A multimedia journalist with Image Merchants Promotion Limited (IMPR), publishers of PRNigeria and Economic Confidential, Salis Manaja, has regained his freedom after spending ten days in captivity.
Manaja was abducted on Wednesday, October 13, while travelling to Ilorin, Kwara State, to participate in the annual Young Communication Fellowship organised by IMPR.
Confirming his release, the Founder of IMPR, Mallam Yushau Shuaib, told journalists during the closing ceremony of the fellowship in Ilorin that the victim had safely reunited with his family.
“He was on his way to Ilorin when the unfortunate incident happened. We thank Almighty Allah that he has been released and reunited with his family,” Shuaib said.
He explained that colleagues became alarmed when Manaja failed to arrive at the venue and could not be reached, as his phone had been switched off.
Shuaib urged young communicators to stay committed to promoting positive narratives about Nigeria despite prevailing national challenges.
“No matter the circumstances, journalists should remain defenders of democracy, ensure balanced reporting, and uphold the principles of fact-checking,” he advised.
He also lamented the rise of misinformation on social media, stressing that IMPR’s training initiatives aim to equip young journalists with the skills to use technology ethically and responsibly.
“During the week-long training, participants engaged with experts from the United States and Germany through virtual sessions, using facilities provided by NITDA at our centres in Ilorin, Kano, and Abuja,” he added.
Shuaib encouraged Nigerian youths to leverage opportunities at PRNigeria training centres to enhance their digital and artificial intelligence competence in line with global media standards.
Also speaking, Professor Saudat Sallah Abdulbaqi of the Department of Mass Communication, University of Ilorin, lauded the fellows for their dedication and professionalism, describing them as ambassadors of ethical journalism.
The PRNigeria Young Communication Fellowship is an annual capacity-building initiative of IMPR aimed at grooming emerging journalists and communication professionals. So far, 20 participants have completed training sessions in Kano and Ilorin, with another batch scheduled to begin soon.
