By Adamu Yusuf
The Kaduna State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has unveiled a digital transformation agenda aimed at strengthening professional competence, improving operational efficiency and promoting innovation in public relations practice.
The Chairman of the Chapter, Mohammed Abdullahi, disclosed this at the General Meeting held in Kaduna, where he said the administration had prioritised capacity building and digital competence following a needs assessment conducted among members.
Abdullahi explained that the Chapter had institutionalised monthly and quarterly capacity-building lectures to equip members with practical skills and keep them abreast of emerging trends in the profession.
He said the digital transformation initiative would cover membership management, digital communication, e-learning platforms, virtual participation in programmes and the establishment of a digital resource centre.
The chairman urged members, information officers, protocol officers and public relations practitioners across ministries, departments, agencies, parastatals and security institutions in Kaduna State to participate actively in the Chapter’s activities.
He also commended the immediate past executive committee, led by Haroun Malami, for its contributions, particularly the renovation and modernisation of the Chapter’s secretariat.
On the forthcoming World Public Relations Forum (WPRF), Abdullahi said the Kaduna State Government and the Chapter were mobilising support to ensure substantial participation by members and government information officers.
He described the forum as a major international platform for showcasing Kaduna State’s investment opportunities, cultural heritage and development initiatives to a global audience.
According to him, the state intends to use the forum to promote investment opportunities in agriculture, solid minerals, information and communication technology, infrastructure and ease of doing business, while highlighting its cultural heritage, including the Nok civilisation.
The meeting also featured a lecture on Artificial Intelligence and Public Relations Practice, delivered by a fellow of the NIPR, Professor Samaila Mande, who urged practitioners to embrace AI as a tool for improving professional practice rather than as a replacement for human expertise.
Professor Mande cautioned against excessive reliance on artificial intelligence, particularly in areas requiring critical thinking, emotional intelligence, professional judgment and strategic decision-making.
He stressed the need for ethical and responsible use of the technology in line with the principles and professional code of conduct of public relations.
In his goodwill message, the immediate past chairman, Haroun Malami, congratulated the new executive committee and urged it to lead by example, deliver measurable results and sustain the Chapter’s growth.
He also encouraged members with relevant expertise to contribute to capacity-building initiatives.
The meeting ended with a renewed commitment to digital innovation, ethical practice, professional excellence and continuous capacity development.
Editing by Khadija Kubau
