By Adewole Kehinde
For an organization to be successful, an effective communication strategy is imperative. Without it, there could be an adverse impact on the work environment. In addition, the organization runs the risk of incorrect information being circulated causing disharmony and bad decisions.
Therefore, managing organizational communication should be at the core of an organization as it allows the smooth flow of information across all levels in a hierarchy.
The benefits of a communication strategy within an organization are innumerable. Effective communication strategies can help organizations improve the overall productivity of the workforce, create a positive presence for the organization in the market and instill a sense of trust among employees. These factors play a major role in the success of an organization.
The Nigeria Police Force Public Relations Officers and Strategic Communication Experts converged on the culturally rich city of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
The annual conference with the theme “Strengthening Strategic Communication Towards Police Reforms, Security and Integrity of 2023 Election” was declared open by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Usman Alkali Baba, who was represented by the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) FCID and Coordinating DIG South-West DIG Johnson Babatunde Kokumo with Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Minister of Information and Culture as special guest, and other important dignitaries from across the country
The conference was declared open by the Hon Minister of Information and culture, Alh Lai Mohammed CON, who was represented by Mr. Ididapo Okunnu, Director of Production, Publication, and Documentation, Ministry of Information and Culture, Abuja, and the Chief Host, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Usman Alkali Baba, who was represented by the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) FCID and Coordinating DIG South-West DIG Johnson Babatunde Kokumo.”
The conference centers on strengthening strategic communication towards Police Reforms, Security, and Integrity of the 2023 General Elections.
“We are ready to provide the necessary to have a seamless 2023 electoral process. Kudos to the IGP for providing the required quality leadership we deserve,” said Adejobi.
In his opening remark, the Inspector General of Police urged Police Public Relations Officers across the country to maintain the Nigeria Police’s positive image.
He stated that to combat crime and criminality, PPROs must communicate strategically. He also stated that the Police Force will collaborate with all other sister security agencies to ensure that the 2023 general elections are free of crises.
The conference was declared open by the Hon Minister of Information and culture, Alh Lai Mohammed CON, who was represented by Mr. Ididapo Okunnu, Director of Production, Publication, and Documentation, Ministry of Information and Culture, Abuja
He urged PPROs to check the real identity of information at their disposal and advised the Nigeria Police to establish a Fact-Checking mechanism.
He also encouraged them to manage information effectively, as peace is not meant to be physical, but rather knowledge-based.
In his opening remarks, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, urged all participants to take advantage of the highly experienced resource persons to improve their duties and strategic communication, as the Nigeria Police is ready to provide the necessary support for a smooth 2023 electoral process.
Goodwill messages came from the UNDP, CLEEN Foundation, National Chairman of Police Community Relations Committee, Chairman of NUJ Oyo State Council, INEC, Aisha Tosan of Crime Fighter, and ADRON Homes among others
Souvenirs were presented to the Hon Minister of Information and culture, Alh Lai Mohammed CON; The Inspector General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba; Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Force Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Department (FCIID) and coordinating DIG for the South-West, DIG Kokumo Bababunde Johnson and the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, CP Mr. Adebowale Williams.
During the ceremony, the IGP awarded Commendation Letters to Oyo State, Lagos State, Kano State, FCT, Delta State, Enugu State, and Gombe State for their social media activity.
The conference centers on strengthening strategic Communication towards Police Reforms, Security, and Integrity of the 2023 General Elections.
Police PPROs from the 17 Police Zonal Commands, 36 State Commands, and the FCT are attended the Conference.
On day 2 of the Conference, the Former Force Public Relations Officer, Commissioner of Police Emmanuel Ojukwu (retd), urged Police PPROs from the 17 Police Zonal Commands, 36 State Commands, and the FCT to uphold their reputation because the public is their mirror.
Ojukwu, one of the facilitators, talked on the topic “Reputation Management/Professional Ethics” and took the PPROs through the definition of professionalism, the ingredients of professionalism, the principles of professionalism, National ethics, and Police ethics.
He also talked about the attributes of Police Public Relations such as adaptability, integrity, discretion, etc.
He said the training was germane and came at an appropriate time when Police Public Relations Officers needed a lot of capacity to deliver their services, and when the Nigeria Police, as an institution, needed to raise its game in communication within and outside the Force.
The training, according to him, “has come to increase their skills, and competences and give greater awareness in the minds of Police PROs nationwide, on the need to communicate strategically and in the best possible way, in line with international best practices.
Ojukwu further said that the Police PROs who speak for the Police, who work on the image of the police and defend the indefensible, sometimes, need to be in line with what happens in the society and to know the moods and attitudes of the people.
