The Minister, Prof Ali Pantami with young female authors with DG NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa and Chairman IMPR Dr Sule Yau Sule
The Minister, Prof Ali Pantami with young female authors with DG NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa and Chairman IMPR Dr Sule Yau Sule

PHOTOS: Pantami Receives Young Female Authors, Commends PRNigeria’s Strides in Fact-Checking, Security Reporting

NEWS DIGEST – The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, has commended the Image Merchants Promotion Ltd (IMPR), publishers of PRNigeria, Economic Confidential, Tech Digest, and other titles, for its emphasis on responsible and investigative journalism that is based on facts, objectivity, fairness and balance.

Fom Gyem and Zeenat Sambo with Prof Ali Isa Pantami
Fom Gyem and Zeenat Sambo with Prof Ali Isa Pantami

Speaking in his office on Monday while receiving a Book written by two female IMPR staff writers, Pantami specifically praised PRNigeria for setting up the news and Public Relations organisation in a way that emphasises journalism for national development.

Pantami noted that PRNigeria’s fact-checking activities and well investigated security stories are one of the factors that have kept Nigeria stable and secure in recent years, adding that all stakeholders must keep working together to sustain the peace, stability and unity of the country.

Alh Ismail Sani, IMPR Director introduced to Prof Pantami
Alh Ismail Sani, IMPR Director introduced to Prof Pantami

Zeenat Sambo, a staff writer with Economic Confidential, contributed 20 articles while Fom Gyem, a reporter with Tech Digest, also wrote 20 articles that made the new Book: “Building a Safer Digital Economy in Nigeria: Musings of Young Female Writers” which the minister received with applause.

Speaking on the authors, Pantami said he had a lot of respect for those who can settle down to document history for the purpose of future generations, adding that “any history that has not been documented can be changed.”

“While commending these my sisters who authored yet another fine book, I must appreciate what your organisation is doing for us and this country at large. I follow your stories very well. I see your fact-checking stories and well-researched stories about security and this country must appreciate you for what you are doing,” the minister said.

Prof Pantami and guests at PRNIgeria book presentation
Prof Pantami and guests at PRNIgeria book presentation

Commending the robust relationship between IMPR and the Ministry, Pantami said he was committed to taking the partnership to higher levels not because of image laundering but because as a government official, he has to be transparent and accountable to the people of Nigeria and one of the ways of doing that is robust engagement with the media.

Pantami recalled that a similar Book titled, “Digital Innovation for Economic Prosperity in Nigeria” by Inyene Ibanga was presented to him at this same time last year, adding that, the multi-disciplinary approach of IMPR is worth commending.

The Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Mallam Abdullahi Kashifu Inuwa, equally commended the authors for putting the Book together, adding that IMPR has taken NITDA to the world with an award in Tanzania followed by another award nomination in Germany.

Manager and Editor IMPR Saad Yushau and Abdulrahman Abdulraheem at the occasion
Manager and Editor IMPR Saad Yushau and Abdulrahman Abdulraheem at the occasion

Speaking earlier, the chairman of IMPR, Dr. Sule Ya’u Sule, told the minister that the Book presentation was meant to celebrate his third year anniversary in office, adding that since last year’s Book won the award in Tanzania, this one too is potential award-winning literature.

Also speaking, PRNigeria publisher, Mallam Shuaib, recalled with nostalgia how the relationship with the Minister started two years ago and how the Ministry has massively supported the organisation’s efforts to give back to society.

He singled out the PRNigeria Centre in Kano which was equipped with the latest digital tools by NITDA and where at least over 200 young people have been trained in ICT and digital economy.

He noted that the relationship with the ministry also gave birth to Tech Digest which is now one of the most authoritative news site on technology developments in the country.

By PRNigeria

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