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The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Ridwan Disu, has said Nigerian journalists are professionals, not beggars.
This comes as IGP Disu hailed journalists in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for their role in informing the public and contributing to national development.
He disclosed this on Saturday during the FCT NUJ Congress in Abuja.
The IGP described his relationship with the media as one built on mutual respect and professionalism.
Disu said his administration as IGP would treat Nigerian journalists with the utmost respect, noting that the media plays a critical role in society.
“I have always had a respectful and mutually beneficial relationship with journalists. They are professionals who deserve respect and should never be treated as beggars,” he said.
Responding, Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, congratulated the new IGP on his appointment and described him as a longstanding friend of the press.
She expressed confidence in his leadership and assured him of the council’s readiness to collaborate with the police in reporting security matters objectively.
Ike also revealed that the IGP would be invited as a special guest to the council’s 2026 Press Week celebration.
She reaffirmed the commitment of the NUJ FCT Council to promoting responsible journalism and supporting initiatives aimed at strengthening security and governance in the territory.
In a related development on Saturday, more than 150 journalists enrolled in the Federal Capital Territory Health Insurance Scheme (FHIS).
Speaking on the development, the Mandate Secretary of the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, called on philanthropists, political office holders, religious leaders and business leaders to support journalists by sponsoring health insurance coverage for them.
In her remarks, Ike said, “Today marks a historic moment for the Nigeria Union of Journalists, FCT Council. For the first time in the history of our council, we are flagging off a health insurance initiative specifically designed to support the welfare and well-being of journalists in the Federal Capital Territory.”
Also speaking, the National President of the NUJ, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, commended the initiative, describing it as a critical intervention that would improve healthcare access for journalists.
‘They’re professionals, not beggars’ – IGP Disu reveals agenda for Nigerian journalists
