NITDA Equips PRNigeria Ilorin Centre to Boost Youth Digital Skills
NITDA Equips PRNigeria Ilorin Centre to Boost Youth Digital Skills
In a significant move to advance digital empowerment and media innovation, 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. The Ilorin Centre has been at the forefront of youth development initiatives, including training journalists in Digital Journalism in partnership with the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), and hosting the inaugural Young Communication Fellowship on Artificial Intelligence for Strategic Communication, endorsed by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR).
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.this
Expressing gratitude, Mr. Abdulhameed Tayo Shittu, Manager of the PRNigeria Centre Ilorin, hailed the transformation of the centre and commended the Director General of NITDA, Malam Kashifu Inuwa, for championing the digital agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. He also acknowledged the vital support of the Kwara State Government, the Ilorin Emirate, and community leaders, particularly Alhaji Kale Kawu Agaka (Daniyan Ilorin).
Shittu further praised the visionary leadership of IMPR CEO, Malam Yushau A. Shuaib, for his consistent investment in youth mentorship and the promotion of modern communication skills.
Announcing a new initiative, Shittu revealed the launch of the Creative Skills Bootcamp—a practical training programme offering hands-on sessions in storytelling, public speaking, video editing, photography, and graphic design.
“With this upgraded infrastructure, we are better positioned to groom a new generation of digitally skilled communicators and changemakers,” he said.
He noted that in just three years, PRNigeria has trained approximately 300 journalists and empowered over 1,400 young Nigerians with practical digital communication skills, using state-of-the-art technology.
The Ilorin Centre hosted its first cohort of PRNigeria Fellows in October 2024, following similar successful initiatives in Abuja and Kano. With the latest support from NITDA and the introduction of 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 wider North-Central region.
The bootcamp will be facilitated by experienced professionals and will feature practical workshops, welfare support, and certification for participants upon completion.
PRNigeria expressed deep appreciation to NITDA for its transformative gesture, describing it as a powerful enabler of its mission to empower Nigerian youth through technology, training, and the creation of digital job opportunities.
By PRNigeria