The Director, Cross River State Homeland Security and Safety Agency (North), Mr Raphael Odu, has commended the Governor of Cross River State, Senator Prince Bassey Otu, for what he described as a “timely and impactful” empowerment initiative aimed at strengthening grassroots security across the state.
Speaking ahead of the Easter 2026 Empowerment Programme to be held in Ogoja on Saturday (today), Mr Odu said the intervention, which includes the distribution of motorcycles, bags of rice, and cash support, is part of a broader plan by the Governor to reach no fewer than 1,000 Homeland Security volunteers across the state.
He noted that the initiative reflects the Governor’s unwavering commitment to the People First agenda, particularly in prioritising the welfare of those who play critical roles in safeguarding communities.
“I must sincerely commend His Excellency, Governor Bassey Otu, for this visionary initiative. This empowerment is not just symbolic, it is practical, far-reaching, and people-centred. It clearly demonstrates a leadership that understands that security begins with the welfare of those on the frontlines,” Odu stated.
The Director explained that the motorcycles will enhance mobility and rapid response, especially in rural and hard-to-reach areas, while the food items and cash support will help ease the economic burden on volunteers, enabling them to perform their duties more effectively.
“When you empower and motivate your personnel, you inevitably strengthen the entire security architecture. This effort to reach about 1,000 volunteers will have a significant and lasting impact on safety across our communities,” he added.
Mr Odu further emphasised that the selection of beneficiaries was carried out through a transparent and inclusive process, ensuring fair representation across the Northern Senatorial District, with priority given to dedicated and active volunteers.
He also called on communities to support the efforts of Homeland Security personnel by providing timely information and fostering trust, stressing that security remains a shared responsibility.
“Government has played its part by investing in the people. The communities must also play their role by cooperating with security operatives. Together, we can build a safer and more peaceful Cross River State,” he said.
Reiterating the Agency’s commitment to sustained engagement, Mr Odu assured that the empowerment programme is not a one-off initiative but part of a broader strategy to continuously strengthen operational capacity and personnel welfare.
“This is just the beginning. With the continued support of His Excellency, we are confident that this initiative will be sustained and expanded to reach even more volunteers across the state,” he concluded.