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Building a Police Force That Works for All Nigerians, Our Priority — PRS

Published

1 year ago

September 10, 2025

Joel Ajayi

In its commitment to national development and public trust, the Police Reform Secretariat (PRS) is championing efforts to build a modern, inclusive, and accountable police system that truly serves the needs of all Nigerians.

Through stakeholder engagement, institutional reform, and community-focused strategies, the PRS aims to reposition the Nigeria Police Force as a professional and people-centred institution, capable of protecting rights, upholding justice, and fostering nationwide security.

At the heart of this initiative is the Multi-Stakeholder Consultative Forum on National Police Reform, held on Tuesday in Abuja, where key stakeholders from across the country gathered to deliberate on sustainable reforms that can reposition the Nigeria Police Force for national development and improved public trust.

The Police Service Reform (PSR) initiative, spearheaded by the PRS, is a vital and timely effort designed to restructure the Nigeria Police Force into a more professional, accountable, and people-oriented institution. These reforms are anchored on three critical pillars: Professionalism, Accountabilityand People-Oriented Policing.
Also, the forum marks a significant step in the ongoing national dialogue to create a reformed police structure that not only enforces the law but also earns the trust, confidence, and cooperation of the communities it serves.

Speaking at the event, Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, who was represented by AIG M. Gumel, reiterated the importance of inclusive reform. He described the forum as an essential platform to drive meaningful change, saying: “Today’s gathering is not just another meeting. It is a collective call to action. Across Nigeria, communities are demanding a policy and policing system that is inclusive, accountable, professional, and people-centred. We are being asked to imagine — and help build a system that is not merely an institution on paper, but a trusted partner in safeguarding rights and fostering safe, equitable communities.”

He stressed that true reform must be bottom-up, shaped by the diverse voices of Nigerians — from security agencies to civil society, from traditional rulers to youth groups, and from policymakers to everyday citizens.

“As we begin our deliberations today,” he said, “let us be guided by three foundational principles: Inclusivity – Every Nigerian, especially the marginalised, must see themselves in the system that governs them.

Accountability – Policy is a public trust, and transparency must define our actions, Innovation – We must embrace forward-thinking, data-driven approaches that match today’s security realities.”

On behalf of the police and the organising committee, the IGP’s representative declared the forum open, urging all participants to engage in honest, respectful, and action-oriented dialogue.

Speaking during the forum, the Coordinator of the PRS Prof. Olu Ogunsakin, emphasized that the gathering was convened to harness diverse perspectives and collective wisdom to drive meaningful and inclusive reforms.

“This platform allows for open dialogue among stakeholders to shape a reform agenda that reflects the needs of the people and the realities on the ground. We aim to develop a police system that works for all Nigerians.”

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), DIG Hashimu Argungu (retd), expressed his gratitude to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the German Government, and other development partners for their unwavering support in shaping a transformative police reform agenda.

“We appreciate our partners for their technical and financial support, and for championing the reform policy review. This effort is about building a police service that is truly in service of the Nigerian people,” DIG Argungu stated.

Delivering a goodwill message, Mr. Christoph Sehotte, representative of the German Embassy, reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s police reform agenda.
“Police reform is a cornerstone of strong democracy, the rule of law, and public safety. Germany is proud to support this critical process — not only through funding, but through practical and inclusive interventions that deliver real impact,” Sehotte stated.

He highlighted Germany’s efforts in facilitating trainings and workshops to build police capacity, foster gender equality, and promote community policing approaches that bring the police closer to the people and strengthen public trust.

“We are proud of our successful collaboration with implementing partners such as the UNDP, the GS Foundation, and the CLEEN Foundation. Together, we’ve translated our support into concrete actions and visible results on the ground,” he added.

Mr. Sehotte also emphasised the strategic role of the Police Reform Secretariat, describing it as both a coordination hub and a potential think-tank for future policy development.
“Strengthening the Secretariat is essential for the long-term success of police reform in Nigeria. This forum is an important milestone a moment to reflect on progress and shape the next steps toward a modern, accountable, and people-centred police service.”

He concluded by affirming Germany’s long-term commitment to the process and urged all stakeholders — civil society, government, international partners, and communities — to work together to build a police system that serves the people, supports justice, and promotes peace and stability in Nigeria.

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Eagle Times Newspaper Will Be Voice for Nigerians – Publisher Chukwunyere Vows

Published

7 hours ago

October 2, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Publisher of The Eagle Times Nigeria, Sir Ikechukwu Chukwunyere, has pledged that the newspaper will promote accountability, credible journalism and public-interest reporting in its coverage of national affairs.
Chukwunyere made the commitment on Thursday, October 1, 2026, during the official unveiling and launch of The Eagle Times Nigeria.

He said the new media organisation was established not merely to add another newspaper to Nigeria’s media landscape, but to provide a platform committed to serving the public interest.

According to him, the newspaper’s guiding philosophy, “The Voice for the People, The Watchdog for the Nation,” places a responsibility on the organisation to listen to Nigerians, tell their stories, highlight issues affecting their daily lives and scrutinise those entrusted with public responsibilities.

“To be a voice for the people means that we must listen to Nigerians, tell their stories, highlight their concerns and give visibility to issues that affect their daily lives,” he said.

The publisher added that The Eagle Times would be guided by accuracy, fairness, professionalism, credibility and responsible journalism, stressing that the newspaper would not publish stories merely because they were sensational.

“We will verify. We will investigate. We will seek the other side. We will correct our mistakes when we make them,” he said.

Chukwunyere further stated that the newspaper would endeavour to give individuals and organisations the opportunity to respond whenever allegations were made against them.
“Our commitment is not to any political party, government or individual. Our primary commitment is to journalism, to truth and to the Nigerian public,” he said.

He noted that the newspaper was launching at a time when the media industry was undergoing rapid transformation, with audiences increasingly consuming news through digital platforms, including websites, television, podcasts and social media.

He said The Eagle Times would therefore operate as a multimedia organisation, combining its newspaper with digital platforms and The Eagle Times TV to reach audiences across different channels.

According to him, the organisation also intends to create opportunities for young journalists, writers, photographers, producers, digital creators and other media professionals to develop their skills and contribute to journalism and national development.

Chukwunyere said the newspaper’s coverage would include politics, governance, business, economy, security, judiciary, education, health, technology, sports, entertainment, lifestyle and international affairs.

He, however, said the organisation intended to distinguish itself not only by the subjects it covered but by the quality and approach of its journalism.

We want to tell stories that matter, we want to investigate issues that require investigation, we want to highlight Nigerians who are making a difference, and we want to give communities that are often ignored an opportunity to be heard,” he said.

The publisher acknowledged the challenges involved in establishing a newspaper, saying the venture required investment, commitment, professional discipline and the courage to pursue an idea.

He expressed appreciation to the management, editorial, reporting, production and digital teams, as well as families, friends, partners and supporters who contributed to the establishment of the organisation.

Chukwunyere also assured readers, viewers and the newspaper’s digital audience that The Eagle Times would strive to earn their trust and remain accountable to the standards it had set for itself.

He said the newspaper’s success would not be measured only by circulation figures, website traffic or social media followers, but also by the confidence Nigerians placed in its journalism.

“Today, we spread our wings. Today, The Eagle Times takes flight,” he said, reaffirming the newspaper’s commitment to its slogan: “The Voice for the People, The Watchdog for the Nation.”

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