By Abdulwahab Aliyu | Pulaaku FM News
Over fifty journalists from various media organisations in Adamawa State have been trained on effective reporting of police reform and accountability in a workshop organised by Partners West Africa Nigeria (P-WAN) in collaboration with the Rule of Law and Empowerment Initiative.
The one-day capacity-building workshop, supported by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), was held on Thursday at City Green Hotel, Yola. It was organised under the project titled “Enhancing Public Trust and Gender-Responsive Policing in Nigeria Through the Effective Implementation of the Police Act.”
The training aimed to strengthen the capacity of media practitioners by equipping them with the knowledge, skills and practical tools required for responsible and professional reporting on police accountability and reform processes in Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Adamawa State Council, Comrade Abdullahi Ibrahim, commended Partners West Africa Nigeria for the initiative, describing it as timely and relevant. He said the workshop would deepen journalists’ understanding of police reform issues and improve the quality of reportage in the state.
Comrade Ibrahim urged journalists to remain committed to continuous learning and professionalism, stressing that the media plays a critical role in shaping public perception and strengthening democratic institutions.
One of the facilitators, Mr. Aro Leonardo, said the training focused largely on the Police Act signed into law in 2020, which seeks to reposition the Nigeria Police Force for efficiency, accountability, transparency and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.
He emphasised the need for journalists to stay informed about legal and institutional reforms in order to educate the public accurately and avoid misinformation. Mr. Leonardo also highlighted the importance of solutions journalism and evidence-based reporting, advising journalists to rely on verified facts, data and figures rather than rumours or speculation.
Another facilitator, Mrs. Folusho Ogar, spoke on the need to humanise police officers in media reporting. She urged journalists to recognise police officers as individuals with families and responsibilities who work under challenging conditions to safeguard society. She noted that balanced and empathetic reporting would help build trust between the police and the public.
Earlier, in her welcome remarks, Zainab Waziri, who represented the organisers, said the workshop was designed to empower journalists with practical skills for effective reporting on police accountability, reform initiatives and gender-responsive policing.
Participants expressed appreciation to Partners West Africa Nigeria for the training, describing it as insightful and pledging to apply the knowledge gained in their professional practice.
The workshop also featured interactive group sessions and presentations, during which participants were divided into groups and assigned topics related to police reform and accountability, further reinforcing practical learning and peer engagement.
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