…….Urge Journalists to Prioritise Security, Health Ahead of 2027 Polls.
FIC REPORT (ABIA STATE) – The Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command, CP Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi, and the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the Abia Specialist Teaching Hospital, Dr. Okwuonu, have urged journalists to prioritise personal security, occupational health and responsible reporting as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.
They gave the advice at the 2026 Media Retreat and Press Week organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Correspondents’ Chapel, Abia State Council, under the theme, “The Future of Journalism in an Era of Disinformation: Preparing Abia Media Practitioners for Democracy and the 2027 Polls.”
CP Afolabi reaffirmed the Police Command’s commitment to professionalism, accountability, intelligence-led policing and community partnership.
He noted that the media remains an indispensable partner in promoting public confidence, peace and security.
Highlighting reforms under his leadership, the Commissioner listed the strengthening of the Cybercrime Unit, specialised training in crime analysis and mapping, intelligence gathering, firearms handling and combat readiness as major interventions aimed at improving operational efficiency and tackling emerging security threats.
He also disclosed that the Command had conducted a three-day audio-visual training programme for Police Public Relations personnel, designated correspondent officers and representatives of sister security agencies in collaboration with Her Bold Tribe.
Addressing journalists, he cautioned against publishing unverified security reports, manipulated videos and inflammatory content capable of provoking violence, particularly during the electioneering period.
He urged media practitioners to verify information through credible sources, observe safety precautions at political rallies and volatile locations, protect sensitive operational details and strengthen the security of their digital devices and social media accounts.
The Commissioner also encouraged professional neutrality and sustained communication with the Police Public Relations Department and other security agencies, assuring journalists of the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property.
In a related presentation, the Chief Medical Director, Dr. Okwuonu, drew attention to the occupational health risks associated with journalism, particularly stress, irregular meals, inadequate sleep, prolonged exposure to distressing events and excessive workloads.
He presented a practical health guide tagged FIT TO REPORT, designed to promote the physical and emotional wellbeing of media practitioners.
The guide encourages journalists to maintain proper nutrition and hydration, identify stress early, take adequate rest, treat existing health conditions, organise workloads, remain physically active, establish emotional support systems and observe professional boundaries.
It also cautions against harmful coping habits, including smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and self-medication, while urging journalists to seek medical attention whenever symptoms persist.
The presentations reinforced the need for journalists to protect not only the credibility of their profession but also their personal wellbeing as they undertake the demanding responsibility of informing the public.
The CP commended the NUJ Correspondents’ Chapel for organising the retreat, describing effective Police-media collaboration as essential to public confidence, democratic stability and a safer Abia State.
The central message was clear: as journalists prepare to cover the 2027 elections, they must remain professionally credible, physically fit, emotionally resilient and security-conscious.
Abiakam Gloria Ify
HOC FIC Umuahia Abia State.
5th November, 2026.
