The PRNigeria Young Communication Fellowship has concluded its latest training programme with the induction of new fellows in Ilorin, Kwara State, despite facing severe security challenges that tested the organisation?s resilience and commitment to youth empowerment.

The event, held at the PRNigeria Centre, was overshadowed by the kidnapping of one of its staff members, Salis Manaja, who was abducted while travelling to the venue.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, the Chief Executive Officer of Image Merchants Promotion Limited (IMPR), Yushau A. Shuaib, reaffirmed the organisation?s determination to continue empowering young communication professionals even in the face of adversity.

?Despite the unfortunate kidnapping of our staff en route to this event, we have remained committed,? Shuaib said. ?His release after ten difficult days only deepened our resolve to support security agencies in combating crime.?

He expressed profound gratitude to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), professional colleagues, and security operatives for their solidarity and support during the ordeal.

Shuaib explained that the Ilorin Fellowship, like previous editions in Abuja and Kano, was designed to equip aspiring journalists, media aides, and public relations professionals with essential skills in journalism, strategic communication, social media management, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications in media.

The Guest Speaker, Professor Saudat Abdulbaki of the University of Ilorin, commended PRNigeria for its bold and visionary initiative in bridging the gap between academic theory and real-world communication practice.

She noted that since its inception, the Fellowship has been a transformative platform that equips young graduates with the tools to thrive in the dynamic media and public relations landscape.

?There is no end to learning,? she advised. ?As communication strategists and public relations practitioners, you must keep learning and unlearning to stay relevant and credible.?

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Kwara State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Ogunade, described the Fellowship as a ?game-changer? in the Nigerian communication industry.

He applauded IMPR for setting a ?gold standard? by curating a curriculum that balances theory with practical exposure, while also commending the firm for its global recognition at the International Public Relations Association (IPRA) Golden World Awards.

Ogunade charged the graduating fellows to uphold ethics, authenticity, and accountability in their professional careers. ?You are trustees of reputation,? he reminded them. ?Guard it with integrity, for investing in skilled communicators is investing in Nigeria?s future.?

Also speaking, Professor Abubakar Laro of Kwara State University (KWASU) praised PRNigeria?s commitment to democratizing access to media education. He noted that offering such intensive and high-quality training free of charge reflects IMPR?s passion for empowering youth to become catalysts of positive change.

Participants, he said, underwent rigorous mentorship in editorial writing, public speaking, media production, artificial intelligence in media, and crisis communication.

Representing the graduating fellows, Adebisi Adams, expressed deep appreciation to the organisers and facilitators for their dedication to nurturing future communicators.

?The world needs credible voices to disseminate truth and clarity,? she said. ?We?ve learned that effective communication is not just about storytelling?it?s about nation-building.?

The PRNigeria Manager also led the dignitaries to the inspection of the Digital Innovative facilities provided by the National Information Technology Agency (NITA) to bridge the digital divide by providing students and entrepreneurs with access to technology, connectivity, and critical skills training.

The PRNigeria Young Communication Fellowship, established by Image Merchants Promotion Limited (IMPR) ? publishers of PRNigeria, Economic Confidential, and Spokespersons Digest ? continues to serve as a beacon of practical training and mentorship for Nigeria?s emerging communicators.

Despite the security setback, the successful completion of the Ilorin edition reaffirms PRNigeria?s unwavering mission: empowering young communicators with skills, ethics, and courage to shape a more informed and secure society. (By PRNigeria)

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