The Publisher of PRNigeria, Yushau Shuaib, has said that the organisation has commenced trainings of Three hundred selected journalists across the Geopolitical zones of the country before the next quarter of next year in his efforts to give back to the society.
Yushau also CEO of Image Merchant Promotion Limited among others said this in Ilorin at the unveiling of PRNigeria Ilorin Centre and its Young Communication Fellowship program.The office is situated at Oloje area of Ilorin.
He said the organisation did background checkings on successful applicants to ensure that their claims are correct stressing that their qualification is to be graduate and have passion for journalism and communication.
Yushau also said that courses which the organisation has commenced to train the young journalists include Fact-Checking, Digital Journalism,Developmental Journalism, Social Media engagement, and Crisis Management, among others.
He expressed confidence that not less than 300 journalists would have been trained before the end of the first quarter in 2025, adding that 30 have so far been trained in the state.
He said ,”Three hundred journalists would be trained by the first quarter of next year according to our schedule.Our own brand of journalism is giving back to the society.You look at other young minds who want to be like you and help them achieve their dreams.
“‘This is part of my life,I demolished my former house downstairs and got approval from Federal Housing to upgrade the structure to what it is today.”
While commending the support of the Nobel laurete, Professor Wole Soyinka for the project, he disclosed that only 10 were selected for the two weeks Public Relations training from over 140 applications.
Also speaking, the governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq described the Empowering of the youths (young communicators) through mentorship, skill development, and networking opportunities as crucial in building a robust communication framework for the nation.
Represented by the Communication commissioner, Bolanle Olukoju, AbdulRazaq said the state is exploring the rapidly evolving landscape of Digital Media, Public Relations, and Communications, saying: “it is important that we invest in the next generation of leaders in this field.
“The role of effective communication cannot be overemphasized, whether in governance, public health, business, or the promotion of social good. It is through strong, transparent, and informed communication that we foster trust, collaboration, and shared progress,” he said.
He declared interest of the fellowship, describing the young communicators as: “the future storytellers, message carriers, and media strategists who will shape how information is shared and how communities connect with their governments.
“As you embark on this journey, I encourage you to seize the opportunities ahead of you to learn, grow, and build the relationships that will propel you toward success.
“I also urge you to take the values of integrity, responsibility, and creativity with you as you navigate your careers. Your contributions to our national development, through effective and ethical communication, are essential,” he added.
The Director General/Chief Executive Officer of National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA,) Kashifu Inuwa in his address at the event said that the agency has equipped the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR) to cope with the looming challenges likely to accompany the integration of the technology into Nigeria’s digital landscape.
Addressing the The theme: “Leveraging Artificial Intelligence for Strategic Communication,” at the occasion,Inuwa said the hub is created and dedicated merely to AI research, innovation, and skills development.
According to him: “we have set forth initiatives to foster digital literacy, AI training, and capacity building that ensure Nigeria has the human capital necessary to thrive in this AI-driven era.”
Confessing to the existing ethical and regulatory challenges that come with AI, he posited that: “this is why we are developing robust policies, to ensure the responsible deployment of AI technologies.
“At NITDA, we believe in harnessing the power of AI to build a future that is not only innovative but also ethical and inclusive,” he added.
Inuwa also noted in his Keynote Speech, that the rise of social media, digital platforms, and 24/7 news cycles have altered how information is shared and consumed.
Allaying fears entertained in certain quarters that the birth of AI would threaten many many jobs, Inuwa said: “AI is now playing a critical role in managing this vast landscape. Whether through automated content generation, data analytics, or chatbots for real-time customer interaction, AI enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of communication efforts.”
He said that NITDA recognises the transformative potential of AI in redefining Communications, engaging the public, and strategise an increasingly interconnected world.
“AI is no longer a futuristic concept—it is here, and it is revolutionizing industries, especially the field of communication.
In the digital age, strategic communication has undergone a significant paradigm shift.
“For public relations professionals, AI offers tools to predict trends, understand audience sentiment, and tailor messages in ways that were previously unimaginable.
“Through Natural Language Processing (NLP), AI systems can analyze massive datasets, monitor media coverage, and even respond to crises in real-time. This gives communicators the agility needed to navigate today’s complex media environment,” he listed the benefits of AI further.
