PHOTOS: NIPR Hails Latest PRNigeria Books at Economic Confidential Lecture
The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has lauded Image Merchants Promotion Limited (IMPR), publishers of PRNigeria and Economic Confidential, for its pioneering role in promoting intellectual development and national discourse through its annual public lecture and book publications.
The commendation was delivered by NIPR President, Dr. Ike Neliaku, during the Third Economic Confidential Public Lecture and Book Presentation held in Abuja. Represented by a Fellow of the Institute, Dr. Afolabi Olajuwon, Neliaku praised IMPR as a “multi-award-winning PR agency with vision and commitment to convening important national dialogues annually.”
He particularly hailed the unveiling of three new books—Diplomacy and Digital Innovation: Youths’ Insights, Healing Nigeria: A Chronicle of Health Reform and Hope, and Renewed Hope in Central Banking. According to him, the publications are “not just books, but tools for shaping informed conversations and evidence-based decision-making.”
Speaking on the lecture theme, “Agenda for a Digital Global Economy,” Neliaku noted its relevance in today’s world where technology is transforming governance, trade, education, and healthcare. “Nations that fail to embrace the digital revolution risk being left behind, while those that seize the opportunity can leapfrog barriers to growth and development,” he stated.
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Delivering the keynote, Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Mallam Kashifu Inuwa, applauded IMPR for pioneering the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in its communications practice. He explained that AI provides Nigeria a historic opportunity to leapfrog development bottlenecks, noting that it could automate up to 30 percent of tasks across the economy and potentially boost GDP growth by 20 percent. “Nigeria is not waiting for the future—we are building it now. By investing, innovating, and collaborating, we can turn the AI revolution into a Nigerian revolution of prosperity,” Inuwa declared.
In reviewing the books, IMPR Board Chairman and Associate Professor of Strategic Communication, Dr. Sule Yau Sule, commended the organisation’s tradition of nurturing young writers. He revealed that nearly 70 percent of IMPR’s staff have authored or co-authored books, thanks to its rigorous training and content development culture. He described Renewed Hope in Central Banking by Rahma Olamide Oladosu as a lucid exploration of Nigeria’s monetary policy under Governor Olayemi Cardoso, while Healing Nigeria, co-authored by Lawal Dahiru Mamman and Maimuna Katuka Aliyu, was praised for its incisive take on health reforms, outbreaks, mental health, and biotechnology.
The final volume, Diplomacy and Digital Innovation: Youths’ Insights, co-authored by NYSC members Fatimah Yusuf Usman and Umar Farouk Bala, was hailed for capturing the aspirations of Nigeria’s youth in global diplomacy and digital transformation, including reflections on the “Japa” phenomenon and Nigeria’s UN ambitions.
In his opening remarks, IMPR founder and Editor-in-Chief of Economic Confidential, Yushau A. Shuaib, highlighted the transformative role of AI in journalism and public relations, citing its deployment for audience analysis, content automation, media monitoring, and crisis detection. He recalled that the maiden lecture in 2023 focused on economic diversification in a cashless society, while the 2024 edition addressed food security and economic growth. This year’s focus, he said, reflects Nigeria’s rising stake in the global digital economy.
Shuaib also announced the forthcoming second edition of the PRNigeria Young Communication Fellowship, designed to train emerging communicators in journalism, AI, and strategic media engagement.
Chairman of the Centre for Crisis Communication, Major General Chris Olukolade (Rtd), commended IMPR for sustaining the lecture series as a platform for strengthening dialogue on economic reform, digital transformation, and professional excellence.
The event attracted a wide array of participants, including policymakers, academics, security officials, PR professionals, and digital specialists—further cementing IMPR’s reputation as a media powerhouse and a catalyst for Nigeria’s digital future.
By PRNigeria
