The National Chairman of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), Alhaji Mogaji Ibraheem Olaniyan, has reaffirmed the committee’s strong partnership with the media, describing journalists as critical partners in nation-building, police accountability, and public enlightenment.
Olaniyan made this known in Abuja while receiving executive members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, led by its Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike, during a familiarisation visit to the PCRC National Secretariat.
He said journalists and police officers remain the two groups with unrestricted access to him, stressing that both professions play indispensable roles in governance, transparency, and national development.
“The PCRC does not recognise leadership by gender. What we recognise is competence and service. What a man can do, a woman can do even better,” Olaniyan said.
The PCRC chairman disclosed that since assuming office, the committee has recorded notable achievements, including reclaiming a jointly owned parcel of land belonging to the PCRC, Nigeria Police, and Ministry of Police Affairs. He said plans are underway to develop the property through partnerships with reputable developers.
He also highlighted several welfare initiatives for police personnel, including scholarship programmes for children of serving officers.
Olaniyan pledged to facilitate strategic partnerships for the NUJ FCT Council, promising engagements with private sector stakeholders and philanthropists committed to police welfare and national development.
Addressing gender inclusion, Olaniyan expressed concern over what he described as the systematic neglect of retired female police officers in post-service appointments, despite their qualifications and experience.
He urged the NUJ FCT Chairman to use her leadership position and media influence to sustain advocacy on the issue.
“The media has a responsibility to reshape public perception and policy. You must highlight the contributions of female police officers and push for inclusive appointment practices,” he said.
Olaniyan observed that while retired male officers are routinely appointed as security advisers, consultants, and heads of security in government institutions and private organisations, their female counterparts are often overlooked.
“Many states readily appoint retired male officers as security advisers or heads of regional security outfits, while equally qualified female officers are rarely considered. This trend discourages serving female officers and undermines gender equity within the Nigeria Police and the wider security architecture,” he stressed.
On media ethics, Olaniyan urged journalists to verify facts and report police-related issues with balance, warning against one-sided narratives that could weaken national institutions.
“The police are not perfect, but they remain a critical pillar of national security. They deserve fair and responsible coverage,” he added.
He assured the NUJ delegation of the PCRC’s continued support, describing the relationship between both organisations as a family bond and reaffirming the committee’s commitment to strengthening police-community-media collaboration.
Earlier, NUJ FCT Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike, commended Olaniyan for his humanitarian efforts, describing him as a “man of the people” whose activities have continued to attract public goodwill.
She said the visit marked the beginning of a stronger partnership between the NUJ FCT and the PCRC in promoting national development, community relations, and positive police-media engagement.
“As the umbrella body for all media organisations in Abuja, the NUJ FCT remains committed to objective, balanced, and responsible reporting. We also pledge to amplify PCRC activities across our network of over 700 journalists,” Ike said.
She assured the PCRC of sustained publicity, story syndication, and collective engagement whenever issues arise, adding that journalists would continue to report the truth while supporting institutions working for national stability.
Highlighting challenges facing journalists in the FCT, Ike drew attention to the poor state of the NUJ Secretariat, particularly the absence of a functional congress hall, which forces members to hold meetings under unfavourable conditions.
She appealed for support to complete the long-abandoned congress hall project and also called for collaboration on affordable housing schemes for journalists, similar to initiatives already in place in Lagos.
