By John Alechenu, Abuja
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has confirmed his participation in the World Public Relations Forum, WPRF, Abuja 2026, scheduled for November 15 to 21 in Abuja
Disu gave the confirmation on Tuesday when he received a delegation from the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, NIPR, led by its President, Dr Ike Neliaku, at the Force Headquarters in Abuja
The IGP also pledged the support of the Nigeria Police Force for the successful hosting of the global forum
Disu, a full member of the NIPR, said public relations was central to effective policing, adding that collaboration between the police and the institute would serve the national interest
He said, “The police and NIPR share the core task of building trust Without trust, policing fails and without credibility, public relations is just noise.
“In spite of hard work by our men and officers, the image of the Force is not where we want it We will need your support to help Nigerians understand that the police is their friend.”
Earlier, Neliaku urged the police to become strategic partners in the forum and invited the IGP to speak at one of its sessions
He said the forum would provide an opportunity to strengthen global policing standards, particularly in strategic communication, intelligence gathering, public affairs, security communication and reputation management
Neliaku also called for participation by state police commands and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Command
The NIPR delegation included the Secretary-General of the African Public Relations Association, APRA, Dr Omoniyi Ibietan; Chairman of the WPRF National Planning Committee, Dr Suleiman Haruna; Vice Chairman of the committee, Hajiya Maryam Sanusi; and Chairman of the Linguistics and Language Work Team, Mrs Olubunmi Badejo
Others were the FCT Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Olusola Odumosu; Registrar of NIPR, Chief Uzoma Onyegbadue; member of the NRMG Board, Chief Moji Makanjuola; Director of Public Relations, Stanley Ogadigo; Chairman of the Young Professionals Hub of NIPR, Chimdi Neliaku; Chairman of the Transportation Work Team, Dr Eddy Megwa; and Chairman of the Creatives and Multimedia Work Team, Dr Tope Ojeme