By Deborah Akpede
The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Mr Fatai Tijani, has reaffirmed the command’s commitment to strengthening partnership with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), describing the media as indispensable.
Tijani gave the assurance on Friday, while receiving NAN Lagos Office management team, who paid a courtesy visit to the command headquarters in Ikeja.
According to him, the longstanding relationship between the Nigeria Police Force and the media remains vital in promoting public trust, disseminating credible information and supporting the command’s crime-fighting efforts.
“Although police leadership changes over time, the relationship between the police and the media should remain cordial and continue to grow stronger.
“There is nothing straining our relationship with the media. Rather, it can only become more robust because both institutions serve the public and have important responsibilities to discharge,” he said.
The commissioner stressed the importance of effective communication, noting that police officers continued to receive training in communication skills and media relations to improve public engagement.
He said that the timely and accurate dissemination of information was essential to policing, while constructive engagement with journalists helped keep the public properly informed.
Responding to concerns raised by the NAN management over security around the agency’s Lagos office, Tijani assured the delegation that measures would be put in place to enhance protection of the premises.
“Police patrols in the area will be intensified and there will be regular surveillance around the NAN office,” he said.
The Police and NAN teams
The commissioner also disclosed that he had directed officers not to permit any unauthorised excavation or removal of underground cables without proper verification and approval, as part of efforts to curb vandalism and related crimes.
He urged the agency to promptly report any security concerns or suspicious activities to the command for immediate action.
“Our doors remain open. You can always reach out to us, and we will continue to work together in the interest of public safety and security,” he said.
Earlier, the Head of Lagos Operations, NAN, Mrs Ifeyinwa Omowole, commended Tijani for his leadership and efforts in tackling crime, saying the agency was committed to strengthening its partnership with the command.
She said NAN decided to pay a courtesy visit in recognition of the commissioner’s leadership and the command’s achievements in crime prevention.
Omowole, also a Managing Editor, described Lagos as a complex state requiring much security because of its large population, stressing that effective policing in the state required exceptional commitment and professionalism.
She assured the commissioner that NAN would continue to report the activities of the command objectively, while supporting initiatives aimed at enhancing public safety.
Omowole had appealed to the commissioner to enhance security around the agency’s office within the National Theatre complex, citing incidents of cable theft and vandalism.
She reaffirmed NAN’s commitment to sustaining its longstanding partnership with the Nigeria Police Force in promoting public awareness, security and national development.
Other members of the delegation include the Head of Lagos Editorial Operations of the agency, Mr Kevin Okunzuwa, and the Head of Defence and Security Desk, Ms Edith Bolokor, both Deputy Editors-in-Chief.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
DOA/EOB
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Edited by Edith Bolokor