The Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) on Tuesday elected a 21-member executive council in Osun to pilot its affairs for the next four years.

The PCRC is a volunteer organisation established in 1984 by the Nigeria Police Force to bridge the gap between the police and the public, foster mutual trust, enhance community policing and support crime prevention.

The election, held at the state police command in Osogbo, was witnessed by the state Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan.

Mr Gotan was represented by the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Administration, Ademola Adebayo.

The election was conducted through affirmation by 86 members of the association across the state, as all positions were unopposed.

Oketunde Olusola emerged as chairman, while John Okedoye was elected deputy chairman.

The exercise was monitored by the PCRC national chairman, Alhaji Ibrahim Olaniyan; the national auditor, Alhaji Uthman Jagunmo; and the national vice chairman, Sunny Yemi.

The PCRC national provost, Joshua Makinde, administered the oath of office on the new executives, while Mr Olaniyan presented the certificates of return.

In his remarks, Mr Gotan urged the new executives to make integrity their watchword and guiding principle.

He said leadership required integrity, stressing that a leader must be trusted to effectively mobilise people.

The commissioner also charged the executives to carry members along in their activities and commended the council for its continued support to the Nigeria police.

Also speaking, the PCRC national chairman urged the executives and members in the state to work with unity of purpose.

He reminded them of the task ahead and encouraged them to develop strategies to strengthen the PCRC in the state.

Mr Olaniyan further urged members to remain committed and pool resources to advance the association.

In his acceptance speech, the new chairman appreciated the national leadership and sought their support to steer the affairs of the association successfully.

He pledged to justify the confidence reposed in him and promised a new era of inclusiveness in the operations of the PCRC in the state.

The highlight of the event was the inauguration of the Safe School Initiative of the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu.

(NAN)