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Cross River State Ministry Of Special Duties, Water Board Premises, Calabar (2026)

10/09/2026

COMMISSIONER DODEYE COMMENDS FIRE SERVICE PERSONNEL, ASSURES SUPPORT FOR IMPROVED OPERATIONS

The Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Hon. Dodeye Ikpi Arikpo, has commended personnel of the Cross River State Fire Service, Federal Fire Service, and Airport Fire Service for their dedication to duty and swift response to fire incidents across the state.

The Commissioner gave the commendation on Tuesday during an engagement with personnel of the three services at the Ministry’s headquarters in Calabar.

Arikpo acknowledged the critical role of the Fire Service in protecting lives and property, particularly through timely intervention during fire emergencies.

“I appreciate your commitment, sacrifices and professionalism in the discharge of your duties. Your work directly saves lives and property, and government recognises that,” Arikpo said.

Speaking on behalf of the visiting personnel, Mr. Ufuoma Omene of the Airport Fire Service congratulated the Commissioner on his appointment and expressed optimism about his leadership at the Ministry.

He also commended Governor Bassey Otu for his continued commitment to the welfare and development of Cross Riverians.

Omene, however, highlighted some of the challenges confronting the Fire Service, including the need for regular training of personnel and the repair and maintenance of water tankers, fire trucks and other firefighting equipment.

He explained that the Airport Fire Service faces challenges in responding to emergencies outside the airport, as personnel are required to obtain authorisation from the appropriate higher authority before leaving the airport due to existing operational protocols.

He appealed to the State Government to institute quarterly training programmes to improve the capacity of personnel and ensure regular maintenance of firefighting equipment.

Omene also called for legislation to strengthen and empower the Fire Service to effectively carry out its responsibilities and enforce fire-safety regulations in churches, hotels, offices and homes.

Also speaking, Mr. Williams Nenbarenem of the Federal Fire Service appealed for the prompt provision of firefighting foam in Calabar, diesel to support the smooth operation of firefighting vehicles, and regular monthly maintenance of firefighting equipment.

Responding to the requests, Commissioner Arikpo assured the personnel that necessary action would be taken to convey the firefighting foam to Calabar, noting the importance of adequate resources for effective emergency response.

The Commissioner further directed the three fire services to establish a coordinated response mechanism for major emergencies, stressing the need for greater collaboration among the agencies to minimise response time and prevent avoidable loss of lives and property.

He assured the personnel that attention would be given to their concerns, particularly those relating to training and the maintenance of firefighting equipment, noting that adequate preparation and functional equipment are essential for effective emergency response.

01/09/2026

WELCOME TO A NEW MONTH

May this new month bring renewed strength, fresh opportunities, greater accomplishments, and continued progress in all our endeavours.

19/08/2026

The newly appointed Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Cross River State, Hon. Dodeye Ikpi Arikpo, has charged staff of the Cross River State Liaison Office, Abuja, to remain committed to their responsibilities and uphold the standards required to effectively project the image and interests of the state.

Arikpo gave the charge on Monday during a familiarisation visit to the Liaison Office in Asokoro, Abuja, as part of efforts to acquaint himself with the operations of the office and interact with its personnel.

The Commissioner urged staff to cooperate with him and the leadership of the Liaison Office in advancing the People First agenda of Governor Bassey Edet Otu and contributing to the growth and development of Cross River State.

He stressed that, as representatives of the state in the nation’s capital, personnel of the office must exemplify professionalism, excellence and discipline, warning that poor attitude to work would not be tolerated.

Arikpo also emphasised the importance of appropriate dressing and professional appearance, particularly among drivers and protocol officers, directing them to appear in suits and ties while on official duties. He pledged to provide white shirts for drivers to facilitate compliance with the directive.

The Commissioner encouraged staff to see their respective responsibilities as an integral part of the state’s administrative machinery, stressing that efficiency, discipline and dedication were essential to the effective functioning of the Liaison Office.

In her opening remarks, the Special Adviser, Cross River State Liaison Office, Abuja, Mrs. Sarah Archibong, congratulated Arikpo on his appointment, describing him as a “round peg in a round hole.”

Archibong assured the Commissioner of the staff’s loyalty, cooperation and commitment to supporting his mandate and ensuring the effective discharge of the office’s responsibilities.

Speaking during the interaction, the Head of Accounts, Mrs. Ekora Usani, and the Head of Registry, Mrs. Kuwo Ifere, highlighted some of the concerns affecting personnel of the office.

Usani appealed for greater integration of the Liaison Office into state government programmes and initiatives, noting that personnel sometimes felt excluded from incentives and other benefits available to staff of ministries, departments and agencies in Calabar.

Ifere, on her part, called for improved staff welfare packages to cushion the effects of prevailing economic realities and enhance the morale and productivity of personnel.

06/08/2026

DODEYE TOURS FIRE SERVICE FACILITIES, TASKS STAFF ON ACCOUNTABILITY

The Honourable Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Mr. Dodeye Ikpi Arikpo, has reaffirmed his commitment to effective service delivery during a familiarization visit to the Cross River State Fire Service Headquarters in Calabar.

Addressing the personnel, he commended their diligence and dedication to duty despite the challenges they face, urging them to remain focused and uphold professionalism in line with the administration’s vision.

The Commissioner also emphasized the need for continuous capacity building, observing that technological advancements require regular training to improve efficiency and service delivery.

Dodeye stressed the importance of accountability and timely ex*****on of assigned responsibilities, making it clear that excuses would not be tolerated in the discharge of official duties.

During the visit, the Commissioner inspected fire trucks, water tankers, and other operational vehicles used for emergency response.
He described the Fire Service as a critical agency responsible for emergency response, public safety education, and fire prevention, noting that it serves as the first responder to emergencies across the State.

In response, the Deputy Director of the Cross River State Fire Service, Mrs. Comfort Nsa, welcomed the Commissioner and expressed appreciation for the visit, stating that it would boost staff morale and strengthen the Service’s efforts toward effective emergency response.

She assured the Commissioner of the personnel’s commitment to working effectively to enhance service delivery.

By Gift Otudor.

05/08/2026

C’RIVER SPECIAL DUTIES COMMISSIONER PLEDGES PURPOSEFUL LEADERSHIP, SEEKS STAFF SUPPORT

The newly appointed Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Hon. Dodeye Ikpi Arikpo, has reaffirmed his commitment to quality service delivery during his inaugural meeting with staff following his assumption of office.

Addressing the team, the Commissioner emphasized the importance of innovation and creativity, urging staff members to think beyond conventional boundaries, embrace fresh ideas, uphold the highest standards of professionalism, and continually strive for excellence.

He stressed that the success of the ministry hinges on the collective dedication and commitment of every staff member.

Hon. Arikpo also expressed profound gratitude to the Governor of Cross River State, His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, for the confidence reposed in him through his appointment.

He pledged to justify the trust by providing purposeful leadership and working assiduously to advance the ministry's mandate in alignment with the administration's broader vision.

In her welcome remarks on behalf of the ministry, the Director of Administration, Mrs. Angela Ayuga, expressed delight at the Commissioner's assumption of office and assured him of the full support and cooperation of all staff.

She noted that the team is fully committed to working closely with him to achieve the ministry's objectives and deliver efficient service to the people of Cross River State.

The meeting concluded with the Commissioner charging staff to remain steadfast in their commitment to excellence as the ministry works tirelessly to fulfill its mandate.

Cross River State Ministry Of Special Duties

10/09/2026

01/09/2026

19/08/2026

06/08/2026

05/08/2026

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