By joshua Kogi NUJ Federated Chapel Commends CP Kankarofi for Protecting Journalists, Fostering Police-Media Relations
Members of the Federated Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kogi State Council, have commended the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, for prioritising journalists’ safety and fostering cordial relations between the police and the media.
Speaking on behalf of the chapel during a courtesy visit to the Police Commissioner in his office in Lokoja on Wednesday, the Assistant Secretary, Olatunde Odimayo, said the Kogi State Police Command, under Kankarofi’s leadership, had consistently demonstrated respect for journalists and their professional responsibilities.
Odimayo said members of the chapel and other journalists had been able to carry out their duties in a relatively peaceful environment, free from intimidation and with adequate security protection against threats posed by criminal elements.
He noted that the development had strengthened journalists’ capacity to explore their professional potential and serve the people of the state more effectively.
The NUJ official called for stronger collaboration between the Federated Chapel and the police, urging both parties to consolidate their existing relationship and promote effective policing for the benefit of residents.
He also dismissed the perception in some quarters that the chapel comprised predominantly online journalists, explaining that its membership included professionals working in television and print media.
Describing the chapel’s members as “the movers and shakers” of grassroots reportage in the state, Odimayo highlighted their vital role in bringing community concerns, local developments and other issues of public interest to the fore.
He pledged the chapel’s continued support for the police, particularly under Kankarofi’s leadership, to ensure that officers remained committed to safeguarding lives and property and enabling residents to “sleep with their two eyes closed.”
Responding, CP Kankarofi commended journalists in Kogi State for helping to facilitate police operations through accurate, balanced and objective reporting of the Command’s activities.
He said professional media coverage had enhanced the public image of the Kogi State Police Command and earned it increased positive recognition at the Force Headquarters.
The commissioner recalled that he was impressed by the large turnout of journalists who covered his activities on his first day in the state, particularly the coverage of his inaugural address.
According to him, their presence immediately gave him the impression that he was working with a friendly corps of journalists committed to professional and objective reporting.
Kankarofi, the 40th Commissioner of Police in Kogi State since its creation on August 27, 1991, is scheduled to mark his first anniversary in office on October 30, 2026.
Reflecting on his tenure, the police commissioner described his experience in the state as “so far, so good,” while acknowledging the significant contributions of journalists to the achievements recorded by the Command.
He admitted that the journey had not been without challenges, particularly in view of the security difficulties the state had faced at different times.
However, he expressed satisfaction with the cordial relationship between the police and members of the Federated Chapel, noting that the journalists had remained supportive through difficult periods.
“We are not angels, and sometimes we make mistakes due to pressure, among other factors. However, you have always helped us manage such situations and drawn attention to areas requiring corrections. You have also ensured balanced, accurate narratives and objective reportage, projecting the police in a positive light,” he said.
The commissioner reaffirmed the importance of sustained cooperation between the police and the media, noting that constructive engagement and responsible reporting remained essential to strengthening public confidence in the police and improving security across Kogi State.