By Joe Ephraim, Calabar
The Cross River State Chapter of the Association of Heads of Federal Establishments (AHFE) placed national security in sharp focus as it honoured three top security agency heads during its 2025 End-of-Year Party held in Calabar.
The event, which drew key federal leaders and invited guests across the state, highlighted the critical role of security agencies in supporting federal operations, inter-agency coordination, and administrative stability within Cross River State.
The most notable moments of the event were the recognition and award presentations to three senior security chiefs who recently earned major promotions and have been redeployed out of the state.
They include; the Former Customs Area Controller, now Assistant Comptroller-General (ACG) posted to Bauchi Zone. Mr. Charles, the outgoing Controller of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for the South-South/South-East region and Mr. Williams, the former Controller of the Nigerian Correctional Service, now promoted to Zonal Head covering Port Harcourt and Bayelsa.
The AHFE Chairman, Dr. Rita Akpan, described the honoured officers as pillars of support whose contributions strengthened the operations of federal establishments and ensured seamless coordination in times of need.
“These are men who stood with us at every point. Whether day or night, whenever we called, they responded. Even as they are exiting the state, they still supported us to make this event successful. People like these deserve to be remembered and celebrated,” she said.
Dr. Akpan noted that their promotions were not only personal achievements but also a positive reflection of effective federal-security collaboration in Cross River State.
Highlighting the indispensable role of security agencies, Dr. Akpan said federal establishments in the state continued to thrive this year because of strong cooperation with security formations
.
She said despite national economic adjustments and evolving administrative demands, the presence and responsiveness of strategic security leaders ensured stability, staff safety, and uninterrupted federal service delivery.
Beyond security, Dr. Akpan also reviewed achievements under her leadership, including restoring electricity and water at the Federal Secretariat after years of dysfunction.
“I promised to bring light and water before leaving office as chairman, and today members can testify that both have been restored,” she said.
Dr. Akpan used the occasion to urge federal heads yet to join AHFE to consider membership, stressing that the association has become a dependable support hub for problem-solving, institutional cooperation, and welfare improvement.
“This association has helped many people in Cross River State. When you come with your challenges, you don’t walk alone — the body stands with you,” she said.
“I am believing God that next year, every one of us will be promoted,” she added.
The event ended with music, celebration, and renewed camaraderie among federal agency heads, with security officers taking front row attention as symbols of service, sacrifice, and commitment to national stability.
