The Oyo State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Abimbola, has described journalists, particularly crime reporters, as indispensable partners in the fight against crime and the promotion of peace and security in the state.
CP Abimbola made the assertion on Thursday when he hosted members of the Crime Reporters Association of Nigeria (CRAN), Oyo State chapter, to a conference and mess gathering at the Police Officers’ Mess, Eleyele, Ibadan.
The Commissioner said journalists remained formidable professionals whose activities played a significant role in shaping society, promoting accountability and projecting the activities and achievements of the Nigeria Police Force.
He explained that the meeting was organised as part of efforts to strengthen the existing relationship between the Police and the media and create a smoother working partnership that would benefit the Police, the media and society at large.
According to him, the media has an important responsibility in keeping members of the public informed, particularly on security matters, and therefore urged journalists to maintain objectivity, professionalism and balance in their reportage.
He said the society looked up to journalists for credible information, urging them to continue to uphold the ethics of the profession while reporting security and crime-related issues.
Also speaking at the gathering, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, AIG Nkechi Eze, Director of Medical Services, Nigeria Police Force, emphasized the importance of regular medical check-ups among police personnel.
AIG Eze, who was in the state as part of her inspection of police health facilities, urged officers and men of the Command to take their health seriously and ensure that they regularly check their health status.
She commended CP Abimbola for his strides since assuming office in Oyo State, adding that the purpose of her visit was also to assess the condition of health facilities within the Command and determine areas requiring attention.
The AIG advised police personnel to regularly monitor their blood pressure, blood sugar levels and other vital health indicators, warning them not to neglect their health until complications arise.
She said: “It is important for police officers to know their health status in areas like blood pressure, blood sugar and others. Don’t allow yourself to fall on your way of duty.”
AIG Eze further encouraged personnel to speak out whenever they had health challenges so that appropriate assistance could be provided.
She also urged officers and men to register with the Police Hospital and the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to enable them to access available healthcare benefits.
According to her, efforts would be made to sensitize relevant health institutions to improve the services available under the scheme for police personnel.
She stressed the need for regular medical screening as part of measures to reduce avoidable deaths within the Police Force.
Responding, CP Abimbola thanked AIG Eze for the health sensitisation, describing it as timely and valuable to the welfare of police personnel.
He noted that the advice would go a long way in addressing some of the health challenges confronting officers and men and encourage them to pay greater attention to their wellbeing.
The gathering provided an opportunity for interaction between the Police Command and journalists, with participants discussing ways of strengthening cooperation, improving information flow and promoting effective communication on security matters in Oyo State.
A major highlight of the programme was the presentation of a giant framed portrait of the Commissioner of Police to him by the Crime Reporters
