PCRC Reaffirms Strong Media Partnership with NUJ-FCT, Raises Alarm Over Neglect of Retired Female Police Officers Calls for Gender-Inclusive Appointments in Security Sector

PCRC Reaffirms Strong Media Partnership with NUJ-FCT, Raises Alarm Over Neglect of Retired Female Police Officers

Calls for Gender-Inclusive Appointments in Security Sector

The National Chairman of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), Alhaji Mogaji Ibraheem Olaniyan, has reaffirmed the committee’s strong partnership with the media, describing journalists as indispensable allies in nation-building, police accountability, and public enlightenment.

Olaniyan made the remarks 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.

He emphasized that leadership within the PCRC is not defined by gender but by competence, integrity, and service, stressing that the committee remains committed to inclusive leadership practices.

Describing journalists and police officers as two groups with unrestricted access to his office, Olaniyan noted that both professions play critical roles in governance, transparency, and national development.

The PCRC Chairman disclosed that since assuming office on November 27, the committee has recorded notable achievements, including the successful recovery of land jointly owned by the PCRC, the Nigeria Police, and the Ministry of Police Affairs. He revealed that plans are underway to develop the property through partnerships with reputable developers.

He also highlighted several welfare initiatives undertaken by the PCRC in support of the Nigeria Police, including scholarship programmes for children of police officers, as part of efforts to boost morale and social support within the force.

Olaniyan further pledged to facilitate strategic partnerships for the NUJ FCT Council, including engagements with private sector stakeholders and philanthropists committed to police welfare and national development.

Concern Over Retired Female Officers

Addressing gender inclusion, the PCRC National Chairman expressed deep concern over the persistent neglect of retired female police officers in post-service appointments, despite their qualifications, experience, and proven capacity.

Calling for deliberate advocacy, he urged NUJ FCT Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike, to leverage her leadership position and media influence to sustain public attention on the issue.

According to him, the media has a crucial role in reshaping public perception and influencing policy by spotlighting the contributions of female police officers and advocating inclusive appointment practices.

“What a man can do, a woman can do even better,” Olaniyan said, stressing that merit, integrity, and experience—not gender—should determine opportunities within the security sector.

He observed that while retired male police officers are routinely appointed as security advisers, consultants, and heads of security for government institutions and private organisations, 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.

Media Ethics and Police Reporting

On media ethics, Olaniyan urged journalists to verify facts and ensure balanced reporting on police-related issues, cautioning against one-sided narratives that could undermine national institutions. While acknowledging imperfections within the police, he stressed that the force remains 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.

NUJ Commends PCRC Leadership

Earlier, NUJ FCT Chairman Ms. Grace Ike commended Olaniyan for his visible humanitarian efforts, describing him as a “man of the people” whose activities continue to attract public goodwill.

She said the visit marked the beginning of a stronger partnership between the NUJ FCT and the PCRC, particularly in promoting national development, community relations, and positive police-media engagement.

According to her, the NUJ FCT— as the umbrella body for all media organisations in Abuja— remains committed to objective, balanced, and responsible journalism, pledging to amplify PCRC activities across its network of over 700 journalists.

Ms. Ike emphasized that collaboration must be mutual, assuring the PCRC of sustained publicity, story syndication, and collective engagement whenever issues arise.

She also drew attention to challenges facing journalists in the FCT, particularly the poor state of the NUJ Secretariat and the absence of a functional congress hall, which forces members to hold meetings under unfavourable conditions. She appealed for support toward completing the abandoned building project and called for collaboration on affordable housing schemes for journalists, similar to initiatives in Lagos.