As PRNigeria unveils Ilorin office
By Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has reiterated his administration’s commitment to creating an environment where young professionals can thrive and make a meaningful impact.
The Governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Communications, Mrs Bola Olukoju, stated this at the unveiling of PRNigeria office in Ilorin, as well as the PRNigeria Young Communications Fellowship 2024.
Applauding PRNigeria for this remarkable initiative, Governor AbdulRazaq said: “Empowering young communicators through mentorship, skill development, and networking opportunities is crucial in building a robust communication framework for our nation.
“As we explore the rapidly evolving landscape of digital media, public relations, and communications, it is important that we invest in the next generation of leaders in this field”, adding that “the role of effective communication cannot be overemphasised, 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 added: “I am particularly proud to witness many bright and passionate young minds coming together for this fellowship. You are 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.”
In his address, the Director General/Chief Executive Officer of
the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, said 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, adding that the hub is created and dedicated mainly to AI research, innovation, and skills development.
He said: “We have set forth initiatives to foster digital literacy, AI training, and capacity building to ensure Nigeria has the human capital necessary to thrive in this AI-driven era.
“At NITDA, we believe in harnessing the power of AI to build a future that is not only innovative but also ethical and inclusive.
“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.”
In his remarks, the State Coordinator of PRNigeria, Yushau Shuaib, while commending the support of the Nobel laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, for the project, disclosed that only 10 people were selected for the two weeks Public Relations training from over 140 applications, optimistic, however, that not less than 300 would have been trained in Kwara State before the end of the first quarter in 2025, adding that 30 have so far been trained in the State.