Mogaji Ibraheem Olaniyan, national chairman, Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), has reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to a stronger partnership with the media, describing journalists as critical allies in nation building and police accountability.
Olaniyan spoke in Abuja while receiving executive members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Federal Capital Territory Council, led by Grace Ike, on a familiarisation visit to the PCRC National Secretariat.
He said the PCRC places no distinction on leadership based on gender, stressing that competence, integrity, and service should remain the basis for appointments and responsibility.
Olaniyan noted that both journalists and police officers enjoy unrestricted access to him, adding that their roles are essential to transparency, governance, and public enlightenment.
Since assuming office on November 27, he said the committee has recorded notable progress, including the recovery of land jointly owned by the PCRC, the Nigeria Police, and the Ministry of Police Affairs.
He disclosed that plans are underway to develop the property through partnerships with reputable developers.
The PCRC chairman also highlighted welfare initiatives supporting the Nigeria Police, including scholarship programmes for children of police officers.
He further pledged to facilitate strategic engagements for the NUJ FCT Council with private sector stakeholders and philanthropists committed to police welfare and national development.
On gender inclusion, Olaniyan expressed concern over what he described as the continued neglect of retired female police officers in post service appointments, despite their qualifications and years of experience.
He urged Grace Ike, the NUJ FCT chairman, to use her leadership and media influence to draw sustained attention to the issue.
According to him, the media has a vital role in reshaping public perception and driving policies that promote inclusive appointment practices.
“What a man can do, a woman can do even better,” Olaniyan said, insisting that merit and competence, not gender, should determine opportunities within the security sector.
He observed that while retired male officers are frequently engaged as security advisers, consultants, and heads of security in government and private institutions, female officers are often overlooked.
Olaniyan noted that the trend reflects a wider gender imbalance within the security architecture, particularly in leadership and post-retirement opportunities.
He warned that continued exclusion sends discouraging signals to serving female officers and undermines ongoing efforts to promote gender equity in the Nigeria Police.
Read also: Police raise alarm over growing inter-state movement of criminals
On security reporting, Olaniyan urged journalists to verify facts and report police related issues with balance, warning against one-sided narratives capable of weakening national institutions.
He stressed that although the police are not without challenges, they remain a key pillar of national security and deserve responsible coverage.
Olaniyan assured the NUJ delegation of the PCRC’s continued support, describing the relationship between both bodies as a family bond and reaffirming the committee’s commitment to strengthening police community media collaboration.
Earlier, Grace Ike commended Olaniyan for his humanitarian efforts, describing him as a man of the people whose activities continue to attract public goodwill.
Read also: Lessons from Nigeria’s abandoned police communication network
She said the visit marked the beginning of a stronger partnership between the NUJ FCT and the PCRC, especially in promoting national development, community relations, and positive police media engagement.
“The NUJ FCT, as the umbrella body for all media organisations in Abuja, remains committed to objective, balanced, and responsible reporting,” she said.
