• Home
  • Anti-Corruption
  • Fact-Check
  • Economy
  • National
    • Government
  • Security
  • Features
  • State
  • Event
    • PR Nigeria Award
  • E-Paper
Search
  • Home
  • About
  • Adverts
  • Contact
Sign in
Welcome! Log into your account
Forgot your password? Get help
Password recovery
Recover your password
A password will be e-mailed to you.
PRNIGERIA PRNigeria News
PRNIGERIA PRNIGERIA
  • Home
  • Anti-Corruption
    • ICPC Secures Conviction of Rector for Running Unaccredited Degree Programmes

      Engr Abba Babagana Dalori

      Engr Dalori Forfeits Galaxy Hospital, Petrol Station, Properties & Cash

      Chinese nationals jailed in Lagos

      Court Jails Nine Chinese Nationals for Cybercrime in Lagos

      ASUU

      Tackle Corruption, Institutional Decay – ASUU Charges FG

      EFCC Arraigns Bauchi Accountant General Over N8bn Fraud as Court Sentences…

  • Fact-Check
  • Economy
    • Customs Partners US Mission to Prevent Expanded Visa Ban

      Nigeria Customs Partners China on Smarter Ports, Officer Training, Reforms

      Comptroller General Nigerian Customs Bashir Adewale

      Customs Moves Against 223 Importers in N379bn Permit Breach

      Bashir Adewale Adeniyi Customs Boss

      How Customs is Tightening Borders to Stop Illicit Cash Flows –…

      Customs boss, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi with NAFDAC DG Professor Moji Adeyeye

      Codeine, Tramadol Worth ₦20.5bn Seized as Customs-NAFDAC Cooperation Deepens

  • National
    • Dr. Emmanuel Ojukwu and representatives at NIPR FCT the meeting

      NIPR FCT Chapter Focuses on Crisis Communication and Professionalism

      Inspector-General of Police Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun

      IG Boosts Police Intelligence Capacity with New Tech, Training for Technical…

      Army Commander keeps 100 students in school

      Army Commander’s Compassion Keeps 100 Students in School in Zamfara

      Sam Obi Sponsors 500 students

      Sam Obi Sponsors 500 Students in Evergreen, SimplifiedIQ’s Education Program

      CG Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi

      NIPR Hails customs Boss’ Tenure Extension as Evidence of Transformational Leadership

    • Government
      • Olubaka of Oka Praises Foundation for “Best Oka Day” Festival

        Dr. Emmanuel Ojukwu and representatives at NIPR FCT the meeting

        NIPR FCT Chapter Focuses on Crisis Communication and Professionalism

        Mohammed Idris Malagi, Honorable Minister of Information and National Orientation

        FG Reacts to Niger Governor’s Closure of Badegi FM

        Northern leaders at Arewa Summit

        Northern Leaders Urge Action on Almajiri Crisis, Equitable Resources at Arewa…

        Saidu Ahmed Alkali,

        Kaduna-Kano Light Rail Underway as FG Targets ₦70bn Investment

  • Security
    • The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major-General Markus Kangye,

      Troops Eliminate Dozens of Terrorists, Arrest 578 Suspects in July Operations

      Inspector-General of Police Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun

      IG Boosts Police Intelligence Capacity with New Tech, Training for Technical…

      Nigerian Police Force

      Anambra Police Nab Wanted Kidnap Suspect in Kaduna

      Nigerian Navy

      Navy to Establish  Base in Kebbi to Tackle Inland Waterway Crimes

      Army Commander keeps 100 students in school

      Army Commander’s Compassion Keeps 100 Students in School in Zamfara

  • Features
    • CG Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi

      Customs Just Wrote Nigeria’s Energy Rulebook

      Okello Oculi

      Okello Oculi: A Pan-Africanist Asteroid Burns out Forever By Is’haq Modibbo…

      Leon Usigbe

      Death, you can’t be Proud of this By Abdulrahman Abdulraheem 

      Tinubu’s Plateau Gambit – Yilwatda, 2027, and the Return of the…

      Ozumi and a recipient of a wheelchair

      Wheels of Hope: How a Simple Gift is Reshaping Lives at…

  • State
    • court Judiciary

      Lawyer Sues Housing Ministry, FHA Over Alleged Property Redesign

      Army Commander keeps 100 students in school

      Army Commander’s Compassion Keeps 100 Students in School in Zamfara

      Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, receiving the land document from Governor Pastor Umo Bassey Eno in Akwa Ibom

      Akwa Ibom Boosts National Security with Land Donation for Nigerian Air…

      Nigerian Army

      Army Denies Allegations of Misconduct in Imo Community

      Military Troops in Action

      Troops Repel Bandit Attacks in Katsina, Plateau, Recover Rustled Cattle, Sustain…

  • Event
    • Olubaka of Oka Praises Foundation for “Best Oka Day” Festival

      court Judiciary

      Lawyer Sues Housing Ministry, FHA Over Alleged Property Redesign

      Sam Obi Sponsors 500 students

      Sam Obi Sponsors 500 Students in Evergreen, SimplifiedIQ’s Education Program

      Comptroller General Customs Bashir Adewale and his staffs with the representatives of the European Union, the German Embassy

      Customs Unveils Renewable Energy Handbook, Strengthens EU-Germany-GIZ Partnership

      University of Maiduguri

      UNIMAID Mass Comm becomes Faculty of Communication and Media Studies

    • PR Nigeria Award
  • E-Paper
Home Features NSAwards: The Night Nigeria Honoured its Finest Communicators
  • Features

NSAwards: The Night Nigeria Honoured its Finest Communicators

By
Kabir Abdulsalam
-
April 5, 2024
2024 National Spokesperson Award Recipients
2024 National Spokesperson Award Recipients

NSAwards: The Night Nigeria Honoured its Finest Communicators

By Kabir Abdulsalam

Last week, Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, became the stage for celebrating a unique kind of excellence. Not athletic prowess or artistic brilliance, but something far more crucial in today’s world – excellence. The inaugural National Spokespersons Awards ceremony brought together the nation’s finest communicators to recognize their achievements.

