After 4 days of PPROs / Police Communication Experts Conference 2024 in Asaba, the auspicious ceremony came to an end on Thursday on the 22nd of November, 2024 with regimental dinner ceremony to signify the end of the annual conference.
A Regimental dinner can be considered a special or ceremonial occasion, carried on from the days when officers dined formally every evening. The traditions and ceremonies observed during the dinner have evolved over time but the basic rules of conduct observed are those of polite society.
As a keen reminder of the rewards of hard work and diligence, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, represented by the Commissioner of Police in charge of Delta State, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, and the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, presented awards and commendations to several Police PROs including PPROs of FCT, Bauchi, Delta, and Abia States, as well as ASP Julius Robinson, a commander of a tactical team within the Delta State Command, in recognition of their exemplary performance in fulfilling their lawful and expected responsibilities.
The Inspector-General while noting that the Conference is a milestone achievement towards a more effective policing strategy, thanked the Executive Governor, His Excellency Rt. Hon. and good people of Delta State for hosting the event.
The IGP also appreciated the support of various agencies, international organizations, and individuals, and further re-echoed his call on the general public to embrace the new innovations and ideas of the present Police leadership towards improved oversight, accountability, and quality service delivery for the general socio-economic development of Nigeria.
SpyeTV News reports that there were resolutions made at the end of the conference. In a communique, presented by SP Kuti Stephen, resolutions were: the Inspector – General of Police acknowledgement the commitment to supporting PROs in providing an enabling environment in their various states and formations.
Challenges faced by some PROs were identified and solutions were provided, and there were emphasizes on the need to educate, train and retraining of PROs. The rights of PROs were recognised and how it could be put into effective.
PROs roles to their principals and the effective knowledge of their offices were discussed and Laudable understanding of necessitated expectations from PROs.
The FPRO, ACP Oluimuyiwa Adejobi intimated the PPROs of the IGP’s mind with regards to the trending pension matter which is to ensure every officer goes home with their last salary irrespective of rank as is currently applicable to officers of the rank of AIG and above, rather than an exit from the current pension regime.
He however, stressed that some selfish elements who probably do not have grounded information or do not care are agitating for an exit which will not be beneficial. PPROs are tasked to constantly educate members of their command/formation on this for a unified stance on the issue.
Similarly, the FPRO made clarifications concerning the state of the ongoing reconstruction of police barracks nationwide. He clarified that the reconstruction became necessary to ensure that all barracks meet a modern standard.
As such, police officers occupying these barracks were given financial support to get temporary accommodation outside pending the conclusion of the reconstruction process when they will be re-accommodated in those barracks.
The 2024 Conference of Police Public Relations Officers (PPROs) and Communications Experts held in Asaba, Delta State, started on Monday, 18th November, 2024 in the collective effort to promoting Public Relations within the Nigeria Police Force.
The Conference themed “Strengthening the Nigeria Police Force Oversight and Accountability” which aided in equipping PPROs with the required expertise for effective communication, police accountability, improved human relations and public trust, was facilitated by resource persons and experts in the Public Relations sector, NGOs, International organizations and experts in other relevant fields.
The training during the days of the conference is to improve decision-making, promote self-development, and cultivate tolerance, dignity, and mutual respect.
The event witnessed the participation of Eighty - Five PROs representing various commands/formations within the Force, including the Force Headquarters, Police Formations, Training Institutions, Zonal and State Commands across the 36 States of The Federation, the Federal Capital Territory and the Force Public Relations Officer.
Presentations were made by invited resource persons like Dr. Monday Ashibogwu, on Crisis Communication and Police Accountability, CP Emmanuel Ojukwu (Rtd) –he trained participants on Role Of Public Relations in Fostering Police Transparency, CSP Sani El – Mustapha – Legal and Institutional frameworks for Police Oversight In Nigeria, UNODC, CLEEN Foundation, Nigeria Union Of Journalists Mr Gbenga Onayiga on Principles and ethics of journalism, Yushau Shuaib, Economic Confidential, PR Nigeria on Social Media and Digital Public Relations in Police Accountability, DCP Ajayi Oluyemi Commander C4-– Citizen Reporting and The Use of Mobile Apps, Dr. Paul Nyulaku – Mutual Accountability and Community scorecard, Mr Niresh Chapagain – Nepal Police experience, Dr. Magdalyn Dura – Gender, ACP Dan Aroguma rtd- e-CMR consultant
The participants made substantive contributions during the lecture and discussions.
