Zone 7 Police Urges Media to Promote Responsible Security Reporting
By Pan Afric Reporters
The Nigeria Police Force, Zone 7 Headquarters, Abuja, has called for stronger collaboration with the media to promote responsible security reporting, deepen public understanding and ensure that accurate information reaches citizens in an increasingly complex digital environment.
The Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Administration, Zone 7 Headquarters, Abuja, DCP Adeola Adetunde made the call in his welcome address at the opening of a two-day media interaction organised by the zone at Barcelona Hotel, Abuja.
The interaction, which has as its theme, “Reporting Security in the Digital Age: Curtailing Misinformation, Preventing Panic and Upholding Fact-Based Journalism in Nigeria,” brought together police officers, journalists, representatives of professional bodies, resource persons, sponsors and other stakeholders in the information ecosystem.
The DCP, said the programme was designed to provide an opportunity for the police and media to engage meaningfully on issues surrounding contemporary security communication and professional practice.
According to him, the interaction was “more than a gathering of professionals,” as it provided an opportunity to bring together stakeholders occupying different but influential positions within Nigeria’s information ecosystem.
He said while the police operated in a society that needed to remain adequately informed, the media also worked within an environment where security realities required accurate understanding and responsible reporting.
“Bringing these perspectives into the same room creates an environment for meaningful exchange,” he said.
The police authority urged participants to take advantage of the two-day programme by engaging the resource persons, asking questions, sharing experiences and building professional relationships that could contribute to improved media and security communication.
He particularly encouraged participants to approach the sessions with “openness and curiosity,” noting that valuable lessons could emerge not only from formal presentations but also from discussions, questions and interactions among participants.
The DCP expressed appreciation to the resource persons and facilitators for making their expertise available, while also acknowledging the contributions of sponsors and partners whose support helped facilitate the programme.
He commended members of the media for honouring the invitation despite the demanding nature of their profession, describing their participation as an indication of their commitment to continuous learning and professional engagement.
The Deputy Commissioner also acknowledged the efforts of the planning team and personnel of Zone 7 Headquarters for putting the programme together, stressing that successful events were built on the dedication and preparation that often remained unseen.
Beyond the formal training sessions, the police authority encouraged participants to explore other activities provided as part of the interaction, including exhibition booths showcasing various initiatives.
He disclosed that arrangements had also been made for the health and wellbeing of participants through the Zone 7 Medical Station, where they could have their health checked and undergo eye examinations.
He explained that the measures were intended to ensure that the interaction was not only informative and professionally enriching but also a wholesome experience for participants.
The DCP further urged media practitioners to extend the experience beyond the venue by telling their audiences the story of the event from their own professional perspectives.
“As media professionals, you are also storytellers. Take us with you beyond this room. Share the experience from your own perspective, let your audiences see the conversations taking place, the ideas being exchanged, the exhibitors showcasing their work and the different activities that make this interaction unique,” he said.
He urged participants to capture the activities and share them with the wider public, saying the initiative was intended to strengthen understanding and foster closer professional relationships between the police and the media.
“Let us make these two days count,” he appealed, adding that participants should leave the interaction with “a new perspective, a useful contact, a practical idea or a renewed appreciation of another professional’s role.”
The Zone 7 police administration expressed optimism that the engagement would produce an enriching and memorable experience while further strengthening professional collaboration between the Nigeria Police Force and the media.
The DCP thereafter welcomed participants to the two-day interaction and wished them a successful and rewarding engagement.
