- State Government set to sponsor members, information officers to WPRF, showcase Kaduna investment and cultural heritage to global audience
The Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Kaduna State Chapter, Mal. Mohammed Abdullahi, mnipr, has unveiled a bold and comprehensive digital transformation agenda aimed at repositioning the Chapter as a leading hub for professional excellence, innovation and strategic communication in Nigeria.
Mal. Abdullahi disclosed this at the Chapter’s October General Meeting held in Kaduna on Saturday, where he outlined the strategic direction of his administration.
According to him, the administration at inception conducted a scientific needs assessment survey to ascertain members’ expectations and professional development priorities.
He noted that an overwhelming majority of members identified continuous capacity building and digital competence as their topmost needs.
”At the beginning of this administration, we deliberately conducted a members’ needs assessment. The results were very clear – our members want to build their capacity through regular, practical training. Consequently, we have institutionalized a Monthly/Quarterly Capacity Building Lecture Series to enhance professional competence and keep our members ahead of global trends,” the Chairman stated.
DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION AS A CORE PILLAR
Mal. Abdullahi identified the full digitization of the Chapter’s operations as a non-negotiable pillar of his administration. He explained that the initiative will cover membership management, digital communication, e-learning platforms, virtual participation in programmes and the creation of a robust digital resource centre.
”This digitization drive will improve operational efficiency, deepen member engagement, strengthen stakeholder communication and position Kaduna Chapter for greater relevance and competitiveness in the digital age. We cannot practice Public Relations of the future with the tools of the past,” he emphasized.
He called on all members, as well as Information, Protocol and Public Relations Officers across Ministries, Departments, Agencies/Parastatals and Military & Paramilitary information officers in the Kaduna State, to actively participate in Chapter activities, stressing that collective ownership is critical to achieving set objectives.
The Chairman also paid glowing tribute to the immediate past Executive Committee led by Haroun Malami, mnipr, for its landmark contributions, particularly the total renovation and modernization of the Chapter Secretariat, while pledging to consolidate on past achievements and introduce people-centred initiatives that advance members’ professional interests.
KADUNA SET TO STORM WORLD PUBLIC RELATIONS FORUM (WPRF)
In a major announcement, Mal. Abdullahi declared the State’s Government total readiness to storm the forthcoming World Public Relations Forum (WPRF) with a large, well-coordinated contingent from Kaduna State.
He revealed that the State Government and the Chapter has commenced aggressive mobilization and advocacy to ensure massive participation of its members and Information Officers of Kaduna State to the global forum, describing WPRF as the Olympics of Public Relations.
”We are not going to the WPRF as mere participants; we are going as ambassadors of Kaduna State. Our goal is to support our members and information officials to attend through strategic partnerships and sponsorship drives. Kaduna will be showcased as a destination for investment, innovation and culture,” he said.
The Chairman stressed that the WPRF provides an unprecedented global platform to:
1. Showcase Kaduna’s Investment Opportunities to a world audience of communication experts, investors and development partners – highlighting the State’s strides in Agriculture, Solid Minerals, ICT, Infrastructure and ease of doing business.
2. Display the Rich Cultural Heritage of Kaduna State – from the Nok Terracotta heritage to the diverse, vibrant and peaceful cultural tapestry of our people.
3. Project the Transformation Story of Kaduna State under its current developmental drive.
4. Build Global Partnerships for the professional advancement of members.
EMBRACE AI RESPONSIBLY
The October meeting featured a maiden capacity-building lecture on “Artificial Intelligence and Public Relations Practice” delivered by Prof. Samaila Mande, a Fellow of NIPR, NIMN, NIM, ARCON, IMC, ACCE, and an accredited Management Consultant with the Centre for Management Development (CMD).
Prof. Mande, a renowned scholar, urged practitioners to embrace Artificial Intelligence as a strategic enabler and not a replacement for professional expertise.
While describing AI as an irreversible reality that has come to stay, he cautioned against over-reliance on it, particularly in areas requiring professional judgment, critical thinking, emotional intelligence and strategic decision-making.
He emphasized the need for responsible, ethical and strategic deployment of AI in line with the fundamental principles, ethics and codes of the Public Relations profession.
In his goodwill message, the immediate past Chairman, (ICP) Haroun Malami, mnipr, congratulated the new Executive Committee, charged it to lead by example and remain focused on delivering measurable results that sustain the Chapter’s growth trajectory.
He commended Prof. Mande for his insightful lecture and called on other resourceful members to volunteer their expertise to promote a culture of continuous learning and knowledge sharing.
The meeting ended with a renewed commitment by members to professional excellence, digital innovation, ethical practice and continuous capacity building as the hallmark of the Kaduna Chapter.
Signed:
Latifah Ismail
Public Relations Officer
Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR)
Kaduna State Chapter
15th October, 2026