By Nsan Ndoma-Neji
The first Ugep Urban-born Commissioner of Police, CP Ofem Ikpi Arikpo, from Cross River State, has been honoured with a chieftancy title by his community and also charged to serve the nation with honour and be a good ambassador of the Yakurr nation.
Charging the CP to make the Yakurr nation proud while discharging his duties, the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator John Owan Enoh, while speaking during a grand reception and chieftaincy coronation held in the CP’s honour at the Omor Ututu Palace ground in Ugep, Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross State, urged the senior officer to uphold professionalism in every assignment.
The CP, who is attached to Force Headquarters, Abuja, was conferred with the chieftaincy title of Obol Kobili meaning ‘Chief of Seal.’
Enoh charged, “Be a worthy ambassador of Umotutu and the entire state.”
The minister also commended residents of the community for turning out en masse to celebrate Arikpo, who he described as “our illustrious son.”
The minister added that “any mind that celebrates the goodness of others stands a chance to attract God’s favour and blessings.”
He encouraged the community to maintain the spirit of honouring people who have excelled in their various fields of human endeavour.
Enoh further charged CP Arikpo not to be distracted “by things of the world,” but to remain focused in the discharge of his responsibilities so that his name can be written in gold at the end of his service to the nation.
He urged him to “exhibit professionalism in the discharge of his duties without fear or favour.”
Earlier in his welcome address, the paramount ruler of Yakurr, His Royal Majesty, Obol Ofem Ubana Eteng, thanked Arikpo for being “a worthy ambassador of the Ugep nation” to attain the rank of Commissioner of Police.
The monarch lauded stakeholders who made the elevation possible and charged the CP to be “dedicated, committed, resilient and above all, exhibit professionalism in the discharge of his duties.”
Obol Eteng urged other sons and daughters of Ugep Urban to emulate Arikpo’s virtues, describing him as a hardworking individual who rose through “patience and discipline until fate lifted him to the zenith of his chosen profession.”
He also prayed for “God’s intervention, guidance, protection and more elevation” for the new CP.
Chairman of the occasion and immediate past Head of Service, HoS of Cross River State, Obol Dr Innocent Eteng, commended Arikpo for making Ugep Urban proud as its first indigenous Commissioner of Police.
He, therefore, charged him to see his new position as a call “to render more services to the nation and protect the image of the community.”
In his response, CP Arikpo (PSC+) expressed gratitude to the Ugep people for honouring him, pledging not to betray the confidence reposed in him by the Nigeria Police Force and the nation.
