IGP Adamu Engages Police Spokespersons On Reforms

• Gov Ugwuanyi flags-off 4-day workshop

BY VICTOR OSOWOCHI – In line with the Nigeria Police hierarchy determination to reposition the Force for effective service delivery, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammed A Adamu has commenced robust engagement with all Police Public Relations Officers nationwide.

According to IGP Adamu, ongoing reforms are aimed at evolving a more people-friendly, professional and human rights compliant Police Force in the country.

IGP Adamu stated this at the four-day intensive capacity building workshop for Police spokespersons holding in Enugu from December 15 to 18, 2020.

Tagged “Crisis Management and Law Enforcement; The role of Police Spokespersons” the Workshop will, amongst other things, avail the Police Public Relations Managers the opportunity to review two major unfortunate events in the year, 2020.

These are: The COVID-19 National Health Emergency, and the ENDSARS protests as well as the violence that ensued therefrom, in some parts of the Country.

He explained that the workshop is expected to come up with best practices and improved strategic communication tools to manage similar crises in future.

The IGP, who thanked the Governor and people of Enugu State for hosting the programme, said the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and other carefully selected Public Relations/Communications experts will function as Faculty Directors for the Workshop.

He said the NIPR will also organize an accelerated Master Class/Induction Course for the PPROs who are not yet registered members of the Institute, to ensure full compliance with the NIPR Act, CAP N114, LFN 2004 which criminalises engaging in Public Relations activities without licensing by the NIPR.

In his keynote address, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, who declared the workshop opened said efforts at reforming the Police at this time if the nation’s history is quite commendable.

He lauded the IGP for his visionary initiatives so far, and further appreciated ongoing reforms at addressing agitations of the Nigerian people for a Police Force that is responsive and respects the rights of the citizenry.

A statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Frank Mba said the governor enjoined the course participants to maximize the opportunity the workshop provides to network, peer review and cross fertilize ideas with the experts.

He said such interface will sharpen and broaden their PR skills and knowledge for better service delivery to the Police Force and the nation at large.

The Opening ceremony had in attendance: DIG Celestine Okoye; Coordinating Deputy Inspector General of Police, South-East, AIG Dan-Mallam Mohammed; AIG Zone-13 Headquarters; AIG FCID Annex Enugu, Fimihan Adeoye; Commissioners of Police in-charge of Anambra State, CP John Abang and Enugu State, CP Ahmad Abdurrahman

Others are: President and Chairman of Council, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Mukhtar Sirajo and his team; Dr. Ngozi Ulogu of the Department of Mass Communication, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka and Mike Dada, Lead Strategist/CEO PRM Africa.