Abia Information Ministry, Security Agencies to Work Together on Public Information

The Abia State Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, has said the Ministry of Information is ready to work more closely with the Public Relations and Communication Officers of security agencies in the state.

Prince Kanu said the partnership would help security agencies and the government share information faster, educate the public and give people clear information about security and safety issues.

The Commissioner spoke when he received Public Relations and Communication Officers from different security agencies who visited his office in Umuahia.

Prince Kanu welcomed the delegation and said good communication is very important in keeping the public safe. He said security agencies and their spokespersons have an important role to play in giving people the right information.

He explained that when information is shared quickly and correctly, it can help stop rumours and false information, build trust and improve the relationship between the government, security agencies and the people.

The Commissioner assured the delegation that the Ministry would continue to work with security agencies through the media, public awareness programmes and other communication efforts.

He also stressed the need for security information to be released on time and to be clear, correct and responsible. He said the media can help educate the public, promote peace and encourage people to cooperate with security agencies.

The leader of the delegation, Assistant Controller of Corrections (ACC), Linus Kalu Ikpe of the Nigeria Correctional Service, Abia State Command, said the group was made up of security spokespersons who were ready to work together to provide correct and timely information to the people of Abia.

ACC Ikpe thanked the Abia State Government, especially the Commissioner for Information, for its development efforts and for supporting better communication and openness in government.

He said security agencies have a duty to provide the public with correct information, especially during emergencies, security challenges and other situations that require quick communication.

He suggested the creation of a joint online platform where security communication officers could easily share information with the Commissioner and officials of the Ministry of Information.

He also suggested that the Ministry and security agencies should hold joint press conferences from time to time to inform the public about their achievements and successful operations.

ACC Ikpe also called for joint public awareness campaigns on safety and security through the media, especially as the 2027 general elections draw closer.

He said working together would make it easier for security agencies to share information, improve cooperation and build greater trust and confidence among the people.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information, Sir Chris Onwuegbu, also welcomed the delegation and stressed the need for regular communication between the Ministry and security agencies.

He encouraged the security communication officers to keep in close contact with the Ministry so that security information given to the public would be clear, accurate and properly coordinated.

In his vote of thanks, the Public Relations Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Abia State Command, ASNI IK Akunne, thanked the Commissioner and the Ministry for receiving the delegation.

Akunne said he was hopeful that the meeting would lead to a stronger working relationship between the Ministry and the public relations departments of security agencies in Abia State.

He said the security agencies were ready to work with the Ministry to ensure that the public receives correct and timely information about security developments, safety measures and government programmes aimed at protecting lives and property.

Other members of the delegation included CRC Kenechukwu Igbonekwu of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Abia State Command; Mr. Nlewedim Ifeanyichukwu of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Abia State Command; and DSP Maureen Chioma Chinaka of the Nigeria Police Force, Abia State Command.

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