My First IMPR Retreat: Lessons, People and Perspective
By Hafsat Ibrahim,
There is something about travelling to Northern Nigeria in December that stays with you. The air is colder, the mornings quieter, and the people warmer in ways that feel unforced. Between December 16 and 21, 2025, I experienced this firsthand during my first-ever Image Merchants Promotion Limited (IMPR) annual staff retreat in Kano State, a journey that turned out to be far more meaningful than I expected.
I had heard stories about previous retreats from colleagues. Stories of long conversations, shared meals, ideas tested and reworked, and bonds quietly strengthened. This year, I finally got to experience it myself, and it was worth every mile.
The journey began with a road trip from Abuja, broken briefly in Kaduna. Anyone familiar with Northern travel knows that certain stops are non-negotiable, and for us, suya and gurasa were at the top of that list. We pulled over by the roadside, drawn by the familiar aroma of grilled meat. Thinly sliced beef, spiced and roasted over open flames, paired with warm gurasa, felt less like food and more like a ritual. We ate, laughed, talked, and allowed the journey to unfold naturally.
We arrived in Kano in the evening, welcomed by the unmistakable bite of Harmattan cold. The temperature was sharp, dry, and surprisingly intense. I checked into my room, stepped out briefly for dinner, and was introduced to masa, one of the region’s popular delicacies. It may not be my favourite, but the hospitality that came with it mattered more. By the time I returned to my room, the cold had fully settled in, and I called it a day.
The following morning marked the real reason for the trip: the commencement of IMPR’s annual retreat. Organised by the management of Image Merchants Promotion Limited, publishers of PRNigeria, Economic Confidential, and other platforms, the retreat is designed to assess workflow, strengthen collaboration, and rethink strategies for growth.
The 2025 retreat, themed Strengthening Capacity, Strategy and Collaboration for Impact, lived up to its promise. The sessions were honest, engaging, and deeply reflective. The company’s leadership walked staff through organisational milestones, current challenges, and the responsibilities that come with operating in today’s media environment. There was a strong emphasis on discipline, innovation, and the impact of journalism beyond headlines.
A major highlight was the session facilitated by Malam Hamza Idris, Deputy Editor-in-Chief and Chairman of the Editorial Board of Daily Trust. His presentation on editorial writing, media strategy, and innovation was both practical and inspiring. The discussion that followed was lively, with staff asking thoughtful questions and sharing experiences. It was one of those moments where learning felt natural, not forced.
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By the second day, the retreat shifted towards innovation, skills development, and team bonding. Staff shared ideas on improving platforms, strengthening revenue models, and expanding audience reach. The sessions were interactive and sometimes challenging, but always constructive.
One presentation that stood out for me was delivered by our PRNigeria Deputy Editor, Mr. Abdulsalam Mahmud. He raised a difficult but necessary question about IMPR’s digital future, examining whether the organisation should streamline its platforms to strengthen its core brands. The discussion that followed was candid and strategic, focusing on sustainability, editorial strength, and long-term relevance. It was one of those conversations that reminded me why internal dialogue matters.
Midway through the retreat, I took a short break to visit Bayero University, Kano, New Campus. Returning there after more than five years felt deeply personal. Driving through the expansive campus, seeing the transformation of familiar spaces, and walking past buildings that now looked very different from my student days stirred a quiet sense of pride. I also took the opportunity to collect my certificate, something I had been unable to do after graduation. It felt like closing an important chapter.
Back at base that evening, dinner was followed by a simple outdoor gathering. Suya, kunu, yoghurt, and gurasa were laid out as we talked freely, laughed easily, and relaxed. It was another reminder that the retreat was as much about people as it was about work.
The final day brought deeper reflection. IMPR’s Board Chairman, Dr. Sule Ya’u Sule, addressed staff on professionalism, timeliness, and the values required for sustainable growth. The company’s performance was reviewed, strengths and weaknesses identified, and practical solutions discussed. It was honest, sometimes uncomfortable, but necessary.
Recognition was also given where it mattered. Colleagues were celebrated for consistency, creativity, and commitment. Moments like these reinforced the culture of appreciation within the organisation.
Beyond the retreat itself, we shared personal milestones together. We attended a colleague’s wedding and another naming ceremony, blending work, friendship, and community in a way that felt genuinely human.
The peak of my Kano experience came on Saturday, December 20 at the Arewa Stars Awards, held at the Tahir Guest Palace. The evening was elegant, energetic, and inspiring. The awards celebrated young achievers and changemakers from across Northern Nigeria, reminding everyone in the room of the region’s depth of talent.
Listening to conversations about leadership, innovation, and the future of the North was both sobering and hopeful. It was a powerful close to days filled with learning, reflection, and connection.
As I left Kano last Sunday morning, the Harmattan air offered a final goodbye. The city revealed itself as a place of contrasts, ancient and modern, quiet and vibrant, cold in climate but warm in spirit. From retreat rooms to university corridors and award halls, Kano proved to be more than a host city. It was a reminder that progress can be thoughtful, communal, and deeply rooted.
Long after the cold air faded, the experience stayed with me.
