By Elijah Ugani
It has been six months since ASP Sunday Eitokpah Akata assumed office as the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Cross River State Police Command, and his tenure has been marked by a deliberate transformation in the Command’s communication strategy, with a strong emphasis on transparency, professionalism, and community engagement.
An indigene of Edo State, ASP Akata was commissioned into the Nigeria Police Force as an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) in 2022 after completing a rigorous five-year training programme at the Nigeria Police Academy, where he earned a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree in Biochemistry.
His professional development includes specialized training in combat operations and counter-terrorism, forensic crime scene management, detective investigations, citizenship and leadership, as well as the Advanced Detective Course at the Police Staff College, Jos. He is also a certified Advanced Facilitator for the Nigeria Police Reform Programme and a member of the National Institute of Social Media Analysts (NISMA), Abuja.
He is an associate of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR).
Before his appointment as PPRO, ASP Akata served as Divisional Traffic Officer at A Division, Calabar, and later as Officer-in-Charge of the Cross River State Police Complaint Response Unit (CRU), where he demonstrated professionalism and dedication to public service.
Since taking over as the spokesman of the Cross River State Police Command, ASP Akata has championed a strategic shift in police communication by making it more proactive, transparent, timely, and community-focused. Under his stewardship, the Command has maintained a consistent flow of accurate and verified information to the public, helping to strengthen public confidence and improve the image of the Nigeria Police Force in the state.
Within the past six months, he has significantly expanded public engagement through regular press briefings, radio and television appearances, digital media campaigns, prompt clarification of misinformation, and sustained public safety awareness initiatives. His communication approach has ensured that residents receive timely updates on security matters while promoting greater public understanding of police operations.
Beyond information dissemination, ASP Akata has focused on building stronger trust between the Police and the communities they serve. Through open communication, accountability, and citizen engagement, he has encouraged greater public participation in crime prevention and security awareness, while ensuring that the activities of the Cross River State Police Command are communicated accurately, professionally, and without delay.
His first six months in office reflect a commitment to modern policing through effective public relations, reinforcing the role of strategic communication as a vital tool in strengthening police-community relations and enhancing public confidence in law enforcement.
Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Elijah Ugani and does not represent Theluminenews,its agent or the organisation the author works for/with.