The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has equipped the PRNigeria Centre in Ilorin with cutting-edge digital infrastructure.

The intervention marks a major milestone in NITDA’s ongoing efforts to promote inclusive access to information technology and bridge the digital divide, especially among young Nigerians.

The PRNigeria Centre—an initiative of Image Merchants Promotion Limited (IMPR), publishers of PRNigeria, Economic Confidential, and other titles—has operational hubs in Abuja, Kano, and now Ilorin.

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Speaking at the commissioning and handover ceremony, Dr. Mohammed Onimisi Yahaya, Acting Director of Project Management at NITDA, described the project as a strategic step toward building a digitally empowered society.

“This initiative underscores NITDA’s unwavering commitment to expanding access to digital tools and nurturing youth-driven innovation that aligns with national development priorities,” he said.

The newly installed facilities include solar energy systems, high-performance computer systems, Huawei IdeaHub smart interactive displays, inverters, air conditioners, high-speed internet connectivity, and access to digital learning platforms.

Mr. Abdulhameed Tayo Shittu, Manager of the PRNigeria Centre Ilorin, hailed the transformation of the establishment and commended NITDA Director General, Mr. Kashifu Inuwa, for championing the digital agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

“With this upgraded infrastructure, we are better positioned to groom a new generation of digitally skilled communicators and changemakers,” the manager said.

Shittu acknowledged the support of the Kwara State Government, the Ilorin Emirate, and community leaders, particularly Alhaji Kale Kawu Agaka (Daniyan Ilorin).

He also praised the visionary leadership of IMPR CEO, Yushau A. Shuaib, and his consistent investment in youth mentorship and the promotion of modern communication skills.

Shittu announced the launch of the Creative Skills Bootcamp that will be facilitated by professionals and will feature practical workshops, welfare support, and certification for participants upon completion.

The training programme offers hands-on sessions in storytelling, public speaking, video editing, photography, and graphic design.

The Ilorin Centre hosted its first cohort of PRNigeria Fellows in October 2024, following similar initiatives in Abuja and Kano. With the latest support from NITDA and the Creative Skills Bootcamp, the centre is poised to serve as a leading hub for digital skill acquisition and youth development in Kwara State and the North-Central region.

The Ilorin Centre also hosted training for journalists in Digital Journalism—in partnership with the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), and the inaugural Young Communication Fellowship on Artificial Intelligence for Strategic Communication, endorsed by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR).

In three years, PRNigeria has trained approximately 300 journalists and empowered more than 1,400 young Nigerians with practical digital communication skills, using state-of-the-art technology.



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