the  Consolidated Polytechnics and Colleges of Education Academic Staff Salary Structure (CONPCASS) and Consolidated Te...

Written by Comrade Ukeme Ekong   The Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) of Cross River State was signed into law in 2015 by Prof Ben Ayada the then governor. The law represents a significant stride towards reforming criminal justice in the state. Enacted to ensure that the system of administration of criminal justice is efficient, just, and effective, this law integrates national policies and innovations tailored to meet the local realities of Cross River State. Here’s what citizens should know about the ACJL:   1. Purpose and Objectives The ACJL of Cross River State is designed to ensure that the administration of criminal justice promotes efficient management of criminal justice institutions, speedy dispensation of justice, and protection of the society from crime. It aims to protect the rights and interests of the suspect, the victim, and society. This involves a series of legal frameworks to ensure fair and humane treatment of detainees, as well as respect for t...

Written By Ngozi Cyril Dibia The Nigerian Police Force; Calabar, Cross Rivers State recently held a 2-Day Capacity Training Programme for Investigators in Cross River State Command. The program which was held on Monday, 14th of March 2024, took place at the Police Officer's Mess, Moore Road, Calabar. The program had in attendance: CP Gyogon A. Grimah, Commissioner of Police, Cross River State Command, DCP Bangs Kopshella, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Investigation( SCID),  DCP Uche Obiozor, Deputy Commissioner of Police(Admin), ACP Imeh Bassey Usanga, Assistant Commissioner of Police (Admin), ACP Kabiru Ibrahim, Assistant Commissioner of Police(Operations), ACP Judith Osim, Area Commander, Calabar Metro, ACP Clara Ifeanyi, Assistant Commissioner of Police(SCID) Also in attendance were all the top Police Investigators, Area Crime   Officers(ACOs), Divisional Crime Officers( DCOs) and  Tactical Team Investigators of Cross River State Police Command. The Training started a...