Lauretta Fagbohun,
Abeokuta.
The Ogun State Police Command and the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun State Council, have reaffirmed the need for stronger collaboration between the police and the media to enhance public safety and promote peace across the state.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, stated this on Tuesday when the newly elected executive members of the Correspondents’ Chapel paid him a courtesy visit at the command’s headquarters in Abeokuta.
Ojajuni described journalists as important partners in the fight against crime, noting that effective communication between the police and the media could improve public awareness, strengthen security initiatives and contribute to the protection of lives and property.
He assured the chapel’s leadership of the command’s readiness to sustain a productive relationship with media practitioners, stressing that security agencies and the press had complementary responsibilities in promoting peace and public order.
The police commissioner also highlighted the need for journalists to exercise professionalism in their reportage, particularly amid the increasing circulation of unverified information on digital platforms.
He warned that sensational reporting and fake news could undermine security efforts and fuel tensions, urging media practitioners to prioritise accuracy, objectivity and developmental journalism.
The commissioner maintained that adherence to the fundamental principles of journalism was essential to preserving public trust and strengthening democratic accountability.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel, Comrade Yetunde Fatungase, commended the police command for its efforts to tackle crime and maintain security in Ogun State.
Fatungase said the visit was intended to strengthen the existing relationship between the two institutions, acknowledging their shared responsibility in advancing peace, security and national development.
She reaffirmed the chapel’s commitment to balanced, accurate and responsible reporting, assuring the police commissioner that its members would continue to uphold professional standards in the discharge of their duties.
“While the police work tirelessly to protect lives and property, the media remains committed to informing the public accurately, responsibly and professionally,” she said.
