NIPR commends Police communication efforts, honours AIG Akpanudom in Lagos

Michael Olumide Alabi

Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Ikoyi, Lagos, AIG Simeon U. Akpanudom, has reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to professionalism, ethical communication and stronger collaboration with stakeholders following a courtesy visit by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Lagos State Chapter.

The delegation, led by the Chairman of the NIPR Lagos State Chapter, Dr. Samuel Ayetutu, visited the FCID Annex headquarters on Thursday to appreciate the AIG for his outstanding participation at the recently concluded PR Fest 2026 Grand Finale, where he represented the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, who was the keynote speaker at the event.

Members of the delegation included the Institute’s Director-General of Media, Mansir A. Wakili, alongside Ibrahim Adamu, Abdul Aziz Ibrahim, AbdulRahman Dalhatu, and other officials of the professional body.

Speaking during the visit, Dr. Ayetutu expressed appreciation to the AIG and his management team for the warm reception accorded the delegation. He explained that the visit was aimed at formally thanking the senior police officer for his impactful presentation at PR Fest 2026, which he described as one of the highlights of the event.

According to him, the annual programme remains a strategic platform for advancing the practice of public relations in Nigeria, and the AIG’s contribution enriched discussions on effective communication, leadership and public engagement.

Dr. Ayetutu also acknowledged the vital role the Nigeria Police Force continues to play in promoting effective communication and strengthening public confidence through professional public relations practice.

He stressed that the Institute remains committed to building stronger partnerships with security agencies, particularly the FCID Annex, in promoting strategic communication, crime prevention and improved public engagement.

The NIPR chairman further reiterated the Institute’s commitment to strengthening the public relations profession by bringing practitioners under one professional umbrella while sustaining collaboration with Police Public Relations Officers across the country.

He expressed confidence that the existing partnership between the Institute and the Nigeria Police Force would continue to grow for the benefit of both institutions and the Nigerian public.

Responding, AIG Akpanudom thanked the NIPR Lagos State Chapter for the visit and noted that his participation at PR Fest 2026 was on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, whom he described as a distinguished member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations.

The AIG said the honour bestowed on him rightly belongs to the Inspector-General of Police and the Nigeria Police Force, whose commitment to effective communication and public engagement remains unwavering.

Reflecting on his career, AIG Akpanudom recalled his early exposure to public relations as a young police officer and emphasized the critical role of professionalism, discipline, continuous training and ethical conduct in building a credible public relations profession.

He maintained that practitioners must consistently demonstrate these values in their daily engagements in order to strengthen public trust and enhance the reputation of their organisations.

As a highlight of the visit, the NIPR Lagos State Chapter presented a commemorative plaque to the AIG in recognition of his unwavering support, commitment and invaluable contribution to the success of PR Fest 2026.

The delegation also presented a plaque of appreciation meant for the Inspector-General of Police before concluding the visit with a group photograph to commemorate the occasion.

The visit underscored the growing partnership between the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations and the Nigeria Police Force in advancing professional communication, promoting public confidence and fostering stronger relationships between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve.