The Cross River State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Pastor Ekpenyong Cobham, has pledged the Ministry’s support for the Nigeria Police Force through strategic communication, public enlightenment and effective information management to strengthen public safety and confidence in policing.
Cobham gave the assurance on Monday, October 26, 2026, when he paid a courtesy visit to the Commissioner of Police, Cross River State Command, CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, psc, mnips, mspsp, at the Command Headquarters in Calabar.
He said the Ministry would deploy its information infrastructure and communication channels to promote public understanding of police operations, disseminate relevant security information and encourage constructive engagement between the police and residents.
Cobham commended the Police Command for its commitment to maintaining peace and security across the state, noting that effective cooperation between security agencies and the public was essential to protecting lives and property.
“Effective communication is essential to building public confidence in the police and ensuring that residents understand the operations and challenges of the Force. The Ministry is ready to support the Command through public enlightenment, responsible information dissemination and constructive feedback,” he said.
Recalling his upbringing in a police barracks and his late father’s service in the Command, the Information Commissioner expressed appreciation for the Nigeria Police Force and the sacrifices of its personnel in the discharge of their duties.
He assured the Police Commissioner that the Ministry would strengthen public engagement by communicating the Command’s activities and achievements while promoting responsible security reporting.
In his response, CP Ordue welcomed the Ministry’s readiness to partner with the Command, describing information and security as mutually reinforcing components of effective policing.
“Timely and credible information is critical to effective policing, just as strategic communication helps the public understand our operations and appreciate the sacrifices of our officers. A stronger partnership with the Ministry will enhance information sharing and public awareness of our activities,” the Police Commissioner said.
CP Ordue also commended Cobham for accepting to serve as a Patron of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), describing the committee as a vital link between the police and the communities they serve.
He urged officers to uphold integrity, discipline and professionalism in the discharge of their duties, stressing that public trust remained essential to effective policing.
The visit highlighted the importance of stronger collaboration between the Ministry of Information and Orientation and the Police Command in promoting public awareness, improving police-community relations and strengthening confidence in security operations across Cross River State.
Both institutions reaffirmed their commitment to working together to advance public safety, while the Police Command urged residents to provide timely and credible information to support crime prevention and the protection of lives and property.
By Kingsley Agim
