FG committed to effective security, citizens’ welfare -Gaidam

Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam has said that the federal government is committed to implement actionable strategies towards effective security, peaceful coexistence, and the welfare of all citizens in the country.

Speaking during the conference and seminar for the Police Public Relations Officers, PPROs and public relations, PR experts with the theme: “Enhanced Strategic Communication: Panacea for Effective Policing and Peaceful Coexistence in Nigeria” held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, he said that security occupies a prime position in the government’s 8-point agenda.

Gaidam, who was represented by the Director, Police Inspectorate Department in the Ministry of Police Affairs, Mrs. Bola Blessing Aderele, said that “effective policing and peaceful coexistence are critical requirements for societal growth and shared prosperity which affirm the internalization of governments’internal security mindset by leadership of the Nigeria Police.”

“Over the years, people with little or no personal contact with police form perceptions, even though they are shaped vicariously, through what they hear from friends, family and what they see in the news and the social media.

“This poses challenges for the police, as it contributes to the image of the police and perception of police effectiveness,” he stressed.

The minister, according to a statement signed by the Deputy Director of Press in the ministry, Bolaji Kazeem, added that “enhanced strategic communication provides the police the needed tool tore-write the aforementioned narrative, to regain the trust and confidence of the people to herald people people-centric policing paradigm and improve police efficiency.”

He commended the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, and his management team for the initiative, noting that the seminar would further strengthen the operations of the Nigeria Police Press and Liaison Units nationwide to help build community partnership, deepen citizens’ participation in policing arrangements and position the force to play it critical role in achieving the “Renewed Hope Agenda” of President Bola Tinubu administration.

In a related development, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr. Nasir Sani-Gwarzo has reiterated his support for the Oodua Youth Parliament for promoting security and peace and encouraging cultural harmony among Nigerians.

He made this known during a presentation of a Certificate of Chieftaincy by the Parliament for his good leadership in public service and continuous contribution towards empowerment and support for youth development projects in the country.

According to him, “this award is unsolicited, the fact that you are not asking for a favour and there is integrity in it with a sincere motive behind it (made me to) accept it; anything that can encourage Nigeria youths, promote cultural harmony and security I will invest in it.”

Sani-Gwarzo said the ministry would continue to emplace policies, programmes and more importantly pursue interventions that would enable the youths to play their roles in the police ecosystem in Nigeria.

Earlier, the Speaker, Oodua Youth Parliament, Aare Abdulmajeed Oyeniyi said the award was meant to appreciate the good deeds, motivation and the exemplary leadership being exhibited by the Permanent Secretary in the public service in the country.

“Oodua Parliament is a socio-cultural group that propagates the Yoruba nation in Nigeria and outside the country. We have been following your activities right from the Ministries of Industry, Trade and Investment, and Humanitarian Affairs as well as your present post.You have shown commitment for the development of projects that will benefit youths in the country,” Oyeniyi explained.