Public Relations Officers (PROs) in Nigeria’s paramilitary agencies have been urged to actively promote the work of their respective organisations to strengthen public trust and enhance effective service delivery in safeguarding lives and property.
The call was made by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, during a one-day training held in Abuja for PROs from agencies under the Ministry of Interior.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo emphasised the strategic role of Public Relations Officers in shaping public perception and improving national security. He noted that effective communication can serve as a critical tool in building credibility and trust between security agencies and the public.
He encouraged the officers to become proactive information managers and embrace digital technology in their communication strategies. He also highlighted the importance of objectivity, research, creativity, empathy, advocacy, and teamwork in modern information dissemination.
The Minister reminded participants of the crucial role of the Ministry of Interior in managing the country’s internal security and border operations, stressing the need for proper handling of information to avoid misinterpretation or misinformation.
He underscored the importance of team coordination in communication, urging PROs to clarify information from their superiors and ensure accurate and clear messaging to prevent public misunderstanding and misrepresentation of their agencies.
In his opening remarks, the Special Adviser to the Minister on Media and the event organiser, Mr. Babatunde Alao, said the training was designed to enhance the knowledge and capacity of Public Relations Officers in line with evolving global trends in information management. He noted that the session would focus on interactive engagement and knowledge sharing, with seasoned media practitioners delivering key lectures.
The one-day training, titled “Ministry of Interior Media Masterclass”, had as its theme: “Beyond Press Statements: Media as a Tool for Public Engagement.”
Participants were drawn from the Public Relations Units of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), and the Federal Fire Service (FFS).