Yushau Shuaib, Editor-in-Chief of PRNigeria and Chief Executive Officer of Image Merchants Promotion Limited (IMPL), has inducted 10 Nigerian youths into the PRNigeria Fellowship, as part of his ongoing initiative to empower young people in the field of communication.
Shuaib explained that the training, organised by PRNigeria in collaboration with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), aims to equip youths with practical skills in effective information gathering and dissemination.
Speaking with journalists shortly after the induction ceremony held in Ilorin, Kwara State, Shuaib noted that the evolution of technology and the dominance of social media have transformed communication practices, making it essential for young people to be properly guided.
“We realised that with the advent of technology, social media is gradually taking over traditional media in areas like advocacy, sensitisation, and awareness creation. The youths have the tools, but many don’t know how to use them effectively.
“Ethics in journalism, public relations, fact-checking, and the use of artificial intelligence are among the core areas we train them on, so they can use communication tools wisely,” he noted.
Shuaib revealed that the fellowship programme, which began last year, initially trained 30 participants across Kano, Kwara, and Abuja. 10 from each state and continued this year with another 10 inductees in Ilorin, bringing the total beneficiaries to 50 youths so far.
He added that the initiative provides participants with free access to professional knowledge that would otherwise cost hundreds of thousands of naira if pursued online.
“We are training them not only to become Fellows and Ambassadors of PRNigeria but also Ambassadors of Nigeria,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, Saudat Abdulbaki Salah, a Professor of Mass Communication at the University of Ilorin, described communication as an intentional act that requires understanding one’s audience to ensure clarity and effectiveness.
“As a communicator, you need resilience, determination, composure, and intentionality to communicate effectively.
“Feedback is what makes communication complete. When your audience responds in the way you intended, it shows that you are both on the same page,” she explained.
She further emphasised the difference between listening and hearing, urging communicators to always set clear and measurable objectives relevant to their message.
In his remarks, Adebisi Adams, the team leader of the PRNigeria Young Fellows, appreciated the organisers for the intellectual empowerment and practical exposure gained during the training.
“We have learnt that the world needs voices that disseminate information with clarity and factual evidence to dispel misinformation and help build a better society,” he said.
