It was obviously a day of glory on Thursday for the Editor-in-Chief of Atlanticnewsonline, Mr. Frank Oshanugor when personalities gathered at the Osun Hall of Lagos Airport Hotel, to officially unveil his new book titled “Crime Beat Reporting In Nigeria – A Historical Evolution of the Crime Reporters Association of Nigeria.”

Leading the pack of dignitaries at the intellectually driven event was Nigeria’s Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu who was ably represented by Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations at the Lagos State Police Command, DCP Adeshina Lawal.

Praising Oshanugor’s effort in writing the 335-page book that largely centres on journalism as a profession with particular interest in Crime Beat Reporting, the IGP noted the long standing relationship between the Nigeria Police and Crime Reporters among whom is Oshanugor.

According to him, “crime reporters are held in high esteem.  They have helped us in creating awareness and showcasing what we do in protecting lives and property.”

Reviewer of the book and lecturer at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Professor Chijioke Uwasomba, paid glowing tribute to Frank Oshanugor for painstakingly writing a high quality book that would assist students of Mass Communications in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions in their studies “even though the advent of internet technology has ironically created laziness in the book reading culture among students of contemporary times.”

Uwasomba also used the opportunity to caution against the establishment of state police as currently being worked out by the Federal Government.  He insisted that no serious police officer should support the concept without careful consideration.

The Professor warned that tampering with historical structures without proper understanding could be detrimental to society. According to him, “undermining history erodes identity and weakens institutions, including the Nigeria Police.”

He traced the challenges facing the Nigeria Police to years of military interference in governance, inadequate funding, and the emergence of parallel security outfits, which he said have collectively undermined the Police Force.

Uwasomba argued that introducing state police without addressing these systemic issues could further destabilise the policing structure in Nigeria.

Beyond policing, the don emphasised the indispensable role of journalism in nation-building. He described journalism as central to human rights, democracy, and societal development.  To him

“information is vital. And there are people who are professionals in informing, disseminating, and ensuring that the information is passed around for humanity. It is journalism,” he said.

He added that without journalism, society would be disconnected and uninformed, stressing that the profession remains the backbone of accountability and public awareness.

Uwasomba commended the author for documenting the evolution of crime reporting, noting that such efforts help preserve history and educate future generations. “Journalism is extremely important. I’m not surprised that the writer focused on its value to humanity, covering both print and electronic media,” he added.

Chairman of the occasion, Dr. Davidson Akhimien,who is the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of King David Group of Companies described the book as a vital tool in the non-kinetic fight against crime.

“I beg to say that Mr. Frank Oshanugor has contributed a very worthy tool in the non-kinetic aspect of the fight against crime and criminality in Nigeria,” he said, while urging attendees not to only celebrate the work but engage with its contents.

Earlier in his welcome speech, Oshanugor said he was inspired to write the book by decades of field experience and aimed at supporting journalism education.

“I wrote the book not as a classroom teacher but as a field reporter with over 30 years’ experience,” he explained, adding that it would serve as a resource material for students and lecturers alike.

Also speaking, Chairman of the Book Presentation  Committee and Vanguard Newspaper Crime Editor, Mr. Emma Nnadozie, praised the author for preserving the history of crime reporting. “I want to thank Frank for trying to chronicle history, for remembering our days,” he said, while reflecting on the risks faced by both journalists and police officers.

The event also featured a deep reflection by a renowned journalist and CNN African Journalist Award winner, Olori Janet Mba Afolabi, who recalled her days in active journalism particularly while on the staff of NEWSWATCH Magazine and commended Oshanugor for bringing crime beat reporting to the limelight through his book.

The Queen of Apomu Kingdom and MOTHER OF THE DAY at the launch, recalled with nostalgia how she covered the crime beat during the time Frank Odita (now late) was the Police Force Public Relations Officer.

Stakeholders at the event agreed that Crime Beat Reporting In Nigeria is more than a book—it is a documentation of history and a guide for future journalists.

They stressed that preserving the evolution of crime reporting is crucial, especially at a time when debates around state police and security reforms continue to shape Nigeria’s public discourse.

As echoed throughout the event, the intersection of journalism and policing remains vital, with both professions playing complementary roles in promoting transparency, accountability, and national development.

Speaking to our reporter on the sideline of the event, one time Special Adviser on Media to Senate President and currently the publisher of Political Economist Magazine, Mr. Kenneth Ugbechie said “I am very proud of Frank. This book has proved the level he has attained in journalism.  He was my deputy when I was the Group News Editor at Post Express Newspaper some years ago.  I am really happy for him.”

Other personalities at the event included a former Director of Sports, Dr. Patrick Uwagbale, Management Consultant, Dr. Jude Iyitor, Educationist Dr. (Mrs) Veronica Chigbufue, Engr. Emmanuel Idegwu, former Presidents of Crime Reporters of Association Dr. Biyi Adegoroye, Messrs Chris Oji, Dipo Kehinde, Assistant Commissioner of Police (rtd) Eburuaja Nwachukwu, Superintendent of Customs Anawanti Angela who represented the Comptroller of Customs, Federal Operations Unit, Dr. Chukwuenweniwe Olu and many others.