WTC News Blog

 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,...