News Investigators/ The Nigeria Police Force has called for partnership with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in promoting its image.
The Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Benjamin Hundeyin, made the call on Friday in Abuja during a courtesy visit to the Managing Director of NAN, Ali Muhammad Ali.
“I am here to seek for your support to enable me to achieve my mandate.
“The Nigeria Police Force needs to work and improve on its image and so the need to link up with the public and the media.
“So, we are here because we need some fundamental stakeholders to back us up, ” he said.
Mr Hundeyin said his experience in journalism opened his eyes to the reach of NAN in terms of information dissemination.
He pledged that the police would ensure a symbiotic relationship with NAN, adding that his doors would remain open to the agency whenever the need arises.
In his remarks, Mr Ali commended the Force Public Relations Officer for the visit while congratulating him on his appointment.
He said public perception about the Nigeria Police Force had improved positively with the assumption of office of the new spokesman.
“You have been doing well since you took over and your interaction with the public is gradually changing public perception about the Nigeria Police Force.
“You came at a time when the image of the force was already dented, but we are already seeing some changes since you took over.
“Your appointment is not a mistake because I can see that through your social skills,” he said.
Mr Ali said having a listening police spokesperson that would change public perception about the force was crucial at the moment.
He urged Hundeyin to always partner with the media, saying journalists would only work with available information.
The NAN managing director also pledged the commitment of the agency to supporting the Police Force in its efforts to promote a positive perception.
Earlier, NAN Editor-In-Chief, Mufutau Ojo, said NAN has offices in 34 states of the federation, with its headquarters in Abuja and a directorate in Lagos as well as several district offices.
Mr Ojo also said the agency has bureaus in New York, Johannesburg and Abidjan as well as partnerships with major international news agencies.
NAN
