… Comrade Grace Ike Pledges Mutual Positive Police-Media Engagement
By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The National Chairman of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), Alhaji Mogaji Ibraheem Olaniyan, has reaffirmed his committee’s strong partnership with the media, particularly the NUJ FCT Council, describing journalists as indispensable allies in nation-building and police accountability.
Olaniyan made the remarks in Abuja when the executive members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, led by its Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike, paid a familiarization visit to the PCRC National Secretariat.
He said that the PCRC does not differentiate leadership roles by gender, but that competence and service, not gender, define leadership.
The PCRC chairman described journalists and police officers as two groups that enjoy unrestricted access to him, stressing that their roles are critical to governance, transparency, and public enlightenment.
Olaniyan disclosed that since assuming office as National Chairman on November 27, the PCRC has made significant strides, including reclaiming land jointly owned by the PCRC, the Nigeria Police, and the Ministry of Police Affairs, with plans underway to develop the property through partnerships with reputable developers.
He highlighted several welfare initiatives undertaken by the PCRC supporting the Nigeria Police, including scholarship programs for children of police officers.The PCRC chairman also pledged to facilitate strategic partnerships for the NUJ FCT Council, including engagements with prominent private sector stakeholders and philanthropists who support police welfare and national development.
Addressing gender inclusion in the Nigeria Police Force, the PCRC National Chairman who tipped gender inclusion in the appointment of female police officers, expressed concern over the neglect of retired female police officers in post-service appointments, despite their qualifications and experience.
Calling for advocacy, Olaniyan urged the NUJ FCT Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike, to leverage her leadership position and media influence to bring sustained attention to the issue.
According to him, the media has a critical role to play in reshaping public perception and policy by highlighting the contributions of female police officers and pushing for inclusive appointment practices.
He said, “What a man can do, a woman can do even better,” adding that merit, integrity, and experience—not gender—should determine opportunities within the security sector.
He observed that while many retired male police officers are routinely engaged as security advisers, consultants, and heads of security for government institutions and private organizations, their female counterparts are often overlooked.
The PCRC chairman further noted that the neglect of retired female officers reflects a broader gender imbalance within the security sector, particularly in leadership and post-retirement opportunities.
“Many states readily appoint retired male officers as security advisers or heads of regional security outfits, while equally qualified female officers are rarely considered for similar roles. This trend sends a discouraging signal to serving female officers and undermines ongoing efforts to promote gender equity within the Nigeria Police and the wider security architecture.” he stressed.
On media ethics and security reporting, Olaniyan urged journalists to always verify facts and report issues involving the police with balance, cautioning against one-sided narratives that could undermine national institutions.
He noted that while the police are not perfect, they remain a critical pillar of national security and deserve fair and responsible coverage.
PCRC chairman assured the NUJ delegation of PCRC’s continued support, reaffirming the committee’s commitment to strengthening police-community-media collaboration for national stability and development.
Earlier , the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, Comrade Ike commended the PCRC, Chairman Alhaji Mogaji Ibraheem Olaniyan, for his visible humanitarian efforts, describing him as a “man of the people” whose activities have continued to attract public attention and goodwill.
She said that 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 organizations in Abuja, remains committed to objective, balanced, and responsible reporting.”
“We also pledged to amplify PCRC activities across its network of over 700 journalists,” she stated.
The NUJ FCT Council leader emphasized that collaboration must be mutual, assuring the PCRC of sustained publicity, syndication of stories, and collective engagement whenever issues arise.
She added that the media’s role in community relations makes the NUJ a natural partner of the PCRC, stressing that journalists will continue to report the truth while supporting institutions that work for national stability.
Highlighting key challenges facing journalists in the FCT, Comrade Ike drew attention to the poor state of the NUJ Secretariat, particularly the absence of a functional congress hall, which forces hundreds of members to hold meetings under unfavourable conditions.
She appealed for support in completing the long-abandoned building project and also called for collaboration on affordable housing for journalists, similar to existing schemes in Lagos.
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