NEWS
Information Commissioner, Okey Kanu Seeks Stronger Police-Media Partnership to Deepen Security, Public Trust in Abia
…as Abia Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, Seeks Partnership Aimed at Improving Security Across the State
The Abia State Commissioner for Information, Prince Sir Okey Kanu, has called for stronger collaboration between the Ministry of Information and the Abia State Police Command as part of efforts to deepen public confidence, improve community intelligence and consolidate the prevailing peace and security across the State.
Kanu made the call while receiving the newly deployed Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command, CP Wilfred Afolabi, who paid a courtesy visit to the Ministry of Information.
The Commissioner warmly welcomed CP Afolabi and described his visit as an important first step towards building a productive relationship between the Police Command, the information sector and the wider public.
He commended the new Police Commissioner for prioritising engagements with critical stakeholders at the beginning of his tenure, expressing optimism that such early consultations would lay the foundation for sustained cooperation in policing, public enlightenment and responsible communication.
Kanu also highlighted the security-conscious approach of the administration of Governor Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, noting that the Governor had consistently placed the safety and wellbeing of Abians high on his agenda since assuming office in 2023.
He particularly referenced the relative calm restored around the Lokpanta axis, describing it as evidence of the administration’s commitment to creating a safer environment for residents, businesses and visitors.
According to him, sustainable security requires the active participation of the people, stressing that the Police cannot effectively combat crime without the cooperation and support of communities.
He therefore called for intensified community engagement and intelligence gathering, alongside responsible media collaboration, to ensure that security agencies receive timely and credible information capable of helping them prevent and respond effectively to criminal activities.
Kanu further urged the Police Command to intensify efforts against criminal syndicates involved in car theft and other forms of organised crime. He noted that successfully dismantling such networks would not only protect residents and their property but also boost public confidence and create a more secure environment for economic activities across Abia.
The Commissioner assured CP Afolabi of the continued support of the Otti led-administration within available resources, while pledging that the Ministry of Information would support the Command through strategic communication, public enlightenment and responsible publicity of security initiatives.
In his response, CP Wilfred Afolabi expressed appreciation to Information Commissioner, Prince Okey Kanu and the management of the Ministry for the warm reception extended to him and members of his delegation.
He explained that the courtesy visit formed part of his broader efforts to establish strategic relationships with critical stakeholders and strengthen community-based partnerships aimed at improving security across the State.
The Police Commissioner emphasised that security is a collective responsibility, requiring cooperation among the Police, other security agencies, government institutions, traditional rulers, community leaders, residents, the media and other stakeholders.
He expressed his readiness to maintain an open channel of communication with the Ministry of Information and other relevant institutions, particularly in promoting responsible information sharing, strengthening public trust and improving community intelligence.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information, Sir Chris Onwuegbu, welcomed CP Afolabi to Abia and congratulated him on his deployment to the State.
Onwuegbu noted the coincidence of Afolabi becoming the 35th Commissioner of Police in Abia during the 35th anniversary year of the State’s creation, describing it as a remarkable occurrence.
He reaffirmed the Ministry’s readiness to work closely with the Police Command in public enlightenment, crisis communication, responsible reporting and the dissemination of appropriate security information, while ensuring that operationally sensitive information remains protected.
The Permanent Secretary expressed optimism that Abia would continue to maintain its reputation as one of Nigeria’s safest states and prayed for a peaceful and successful tenure for CP Afolabi.
In her vote of thanks, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chioma Chinaka, appreciated the Commissioner for Information and the Ministry’s management for the warm reception accorded the Police Commissioner and his delegation.
She commended the Ministry for its continued support to the Police Command and expressed confidence that closer cooperation between both institutions would improve information flow, strengthen public confidence and contribute significantly to lasting peace and security in Abia.
The visit ended with both the Ministry of Information and the Police Command reaffirming their commitment to a stronger partnership, with emphasis on effective communication, community intelligence, public trust and collective action towards safeguarding the peac
e, safety and development of Abia State.