By John Dike
Osun State police boss, CP Ibrahim Zungura, has called for stronger collaboration among security agencies and the media to promote peace, public safety and effective security operations across the state.
He made the call on Thursday while receiving the Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Osun State Command, CC Toma Matthew Enya, and members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Online Media Chapel, on separate courtesy visits at the Police Command Headquarters, Osogbo.
The visits provided opportunities to strengthen existing relationships, promote mutual understanding and explore areas of cooperation in addressing security challenges in Osun State.
During his visit, Enya expressed appreciation for the warm reception and reaffirmed the NSCDC’s readiness to deepen cooperation with the Nigeria Police Force in the collective pursuit of peace, security and public safety.
The NSCDC commandant likened Zungura to an elephant in recognition of his wisdom and leadership role among sister security agencies in the state.
Responding, the police commissioner thanked Enya for the visit and stressed the importance of sustained collaboration, intelligence sharing and coordinated security operations among security agencies.
He said effective cooperation was essential to addressing security challenges and safeguarding lives and property across the state.
In a related development, Zungura received members of the NUJ Online Media Chapel, led by its chairman, Mr Isa Isawade, on a separate courtesy visit.
The visit focused on strengthening relations between the police and the media, promoting mutual understanding and exploring areas of collaboration to enhance public safety, effective communication and security awareness.
Members of the chapel appreciated the commissioner for the reception and reaffirmed their commitment to responsible journalism, accurate reportage and the dissemination of credible information to promote peace, public trust and security.
In his response, Zungura acknowledged the media’s important role in crime prevention, public enlightenment and fostering harmonious relationships between the police and members of the public.
He emphasised the need for a strong and cordial partnership between the police and journalists, particularly in disseminating timely, accurate and verified information.
The commissioner also urged journalists to uphold the ethics of their profession by avoiding sensational reporting and verifying information before publication.
He encouraged the media to support the efforts of security agencies through responsible journalism that promotes peace and discourages the spread of misinformation.
