Kwara Governor, minister, DG commend PRNigeria Centre, Young Communication Fellowship

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and Minister of Information, Idris Mohammed Malagi, have praised PRNigeria for its noteworthy initiatives aimed at mentoring and equipping the next generation of communicators.

The commendations were given during the unveiling of the new PRNigeria Centre in Ilorin, capital of Kwara, and the inauguration of the second batch of the Young Communication Fellowship Programme.

AbdulRazaq and Malagi recognised the efforts of Image Merchant Promotion Ltd (IMPR), PRNigeria and Economic Confidential publishers, for its dedication to providing young Nigerians with essential modern communication skills.

Represented by Bolanle Olukoju, Commissioner for Communications, the governor stressed the importance of empowering young minds in the communications sector, highlighting the changing landscape of digital media and public relations.

Urging the fellowship participants to display creativity and integrity, AbdulRazaq stated, “It fills me with pride to see so many bright and passionate young individuals gathered here, ready to become the future storytellers and media strategists who will shape the narrative of their communities.”

Represented by Jibrin Ndace, Director General, Voice of Nigeria (VON), Malagi said the PRNigeria Young Communication Fellowship would hugely contribute to the country’s development goals. He charged young professionals to embrace technological innovation and become credible sources of information.

“This Centre is a beacon of hope for the younger generation. It provides them with the knowledge, skills and tools that will enable growth and success in a rapidly evolving communication landscape,” Malagi added.

In keynote address, Mr. Kashifu Inuwa, Director General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), highlighted the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in strategic communication.

Represented by Dr. Falilat Olaitan Jimoh, Head of Innovation & Digital Inclusion, NITDA South-West, Mr. Kashifu Inuwa acknowledged AI’s revolutionizing effect on how information is communicated and consumed. “AI is reshaping industries, especially in communication,” he stated.

The DG elaborated AI’s benefits for PR professionals, noting that tools predict trends, understand audience sentiment, and enhance message-tailoring through technologies like Natural Language Processing (NLP). “AI equips communicators to navigate today’s complex media environment,” he noted.

In his speech, the IMPR Chief Executive Officer, Yushau Shuaib, thanked those who supported the project as he underlined PRNigeria Centre’s commitment to youth development through training in journalism, public relations, fact-checking, and publishing.

“We appreciate the assistance of the state government, the Ilorin Emirate, and Alhaji Kale Kawu Agaka (Daniyan Ilorin). In three years, the organisation has equipped more than 280 journalists/writers to navigate the digital journalism landscape and empowered about 1,400 young Nigerians with vital skills.

“Our collaborations with esteemed organizations like NITDA, the Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ), and the Network of Advocates for Digital Reporting (NADIR) have been instrumental in enhancing our capacity for innovation and diversification.

“Our trainees are making strides in various fields, showcasing the profound impact our programs have on their careers. There is a need for continued investment in youth development within the communications industry. We remain dedicated to nurturing talents,” Shuaib added.