The Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Akwa Ibom State, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, on Thursday, April 2, 2026, attended the retirement ceremony of the Comptroller of the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, Akwa Ibom State Command, CIS Agatha Ginika Odika, where she paid glowing tributes to the officer’s years of meritorious service.
Speaking at the event which held at the State Command headquarters of the Nigeria Immigration Service at Atan Offot, Lady Obareki who was represented by the member representing Uruan State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly Dr Itoro Etim, described Odika as a woman of substance, a disciplined officer, and a true patriot, noting that her retirement marks the culmination of years of sacrifice, dedication, and unwavering commitment to national security.
“I am delighted to join this gathering of distinguished personalities in celebrating the meritorious exit of a woman of substance, a disciplined officer, and a true patriot – Comptroller Agatha Odika.”
She commended the retiring Comptroller for her professionalism and human-centred approach to migration management, adding that her leadership has ensured the security of the state’s borders while promoting operational efficiency within the command.
“In a sector that demands both toughness and tact, Comptroller Odika has demonstrated that excellence knows no gender,” Obareki said, praising her for navigating the complexities of the Nigerian Immigration Service with grace and leaving behind a legacy rooted in integrity.
Highlighting Odika’s career as a source of inspiration, Obareki noted that her achievements as Comptroller, while proving that discipline and determination can break perceived barriers, will motivate and inspire young girls on the benefits of hardwork.
“It is safe to say that you are a woman who has broken barriers to excel in a high-pressure leadership role. Your journey in the paramilitary is an inspiration to young girls that with discipline and dedication, perceived “glass ceilings” can be shattered. As you pull out of the service, do so with your head held high. You are retiring from the service, but your wealth of experience remains a vital asset to the immigration service and the nation at large,” she added.
The Coordinator also reaffirmed the commitment of the Akwa Ibom State Government, under the leadership of Governor Umo Eno, to sustaining security and strengthening collaboration with Federal agencies.
“Our Golden Governor, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno Ph.D, through his administration’s blueprint, the ARISE Agenda, places a high premium on security and the rule of law as the bedrock of economic growth. He recognises that the vigilance of officers like you bolsters the peace we enjoy in Akwa Ibom. Hence, under his leadership, the state remains committed to supporting federal agencies, ensuring that the synergy between the state administration and the Nigerian Immigration Service continues to protect our people and our borders.”
Lady Helen Eno Obareki wished the retiring Comptroller “a retirement filled with rest, good health, and new adventures,” praying for the next season of her life to be more prosperous and rewarding.
The Coordinator’s representative, Dr Itoro Etim, alongside other invited guests joined CIS A.G Odika to cut her retirement cake at the event which also featured goodwill messages, the presentation of awards to stakeholders and heads of other security organizations in recognition of their collaborations with the NIS, a drama presentation by officers of the NIS, as well as a cultural performance from the Asian Idem Cultural Group.
Other members of the delegation from the Office of the First Lady, led by Dr Itoro Etim, included the wife of the member representing Ibesikpo Asutan State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Mrs Angela Attah; the wife of the Commissioner for Sports, Mrs Helen Paul Bassey; and the wife of the Chairman of Ukanafun Local Government Council, Mrs Mokut Ukpanah.
CIS Agatha Ginika Odika, who was posted to the Akwa Ibom State Command of the Nigeria Immigration Service in October 2024 as the 23rd Comptroller, will retire from the service on Sunday April 5, after 35 years of patriotic and meritorious service.
Media Unit
Office of the First Lady, AKS
April 3, 2026.