The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, and Nigerian music star Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, popularly known as Burna Boy, have agreed on the need for stronger collaboration between the Nigeria Police Force and the creative industry to rebuild public trust and reposition the image of the Police, particularly among young Nigerians.
The agreement emerged from a meeting between the IGP and Burna Boy, during which both sides explored how the influence of Nigeria’s entertainment industry can be harnessed to strengthen the relationship between the Police and the public.
IGP Disu said the engagement was consistent with his administration’s emphasis on collaboration with stakeholders across society as part of efforts to redeem the image of the Nigeria Police Force and build a formidable institution that Nigerians can trust and be proud of.
The IGP also spoke about his passion for Nigeria’s Orange Economy, particularly the enormous value chain and opportunities within the creative sector.
He noted that the industry, with its significant influence among young Nigerians, has an important role to play in shaping conversations, building bridges and fostering greater understanding between the Police and the communities they serve.
For the Police, the engagement is therefore not simply about entertainment. It is about recognising the power of culture, creativity and popular influence in rebuilding confidence in a public institution and creating a more constructive relationship between police officers and the citizens they serve.
Burna Boy expressed his excitement about the direction being pursued by the IGP and indicated his willingness to support efforts aimed at strengthening the relationship between the Nigeria Police Force and Nigerians, particularly the younger generation.
The meeting underscores a broader approach to police reform: rebuilding public trust cannot be achieved by the Police alone.
It requires meaningful partnerships with the creative industry, young Nigerians, the media, civil society, the private sector and other stakeholders whose voices shape public perception and national conversations.
The objective is to build a Police Force that is not only capable of enforcing the law, but one whose relationship with the Nigerian people is founded on greater trust, understanding and mutual responsibility.
(Follow AIT News on WhatsApp, AfricaIndependentTV on YouTube, ait_online on Facebook and X (Formerly Twitter), and officialait on TikTok, Instagram and Threads)
