NCoS Seeks PRNigeria Collaboration to Strengthen Correctional Reform Communication
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has sought the collaboration of PRNigeria to improve public enlightenment and ensure balanced reportage of its activities, especially under the new Correctional Service Act and ongoing reforms.
The Service’s Public Relations Officer, Jane Osuji, who paid a courtesy visit to the PRNigeria office in Abuja on Friday, described the media as a critical stakeholder in shaping public perception.
The spokesperson said the visit was to seek guidance, support, and partnership in managing the Service’s communications from the Editor-in-Chief of PRNigeria, Alhaji Yushau A. Shuaib.
“We seek your support and strategic collaboration. Constructive engagement with partners who can provide candid assessments is vital. Such feedback enables us to recognise our strengths while also addressing areas that require improvement,” she said.
She noted that the Service recognises the role of constructive criticism in improving performance.
“It would be unrealistic to say that stories must always be positive or palatable, but sometimes you need that accountability and criticism in order to know where you need to pay more attention.
“All we are asking for is balanced reportage. Give the Service a fair hearing. Come in and understand why certain things happen, and let us work together to put those things that are not too positive into proper perspective, so that the listening public and the reading public will have a better understanding,” she said.
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The PRO explained that the visit was also to brief PRNigeria on the reforms being driven by the Controller General, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, saying the Service is now focused on implementing the provisions of the Act in order to better carry out its mandate.
“Especially with the new reforms being driven by the present Controller General, we are not doing anything new, but we are giving life and meaning to the provisions of the Act in order to carry out our mandate and serve the people of this country,” she said.
Responding, Alhaji Yushau Shuaib welcomed the visit and assured the Service of full support in media relations, crisis communication, and capacity building for its officers.
Shuaib commended the PRO for formalising the engagement and for her professionalism since assuming office.
“Your activities since assuming office show that the Service has the best officer to manage its PR. I can tell you for sure that your visit to this place is like coming home. Definitely, we are going to give you all the necessary support.”
He said PRNigeria has done similar work with the Service in the past, including media syndication and narrative management, and offered to expand that support, including through capacity building.
“In addition, we are prepared to support capacity-building initiatives. We operate a training hub in Kano and another in Ilorin. Should you require training for your officers in this area, you can rely on our facilities and expertise.”
He emphasised the importance of proactive communication around the new Correctional Act, rather than waiting for incidents to occur.
“Rather than waiting until there is a problem or until an activity takes place before communicating, we can work together to shape the narrative,” he said.
By PRNigeria
