The Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, CP Bode Ojajuni, has called on public relations practitioners to deploy their professional expertise towards addressing the growing moral decadence in society and promoting ethical values for national development.
Ojajuni made the call while receiving a delegation of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Ogun State Chapter, at the Police Command Headquarters, Eleweran, Abeokuta.
Describing public relations professionals as agents of positive change, the police commissioner said they possess the training and capacity required to influence public behaviour and drive societal transformation.
He expressed concern over what he described as the increasing erosion of moral values, attributing the trend largely to parental negligence and societal indifference.
According to him, the decline in discipline and respect for societal norms, particularly among young people, has contributed significantly to the rise in social vices.
"We have social vices and morality problems. A lot has gone wrong in our society. People no longer transmit positive values to younger generations. Many parents can no longer assert authority over their children. Parents should not encourage wrongdoing. Discipline your child when necessary. Let us correct these wrongs and ensure appropriate sanctions where required," he said.
The commissioner urged public relations practitioners to intensify efforts at promoting ethical standards, reorienting youths, and educating the public on responsible conduct through sustained advocacy and communication campaigns.
He also assured the institute of the command's continued support and commitment to strengthening its relationship with the NIPR.
Also speaking, the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Operations, DCP Bolanle Muritala; Deputy Commissioner of Police, Administration, DCP Ibrahim Abdul; and Assistant Commissioner of Police, Administration, ACP Olu Moore Akinmoladun, stressed the need for public relations professionals to collaborate with government institutions in projecting a positive image of Nigeria.
They emphasised the importance of sound home training and patriotism, while advocating the establishment of public relations clubs in schools to inculcate positive values in young people from an early age.
Earlier, the Chairman of NIPR, Ogun State Chapter, Mrs Oluwaseun Boye, said the visit was to congratulate Ojajuni on his appointment as Commissioner of Police in Ogun State and to commend his distinguished career in the Nigeria Police Force.
She noted that Ojajuni, a former police spokesperson and active member of the institute, had maintained a commendable record of service and professionalism.
Boye also appreciated the cordial relationship between the Ogun State Police Command and the NIPR chapter.
Highlighting some achievements recorded under her leadership, she listed the successful hosting of the maiden edition of the Nigerian Public Relations Week in Abeokuta in 2024, the chapter's annual colloquium, training and mentorship programmes for young professionals, the recently held coastal retreat, and the Owambe Cultural Night, which serves as the chapter's end-of-year gathering.
The visit concluded with a guided tour of key departments within the command, including the Gateway Shield Unit, which handles security-related distress calls from members of the public through a dedicated toll-free line.
The development was contained in a statement signed by Tunwase Dokunmu, ANIPR, Assistant Secretary of the NIPR, Ogun State Chapter.