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The Inspector-General of Nigeria Police Force, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has identified strategic public relations as a critical foundation for effective nation building, sustainable security and public trust, stressing that modern security challenges cannot be solved through force alone.
Disu stated this at the grand finale of the Lagos State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) PR Fest 2026 held at the MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos.
Represented by Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Simeon Udofia Akpanudom, the IGP said transparent communication and meaningful engagement between institutions and citizens are essential for strengthening national security.
He noted that strategic public relations has evolved beyond one-way communication, explaining that it now serves as a tool for building confidence, encouraging citizen participation and transforming the public into active partners in security management.
According to him, rebuilding institutional credibility requires evidence-based communication, accountability, grassroots engagement, youth inclusion, unified national messaging and stronger collaboration among security agencies, government institutions, the media and communication professionals.
The conference, themed “Security, Nation Building and Public Trust: Fostering Collective Responsibility through Strategic Public Relations,” brought together public relations practitioners, security experts, academics, policymakers and corporate leaders to examine the role of communication in national development.
Declaring the event open, Chairman of Lagos NIPR, Dr. Samuel Ayetutu, fnipr, frpa, said the Institute deliberately selected the theme to reposition public relations as a key component of Nigeria’s security architecture.
Ayetutu argued that security discussions have traditionally focused on military strength, equipment and operations, while the role of communication, perception management and trust building has received limited attention.
“Security is often discussed in terms of arms, personnel and operations. Rarely is it discussed in terms of communication, perception and trust. Yet trust is the foundation upon which every security effort ultimately stands or falls,” he said.
The Lagos NIPR chairman emphasised that public relations is not merely a support function but an operational necessity in addressing insecurity, noting that intelligence gathering and public cooperation depend heavily on citizens’ confidence in institutions.
“Public relations is not a luxury in the fight against insecurity. It is a necessity. Where communication fails, even the best-resourced security efforts struggle to gain ground,” he added.
A panel session moderated by Channels Television anchor, Ayo Makinde, further explored the relationship between communication, security and public confidence.
The panel featured Prof. Adedeji Oyenuga, Professor of Criminology and Security Studies, Lagos State University; Eniola Mayowa, fnipr, Vice Chairman, Lagos NIPR; Basil Agboarumi, fnipr, CEO of The Onward Public Relations; and CP Tjani Fatai, Lagos State Commissioner of Police.
The discussants stressed that sustainable security requires ethical communication, institutional transparency, responsible media reporting and stronger partnerships among security agencies, civil society, academia and the private sector.
They also highlighted the role of strategic communication in countering misinformation, promoting behavioural change and strengthening democratic governance.
The PR Fest 2026 finale marked the conclusion of a week-long programme featuring professional engagements, sporting activities, mentorship sessions, networking events and fellowship activities aimed at promoting excellence among members of the Institute.
The Lagos NIPR Chapter reaffirmed its commitment to advancing strategic public relations as a catalyst for national development, urging institutions and citizens to embrace responsible communication as a shared responsibility in building a safer and more united Nigeria.
