PWAN Engages Media to Strengthen Trust in Police
A non-governmental organization, Partners West Africa Nigeria (PWAN), has launched a project aimed at strengthening citizens’ participation, improving security governance, and enhancing protection systems across Nigeria.
The project aims to strengthen the implementation of police reform in Nigeria, with a focus on institutional accountability, gender responsiveness, and improved public trust in the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).
The Executive Director of the organisation, Kemi Okenyodo, speaking during her opening address at a sensitisation workshop for media practitioners says the aim is to strengthen reportage on police reform and accountability issues in Nigeria.
The worksop took place at the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja on Monday.
“Effective security governance must be accountable, professional, inclusive and responsive to the needs of the people, especially women, youth and other vulnerable groups,” she said.
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The project, supported by the Foreign Commonwealth Development Office, is titled “Enhancing Public Trust and Gender Responsive Policing in Nigeria through Effective Implementation of the Police Act 2020.”
Okenyodo said: “The project aims to strengthen the implementation of police reform in Nigeria with a focus on institutional accountability, gender responsiveness and improved public trust in the Nigerian Police Force.”
“One of the flagship activities is a one-day sensitisation and capacity-building workshop for media practitioners. Through this workshop, we aim to equip media practitioners with the knowledge, skills and tools required for accurate, ethical and impactful reporting on police reform, accountability and gender responsive policing.”
She further explained that the initiative will foster collaboration between the media and the police, promote transparency, and enhance public understanding of the Police Act 2020.
Looking ahead, she revealed plans for a dialogue session between police leadership in the FCT and media actors later this week.
“We believe that this space is a safe and inclusive space for participants to share their experiences, voice concerns and propose practical recommendations for improving trust and collaboration between communities and the NPF,” the PWAN boss added.
