EASTER: Excitement as Homeland Security Empowers Volunteers in Ikom

Akahi News learnt that the Ikom Township Stadium buzzed with energy on Saturday, April 4, 2026, as the Cross River State Homeland Security and Safety Agency (Central), under the leadership of Hon. Felix Arikpo, hosted a momentous empowerment programme for dedicated volunteers.

This event, part of the Easter 2026 celebrations, was in appreciation of the tireless efforts of over 500 volunteers who have been instrumental in maintaining peace and security across the Central Senatorial District of Cross River State. In a region where security is often a headache, these men and women have chosen to be part of the solution.

Governor Otu’s hand behind the initiative

Akahi News gathered that the Director of Homeland Security for the Central Senatorial District, Hon. Felix Arikpo, while commending the vital support of Governor Bassey Edet Otu, who sponsored the initiative, also emphasised the governor’s unwavering commitment to collaborating with the Homeland Security Agency in securing communities across the state.

“Governor Otu is assiduously working with the Homeland Security Agency to ensure the safety of all Cross River residents, with a mandate that encompasses preventing, responding to, and managing emergencies, disasters, and any threats that may jeopardise the tranquillity of the state,” he said.

That is not empty political talk. Behind those words are motorcycles, food items, and cash—things that put tangible value on volunteer sacrifice.

What the volunteers received

During the empowerment programme in Ikom, volunteers were generously provided with motorcycles, food items, and cash, in recognition of their invaluable contributions to community safety. A volunteer who can move faster on a motorcycle is a volunteer who can respond to distress calls quicker. A volunteer with food in his belly is a volunteer who stays on duty longer.

The Cross River State Homeland Security Agency has been proactive in strengthening grassroots policing with initiatives aimed at curbing crime and enhancing security. Such collaborative efforts have played a significant role in positioning Cross River State as one of the safest in Nigeria.

Governor Otu continues to reiterate his administration’s resolve to support security personnel, ensuring they are equipped with the necessary resources to maintain peace and stability. Through initiatives like the empowerment programme, the state continues to foster a culture of peace, safety, community policing, and resilience against crime.

But here is the question every other state should ask: If Cross River can do this, why can’t we?

Volunteers speak: ‘We will double our efforts’

Akahi News had earlier reported that volunteers across Nigeria often work without recognition, let alone empowerment. In Ikom, that story is changing. Volunteers, through their spokesperson, Aratu David from Boki, eulogised the governor for what they described as an ‘inspirational gesture’. They vowed to double their efforts at maintaining peace and security in communities across the district.

Present at the event was the Ikom Area Commander of the Nigeria Police, Role Vincent, and a host of other security personnel including the Ikom Divisional Police Officer, Lagbe Abdulrahman, and the Etung Divisional Police Officer, Eteyen Usen.

Others were Eteng James of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Aminu Ibrahim of the Department of State Security Service, as well as the Special Advisers for Peace and Security for Ikom, Boki, Etung and Obubra Local Government Councils respectively.

The highlight of the event? The presentation of empowerment items to volunteers by the wife of the Director of Homeland Security, Central Senatorial District, Mrs Abigail Arikpo. A mother’s touch, some would say, makes even security work feel like family business.

This Easter, while some communities mourned attacks and others merely survived, Ikom chose to celebrate those who keep the peace. That is not just news. That is a template.

Fact summary box:
– Event: Easter empowerment programme for Homeland Security volunteers
– Location: Ikom Township Stadium, Cross River State
– Date: Saturday, April 4, 2026
– Number of volunteers honoured: Over 500
– Items given: Motorcycles, food items, cash
– Key sponsor: Governor Bassey Edet Otu
– Host: Hon. Felix Arikpo (Director, Homeland Security, Central District)
– Police presence: Ikom Area Commander, DPOs, other security agencies
– Volunteers’ vow: To double efforts in maintaining peace
– Overall significance: Cross River continues to rank among Nigeria’s safest states