July 8, 2026
The Cross River State Commissioner for Education, Senator Professor Stephen Odey, Esq., has reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the Ministry’s newly created Department of Safe Schools and Nutrition, describing it as a strategic initiative aimed at addressing emerging challenges in the education sector.
The Commissioner gave the assurance while receiving staff of the department on a courtesy visit led by the Director of Safe Schools and Nutrition, Mrs. Magdalene Ekpo, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Calabar.
Speaking on behalf of the department, Mrs. Ekpo expressed profound appreciation to the Commissioner for his visionary leadership in creating the Department of Safe Schools and Nutrition. She noted that beyond establishing the department, Professor Odey has created employment opportunities for many of the staff currently serving in the department through his administrative reforms. She also commended his fatherly guidance, unwavering support, and commitment to staff welfare and professional growth. noting that the initiative has positioned the state as a national pacesetter in promoting safe learning environments and child nutrition.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the education sector and his numerous academic and administrative achievements, the department presented the Commissioner with an Award of Honour, celebrating his professorial distinction, meritorious service, and visionary leadership. The award also recognized him as the “Father of Safe Schools and Nutrition”
Professor Odey thanked the staff for the honour and appreciated them for acknowledging the vision behind the creation of the department. He explained that the department was established to address emerging global issues affecting education, including school safety, child nutrition, school health, and quality assurance, adding that Cross River State continues to pioneer innovative educational policies that are now being adopted by other states and national institutions.
The Commissioner noted that the Department of Safe Schools and Nutrition has a critical responsibility in safeguarding public schools from encroachment, promoting school health initiatives, coordinating first aid programmes, collaborating on school feeding initiatives, and ensuring regular reporting to both state and national authorities.
Reacting to concerns raised by the department, Senator Odey assured the staff that the Government would continue to provide the necessary support as resources become available. He further stated that the department’s programmes and operational needs would receive greater attention in subsequent budgetary provisions.
He commended the staff for their resilience, dedication, and commitment, urging them to remain focused and continue supporting the Ministry’s vision of providing safe, inclusive, and quality education for every child in Cross River State.
Senator Odey also encouraged the department to intensify public enlightenment campaigns on safe school initiatives and assured them of the Ministry’s unwavering support in achieving its mandate.