A Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Alhaji Saadu Salahu, has called for an urgent review of Nigeria’s copyright laws to curb the growing misuse of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and safeguard national security.
He made the appeal at the End-of-Year Get-Together of the Kwara State chapter of the NIPR held at the Reputation House, Herald Premises, GRA Ilorin.
Presenting a paper titled “Professionalism and Synergy in Public Relations Practice,” Salahu warned that the unregulated use of AI and social media platforms has become a major source of misinformation, disinformation, and insecurity.
While acknowledging the enormous benefits of AI in intelligence gathering, data analysis, and crisis management, stressed that its abuse can fuel ethnic tensions, political instability, and widespread distrust.
Citing global examples from Denmark, Australia, and the European Union, he urged Nigerian lawmakers to adopt proactive legal measures that balance freedom of speech with public safety.
According to him, the rising misuse of digital tools underscores the need for Nigeria to strike an “ingenious balance between free speech, public good and national security.”
Alhaji Salahu further highlighted the need for government proactive measures in tackling technology-driven crime and called for stronger regulation of digital platforms.
He encouraged public relations practitioners and media professionals to champion media literacy, fact-checking, and responsible communication.
Commending Federal and State Governments on security initiatives, he praised Kwara State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for investing in digital literacy and advancing the state’s role in Nigeria’s emerging digital landscape.
He also urged practitioners to uphold professionalism, commit to continuous learning, and align with NIPR standards to strengthen national development.
Delivering a message on behalf of the NIPR President, Dr. Ike Neliaku, the Dean, Faculty of Communication and Information Sciences, University of Ilorin, Prof. Saudat Salah- AbdulBaqi,described the Kwara chapter as one of the most vibrant in the country.
He disclosed that Nigeria will host Public Relations practitioners from across the globe and the African continent simultaneously in November next year, urging members to leverage the opportunity to sharpen their professional skills.
In her goodwill message, the Chairman of the Public Relations Consultants Association of Nigeria (PRCAN), Dr. Nkechi Ali-Balogun, encouraged practitioners to uphold professionalism and strengthen synergy within the industry.
She emphasized the importance of ethical practice, transparency, and responsible communication in an era dominated by information overload.
Dr. Ali-Balogun, also a Fellow of the NIPR, underscored the central role of PRCAN in advancing standards and fostering a cohesive professional ecosystem.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kwara State Council, Mallam Abdul-Lateef Lanre Ahmed; the State Chairperson of the Freelance Broadcasters Association of Nigeria (FIBAN); the Chairman of the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority, Alhaji Abdul-Lateef Alakawa; and Prof. Sunny Ododo commended the chapter for the initiative.
They called for stronger collaboration in combating fake news, misinformation, and disinformation to save the nation from further decline.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Kwara NIPR chapter, Mr. Gabriel Ogunade, outlined the chapter’s achievements during the outgoing year and urged members to be more active in the year ahead to accelerate the attainment of set goals.
