Yushau Shuaib: Unmasking the Exploits of an Illustrious Mentor

Yushau Shuaib: Unmasking the Exploits of an Illustrious Mentor

By Rabi Ummi Umar,

“The greatest gift you can give anyone is the gift of giving – Dr. Ike Neliaku, President, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR)”

As someone who loves interning at media establishments, I often find myself in various spaces where productive events and programs are organized. This privilege, I believe, is a rare opportunity that few interns experience elsewhere. However, I am fortunate to have it here at Image Merchant Promotions Limited (IMPR), publishers of PRNigeria and Economic Confidential in Abuja.

I have been at the organization for about two months now, and when I reflect on it, I feel incredibly blessed and grateful for this experience. Sometimes, we do not realize the value of something until it is gone. But if we take the time to stop, immerse ourselves, and appreciate the present, its full depth becomes clearer.

Could it be that I am already feeling nostalgic because my internship is nearing its end? It was not as though I was entirely unaware of what IMPR does or how it operates, but I had not realized there could always be more—more activities, higher standards, greater opportunities. As a young woman in my early 20s, I had never had an experience quite like this. I had always dreamt of it, and now that I am living it, it feels surreal.

On my first day at IMPR, I had the privilege of attending an editorial board meeting. During the meeting, I witnessed something truly uplifting: the “Staff of the Month” award. This gesture not only encouraged the staff but also fostered a strong bond between employees and employers, leaving me with a warm sense of welcome and belonging.

Many establishments overlook the importance of fostering strong relationships with their staff. Regular encouragement, whether monthly, weekly, or even daily, can make employees feel valued and part of the team. It also boosts morale, driving them to contribute positively to the company’s success.

This brings me to the subject of this piece: Alhaji Yushau Shuaib, IMPR’s Chief Executive Officer and the brain behind many of these initiatives. He has an extraordinary ability to make everyone feel valued, encouraging them in simple yet impactful ways. Some might describe him as “one in a million,” but I prefer to call him an “outstanding personality.”

I have experienced moments when he would randomly tell me that he is proud of me. As someone who thrives on affirmation, those words mean the world to me. He has rewarded me for submitting articles ahead of schedule, taken time to teach me, and consistently encouraged my little steps. What may seem like small gestures to him have had a profound impact on me, both personally and professionally.

Last Friday, September 27, 2024, marked the conclusion of the PRNigeria Young Communication Fellowship, a program launched on September 2, 2024, that aimed to mentor young individuals across various fields of media and communication. The event, held in Abuja, attracted a diverse and remarkable group of young individuals.

Throughout the program, I had the privilege of interacting with these inspiring fellows and the distinguished media professionals who facilitated the sessions. These interactions left a lasting impression on me.

The Fellows, during their four-week-long journey, were fortunate to meet numerous influential figures, thanks to my employer, Alhaji Shuaib. He provided them with invaluable opportunities for networking, career prospects, and personal growth.

Some of the esteemed professionals who interacted with the Fellows include Alhaji Yusuf Ali, Northern Operations’ Managing Editor of The Nation newspaper; Dr. Chris Isiguzo, President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists; Mallam Sule Yau Sule, senior lecturer at Bayero University Kano; Zubaida Baba Ibrahim; Barrister Chimdi Neliaku, CEO of Wonderland TV; and Dr. Ike Neliaku, among others.

Additionally, the program was carefully coordinated by a team of home facilitators, including the Managing Editor of IMPR, Mr. Abdulrahman Abdulraheem; Deputy Editor of PRNigeria, Mr. Abdulsalam Mahmud; Mr. Mohammed Dahiru Lawal, Head of Innovation and Special Projects at IMPR; and the Fellowship Coordinator, Mr. Zekeri Idakwo Laruba.

During the closing ceremony of the Fellowship, I was particularly moved by Dr. Neliaku’s presentation, especially when he said: “The greatest gift you can give anyone is the gift of giving.” It struck a chord with me, reminding me of the selflessness of individuals like Alhaji Shuaib, who give so much of their time, resources, and talent to others.

While giving may seem easy, the reality is that we live in a world where generosity often comes with hesitation. Despite the popular saying, “givers never lack,” even the most generous individuals can sometimes face scarcity.

Reflecting on Dr. Neliaku’s words, I realized just how much Alhaji Shuaib embodies this principle of giving—not just in terms of financial support but in sharing knowledge, time, and opportunities. His contributions to the professional and personal development of many, including the Fellows, cannot be overstated.

Anyone familiar with Alhaji Yushau Shuaib knows that he is a rare gem in our society. His selfless investment in others’ growth and his consistent efforts to give back to society are remarkable. Beyond our parents, few people genuinely want to see us succeed as much as he does.

The impact he has had on the Fellows, and on all of us at IMPR, is immeasurable. The goodwill, opportunities, and guidance he has provided are invaluable. Such individuals are rare, and their influence leaves a lasting legacy. No wonder his organization is highly respected, not just in Nigeria but internationally, evidenced by the numerous awards it has garnered.

As I observed the conclusion of the fellowship program, my heart swelled with pride, and I could not help but wish I had been part of their journey. However, I remain profoundly grateful for my time as an intern at this exceptional organization. The future is bright for the Fellows, and I extend my best wishes to them.

I pray that Alhaji Yushau Shuaib, a man I call a “Philanthropist, Not Just of Money but of Talent,” continues to inspire and empower many more individuals in the years to come.

*Rabi Ummi Umar is an intern at PRNigeria and a student of Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin. She can be reached via: [email protected].*