By Princess Simon (Bureau Chief North Central, in Minna)
As part of measures to ensure effective dissemination of information on security challenges, Niger state Ministry of Information and Orientation has recruited one hundred and fifty Information Officers (IOs) to be posted to the 25 Local Government Areas (LGAs).
The IOs who are currently undergoing training are expected to work hand in hand with the Nigeria Police for accurate information on security situation in all the 25 LGAs.
State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr. Obed Nuhu Nana, disclosed this when he paid courtesy call on the Commissioner of Police, Niger State, Adamu Abdullahi Elleman at the command headquarters, Dutsen Kura-gwari by western by-pass, Minna.
The security situation in Niger state, Obed Nana said calls for collaborations efforts of critical stakeholders, the police in particular, and this according to him prompted his visit.
To bring to the barest minimal cases of disinformation and misinformation, Ministry of Information and Orientations and Niger state Police Command, the Commissioner said are to work hand in hand to deflate undue tension on security related issues in parts of the state.
Obed Nana who however on behalf of the state government commended the Police Commissioner for doing tremendous work he is doing through proactive policing said the visit is to intimate him about further steps taken by the ministry for better results.
The Ministry of Information and Orientation has set up a Security Information Room (SIR) where the Commissioner of Police allowed the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Wasi'u Abiodun to join for better results, adding that, so far the feedback has been very encouraging.
"Niger state government newly recruited 150 Information Officers currently undergoing some rigorous training to be posted to all the agencies that are in need of their services as well as all the 25 LGAs for effective information dissemination and responsible reportage".
With the partnership, the Commissioner said the Ministry’s trained IOs will be ever ready to correct the misconceptions and mutual mistrust on the achievements of Governor Umar Bago led administration by changing the negative aspects which he said is contrary to situation on ground in the area of developmental strides.
Responding, the Commissioner of Police Adamu Abdullahi Elleman appreciated the visit by the state Information and Orientations Commissioner, acknowledging that information is power, and without information the society will be in communication darkness.
While calling on IOs as their eyes as ears to inform the police about anything they hear from the general public either good or bad, the state police Commissioner assured that the Command is ready to provide the needed protection for the newly recruited staff of State Ministry of Information and Orientation in all the LGAs to enable them discharge their duties diligently. NNL.
