The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, officially inaugurated the Police Public Relations Officers Conference on Monday, December 11th, 2023, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. The event, in collaboration with the German Government Federal Foreign Office through the United Nations Development Fund (UNDP) and CLEEN Foundation, underscores the collective efforts towards police reform in Nigeria.
Themed “Enhanced Strategic Communication: Panacea for Effective Policing in Nigeria,” the conference focuses on refining communication strategies within the law enforcement community. The gathering aims to equip Police Public Relations Officers with the necessary skills to bolster positive interactions between the Police Force and the public, addressing pertinent contemporary challenges and communication gaps.
The keynote address delivered by the Honourable Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris Malagi, fnipr, highlighted the imperative need for the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) to adapt communication strategies to dispel misconceptions. Additionally, the Honourable Minister of Police Affairs, Sen. (Dr.) Ibrahim Gaidam, CON, and the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, Dr. Solomon E. Arase, CFR, pledged support for policy interventions to strengthen and reposition the NPF in alignment with the President’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.”
Gracing the occasion as the Special Guest of Honour, the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Umo Bassey Eno, affirmed continuous support for the Police Force, recognizing its vital role in securing the state and fostering progress.
Acknowledging the Governor’s support, the IGP emphasized the significance of collaborative efforts between the Police Force and the State Government for enhanced and organized policing.
Dignitaries present at the conference included high-ranking police officials, government representatives, heads of media organizations, and notable stakeholders from various sectors.
The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, mnipr, mipra, fCAI, lauded the IGP for his unwavering commitment to strengthening police-public relationships, emphasizing the importance of transparency and collaboration in building trust and understanding.
During the IGP’s visit to the Akwa Ibom State Police Command, several projects, including a smart conference hall, were commissioned. Addressing officers and men of the Command, the IGP encouraged a community-oriented approach to policing, aiming for inclusive and cohesive law enforcement.
The 4-day conference serves as a platform for knowledge exchange, discussions, and skill enhancement, aiming to fortify the bond between the Police Force and the Nigerian populace.