WTC News Blog

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 ...