ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

…seek gender-balanced appointments, stronger collaboration with NUJ-FCT

By Gloria Ikibah

The Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) has reaffirmed its close working relationship with the media while raising concerns over the continued neglect of retired female police officers in post-service appointments.

The National Chairman of the PCRC, Alhaji Mogaji Ibraheem Olaniyan, made the remarks in Abuja during a familiarisation visit by the executive members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, led by its Chairman, Ms Grace Ike, to the PCRC National Secretariat.

Olaniyan described journalists as critical partners in nation-building and police accountability, noting that effective policing and good governance thrive on transparency, public enlightenment and a strong media interface.

He stressed that the PCRC maintains an open-door relationship with both the media and the police, recognising their shared role in strengthening public trust and democratic governance.

He also reiterated the committee’s position on leadership and inclusion, stating that roles within the PCRC are not determined by gender but by competence, dedication and service. According to him, merit remains the defining standard for leadership within the organisation.

Highlighting achievements since his assumption of office on 27 November, Olaniyan disclosed that the PCRC had successfully reclaimed a parcel of land jointly owned with the Nigeria Police and the Ministry of Police Affairs. He said plans were already in motion to develop the property through partnerships with reputable developers.

He further outlined welfare initiatives undertaken by the committee in support of the Nigeria Police, including scholarship schemes for children of serving officers, as part of broader efforts to boost morale and improve social support systems within the force.

In a show of goodwill, the PCRC chairman pledged to facilitate strategic partnerships for the NUJ FCT Council, promising to link the journalists’ body with private sector stakeholders and philanthropists involved in police welfare and national development initiatives.

On gender inclusion, Olaniyan expressed concern over what he described as the systemic sidelining of retired female police officers, many of whom possess the experience and qualifications required for public service appointments. He called for sustained advocacy to address the imbalance and promote more inclusive practices.

He urged the NUJ FCT leadership to use its influence to keep the issue in the public space, stressing that the media has a vital role in shaping policy direction and public perception by spotlighting the contributions of female police officers and advocating fair representation in appointments.

According to him “What a man can do, a woman can do even better,” he said, 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, warning against one-sided narratives that could undermine national institutions. He stressed 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, describing the relationship between both bodies as a family bond, and reaffirming the committee’s commitment to strengthening police-community-media collaboration for national stability and development.

Earlier in her remarks, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, Comrade Grace Ike commended the National Chairman of PCRC, for his visible humanitarian efforts and described him as a “man of the people,” whose activities have continued to attract public attention and goodwill.

According to ComradeIke, 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, we remain 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 Chairman,  emphasised 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,  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.