“Another thing is strategic communication itself, vis a vis the internal environment where you have the Police management which includes the IGP, senior officers, Commissioners of Police, and other ranks who are the real policemen, in the theatre of policing. How do we communicate with them and get back feedback from them? I do believe the take home from here is to learn how to better communicate with the internal public.”
“From understating, we know there seems to be a lot of gaps when it comes to strategic communication and we emphasized the need for the police to adopt strategic communication when it comes to both the internal and external environment they work with, Ojukwu said.
Registrar/CEO of the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON), Olalekan Fadolapo, was also at the Conference with his team namely; Lanre Adisa, Kelechi Nwosu, Jude Odia, and Dotun Babatunde.
Kelechi Nwosun spoke on integrated marketing communications such as owned, earned, paid, and social communication. He also spoke on feedback mechanism, evaluation/evolves.
On his part, Lanre Adisa spoke on creativity, consumer insight, brief prompter, return on attention and return on investment. He also emphasized understanding media strategy, planning, and execution.
Jude Odia took the PPROs through having a brief, profiling the target audience, and constant communication with the youths in their area/command. He asked them to develop a strategic communication mechanism for their target audience.
On his part, Dotun Babatunde took the PPROs’ through the New Digital Media & Social media communication where brand awareness, extending customer, reputation management, and building a community of advocates was discussed.
The day two activities came to an end with a lecture on Social Media, curbing misinformation, disinformation, and mal-information by Dr. Monday Asibagun.
On day 3, the Force Public Relations Officer Force Headquarters CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi called on Police Public Relations Officers to use their offices to reform the Nigeria Police.
CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi spoke on “Police Reform and the Role of Strategic Communication,” where he stated that Police Public Relations Officers must be in charge and professional in their daily duties.
“You have to look inward to assist the Police. You must be up and doing as PPROs, Adejobi said.
He also tasked the spokespersons to champion reform initiatives in their various Commands and urged them to work collaboratively with the media to create a harmonious partnership.
On his part, Dr. Monday Asibagun took the PPROs’ on “perception and new media”.
He taught them what makes a brand, the value placed on the brand, paying for competence, and types of perception such as Physiology, past experiences, culture, and present feelings.
Mr. Bimbola Alagbe, the final resource person, took the PPROs through a topic called “Police Public Relations: Building a Theory of Change”. The lecture focuses on the Police Act 2020.
He said that the general objective of the new Act is to provide an effective police service that is based on the principles of accountability and transparency, protection of human rights, and partnership with other security agencies.
In achieving this objective, the Act did not only improve on the provisions of the erstwhile Act, but it also has its novel provisions.
Another important improvement on the old Police Act that came with the New Act is Section 4 of the New Act which has extended the duties of the Nigeria Police beyond detection and prevention of crimes and protection of rights, lives, and properties, maintenance of public safety, law and order; and the enforcement of laws and regulations to include collaborating with agencies to assist persons in distress, victims of road accidents, fire disasters, earthquakes, and flood, facilitating the free passage and movement on the highways, roads, and streets open to the public and adoption community partnership.
The Nigeria Police Force also now must vet and approve the registration of private detective schools and private investigation outfits.
The event came to an end with the participants forming 6 syndicates with a presentation from each group on pre-election, election, and posts election security management and harmonization of all solutions profound.
From the syndicates exercise, I can say that the Police Public Relations Officers across the 36 states and the FCT gained the following from the Conference:
The PPROs now understand the big picture of their offices and how they fit in. They feel valued, listened to, and like an important part of the team and the Police Force.
The PPROs are now set and ready to be more productive and see meaning in their work. As a result, they are ready to contribute more and feel better about their contribution and the Police Force so they are ready to help move the Nigeria Police forward.
As we know, communication isn’t just tactical anymore; it’s about strategy. In this context, Police Management Team are better able to understand PPROs needs and how to meet those needs to motivate, inspire and engage them.
The PPROs engagement journey is a continuous one. Communication is not an event. It is a continuous process. You must work every day to ask the right questions, answer others appropriately, and communicate openly and honestly with personnel. When they see you making that extra effort, they will do the same. By moving away from lip service and toward positive action, you drive positive policing results.
Institutions that understand the benefits of good communication, prioritize, and constantly strive to achieve better internal communication are a breed apart. They achieve trust and credibility. They enable employees to do their jobs better. They create a constructive workplace that encourages growth and a common sense of purpose.
From the PPROs’ Conference themed “Strengthening Strategic Communication Towards Police Reforms, Security and Integrity of 2023 Election”, I saw one result: Higher levels of performance and better Policing results before, during, and after the 2023 General election.
Adewole Kehinde is the Publisher of Swift Reporters and a Public Affairs Analyst based in Abuja. E-mail: kennyadewole@gmail.com
