WTC News Blog

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...