PCRC Reaffirms Media Partnership with NUJ FCT, Decries Neglect of Retired Female Police Officers
The Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) has reaffirmed its strong partnership with the media, describing journalists as indispensable partners in nation-building, transparency, and police accountability.
The National Chairman of the PCRC, Alhaji Mogaji Ibraheem Olaniyan, stated this in Abuja while receiving the executive members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, led by its Chairman, Ms Grace Ike, during a familiarisation visit to the PCRC National Secretariat.
Olaniyan emphasized that the PCRC does not discriminate on the basis of gender in leadership or responsibility, stressing that competence, integrity, and service remain the defining criteria for leadership.
He described journalists and police officers as two professional groups that enjoy unrestricted access to him, noting that both play critical roles in governance, public enlightenment, and national development.
The PCRC chairman disclosed that since assuming office on November 27, the committee has recorded notable achievements, including the recovery of a parcel of land jointly owned by the PCRC, the Nigeria Police, and the Ministry of Police Affairs. He said plans are underway to develop the property through partnerships with reputable developers.
Olaniyan also highlighted several welfare initiatives undertaken by the PCRC to support the Nigeria Police, including scholarship programmes for children of police officers and other interventions aimed at improving morale and wellbeing.
He further pledged to facilitate strategic partnerships for the NUJ FCT Council, including engagements with private sector stakeholders and philanthropists with a track record of supporting police welfare and national development.
On gender inclusion, the PCRC National Chairman expressed concern over what he described as the persistent neglect of retired female police officers in post-service appointments, despite their qualifications and experience.
Calling for deliberate advocacy, Olaniyan urged the NUJ FCT Chairman to leverage her leadership position and media influence to draw sustained attention to the issue.
According to him, the media has a critical role in reshaping public perception and influencing policy by highlighting the contributions of female police officers and promoting inclusive appointment practices.
“What a man can do, a woman can do even better,” Olaniyan said, stressing that merit and experience—not gender—should determine opportunities within the security sector.
He observed that while retired male police officers are frequently appointed as security advisers, consultants, and heads of security in government institutions and private organizations, their female counterparts are often overlooked.
Olaniyan noted that this trend 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. This sends a discouraging signal to serving female officers and undermines efforts to promote gender equity within the Nigeria Police and the wider security architecture,” he said.
On media ethics and security reporting, Olaniyan urged journalists to verify facts and ensure balanced reporting on police-related issues, warning against one-sided narratives that could weaken public confidence in national institutions. He acknowledged that while the police are not without shortcomings, they remain a critical pillar of national security deserving of fair and responsible coverage.
He 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 for national stability and development.
Earlier, NUJ FCT Chairman, Ms Grace Ike, commended Olaniyan for his visible humanitarian efforts, describing him as a “man of the people” whose activities have continued to attract public goodwill.
She said the visit marked the beginning of a stronger partnership between the NUJ FCT and the PCRC, particularly in advancing national development, community relations, and positive police–media engagement.
“As the umbrella body for all media organisations in Abuja, the NUJ FCT remains committed to objective, balanced, and responsible reporting. We also pledge to amplify PCRC activities across our network of over 700 journalists,” she said.
Ike emphasized that collaboration between both bodies must be mutual, assuring the PCRC of sustained publicity, story syndication, 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, noting that journalists would continue to report the truth while supporting institutions working for national stability.
Highlighting challenges facing journalists in the FCT, Ike drew attention to the poor state of the NUJ Secretariat, particularly the lack of a functional congress hall, which forces members to hold meetings under unfavourable conditions. She appealed for support to complete the long-abandoned building project and also called for collaboration on affordable housing schemes for journalists, similar to those available in Lagos.
