A four day Police Public Relations Officers’ conference has commenced in Anambra State.


Governor Willie Obiano who flagged off the Police Public Relations Officers’ Conference holding at Golden Tulip Hotels, Agulu, called on the Nigeria Police Force to strive to live up to expectations.
Government House correspondent, Ejike Abana reports that the ceremony was organized to equip the police image makers with strategies and communication skills to discharge their duties  effectively.


The opening ceremony was attended by the Inspector General of Police, Mr.  Mohammed Adamu, represented by the Assistance Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 9, Baba Tijani, President of the Nigerian Union of Journalists NUJ, Comrade Chris Isiguzo, President of Nigerian Institute of Public Relations  Malam Mukhtar Zubairu Sirajo, sister security agencies, among others.
Declaring the event open, Governor Obiano stressed that the public has much expectation from the police, charging the image makers on polishing the image of the police.


While restating  the vision and mission of his administration, the Governor called on the public to avoid condemning hardworking members of the Nigeria Police force, urging other States to motivate the police and other security agencies, in order to get results. 
On his part, the inspector General of Police Mr. Adamu said that the event is aimed at changing the unhealthy perception of the force and restore their image in a bid to attain its internal security mandate, calling on them to take advantage of the new media, master their thought and strengthen relationships with the police.


He explained  that the force is working towards community driven police force and would continue to uphold professionalism, commending them for their efforts, even as he said there is still much work to be done and commended  the Governor for being a lover of peace and supporter of the Nigeria Police Force.
The Force PRO, Mr. Frank Mba who stressed that the event affords them opportunity for deep introspection in a critical, intensive review exercise, commended the Police PROs for living up to expectations, and applauded the Governor for being passionate about security of lives and property of the State citizenry.


In a goodwill message, the President of Nigeria Union of Journalists, Comrade Chris Isiguzo, called attention to hate speech, fake news and exploitation of the new media to brandish all manner of falsehood, pointing out  that it requires practical and comprehensive response, as well as ethical journalism to combat and stated  that the Union condemns all  forms of violence against journalists in the Country.


The President of Nigeria Institute of Public Relations, Malam Mukhtar Zubairu Sirajo in his remarks  said that as public relations people, the practitioners  will continue to uphold the truth, calling on Nigerians to always see themselves as one family, even in the face of  daunting challenges.The Governor was later presented with an appreciation souvenir by the police.