The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and Image Merchants Promotion Limited (IMPR) publishers of PRNigeria, Economics Confidential, and Spokesperson’s Digest, joined forces to host the National Spokespersons Awards, an event that transcended a mere ceremony. It was, in essence, a strategic investment in the future of powerful and effective communication.

One might ask, why celebrate spokespersons? The answer lies not in fleeting recognition, but in the lasting impact it creates and celebration of spokesmanship. While it serves as acknowledging and celebrating outstanding performance, it’s also serves a purpose far greater than handing out trophies, yet ignites a powerful cycle of motivation.

Similar to how the release of dopamine fuels feelings of pleasure and satisfaction, recognition of exceptional PR campaigns, dedicated efforts, and well-documented PR work is rewarded with excellence.

This, in turn, triggers a chain reaction within the communication field. Professionals are encouraged to push boundaries, to strive for even greater heights, and to constantly hone their skills.

The National Spokespersons Awards 2024 celebrate more than just individual achievements. They act as catalysts, inspiring others within the field of communication. Many practitioners saw their peers recognized for their impact, which ignited a powerful ripple effect of ambition. Aspiring communication professionals gain role models, while established PR experts are fueled to further refine their craft. The awards acknowledge the dedication and expertise these individuals bring to their roles.

The journey to the inaugural National Spokespersons Awards 2024 wasn’t without its challenges. It was traced back to November 2018, when the seeds of this event were first sown. The award-winning PR firm, IMPR, embarked on a collaborative effort with the institute to establish annual national public relations awards that would promote excellence in all spheres of Nigerian communication.

However, the path to realization wasn’t always smooth. Under the leadership of the then-president of NIPR, Mallam Mukhtar Zubairu Sirajo, the initiative encountered a setback. But the dream persisted.

A few years later, the Lagos State Chapter of NIPR made a move to collaborate with the IMPR for their 2020 edition of the Lagos PR Industry Gala, dubbed the LaPRIGA Awards that may have marked another milestone on the road to the National Spokespersons Awards.

The seeds of collaboration continued to bear fruit. I could recall a courtesy visit by the Chairman of the Lagos State Chapter of NIPR, Mr. Olusegun McMedal, to the Chief Executive Officer of IMPR, Mallam Yushau Shuaib, in his Abuja office to solidify the partnership.

Speaking during the visit, Mr. McMedal emphasized that the event can be elaborated upon through an awards dinner. This, he believed, would not only boost professionalism but also encourage further investment in the PR and marketing communication fields.

While the LaPRIGA Awards were successful, the partnership eventually went dormant. However, the dream remained alive.

In December 2021, IMPR took the initiative by launching the maiden edition of The Spokesperson Communication Awards (SCA) with a focus on key issues and trends in publicity, strategic communication, and the public relations sector. The event saw a diverse range of PR agencies, organizations, and individuals walk away with awards across various categories.

The success of the SCA paved the way for a more ambitious endeavour. The CEO builds on the momentum, the second edition of the SCA was held in 2022 while the third edition boasted an even more prestigious gathering, with respected spokespersons from various agencies and ministries receiving recognition for their dedication and impact.

Read Also:

  • NIPR FCT Chapter Focuses on Crisis Communication and Professionalism
  • Troops Eliminate Dozens of Terrorists, Arrest 578 Suspects in July Operations
  • FG Reacts to Niger Governor’s Closure of Badegi FM

At the event, former President Muhammadu Buhari’s spokesperson, Femi Adesina, who served as the chairman of the occasion, took home the ‘Distinguished Fellow Award’. Dr. Sule Yau Sule, the current Chairman of the NIPR Membership Committee, presided over the jury panel.

The story doesn’t end there. At the third edition of the SCA, the current President of the Institute, Dr. Ike Neliaku, made an essential move. Following a historic deal with IMPR, the transition was initiated, which transformed the annual Spokespersons’ Communication Awards into the National Spokespersons’ Awards (NSA).

Interestingly, the president inagurates two committees to meticulously prepare for this year event, the highest honour ceremony within the Nigerian communication and PR industry. The jury committee diligently screened the entries, comprised of scholars, PR practitioners, and media personalities. From 224 entries, 60 finalists were shortlisted across 20 categories, including the coveted ‘Spokesperson of the Year Award’.

After months of planning and anticipation culminated last week with the inaugural National Spokespersons Awards (NSA) ceremony, held at the International Conference Centre in Abuja. The event marked the end of a remarkable journey, a testament to perseverance and the unwavering belief in the importance of recognizing communication excellence.

The night belonged to the spokespersons who had honed their craft and consistently delivered exceptional results. CSC Abdullahi Maiwada, the National Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Customs Service, successfully defended his title as the “Best Spokesperson of the Year” – a feat he achieved at the 2023 edition of the SCA. The competition was fierce, with Maiwada overcoming two other finalists to claim the top honour.

The event wasn’t just about crowning a single winner. It was a celebration of diverse achievements across the communication spectrum. From Hakama Sidi Ali of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, who bagged the “Distinguished Spokesperson in Financial Service” award, to Olufemi Soyemi of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, recognized as the “Distinguished Spokesperson in the Oil and Gas Sector,” the night honored a range of exceptional individuals.

The reach of the awards extended beyond the corporate world. Abdulrahman Balogun of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission received the “Excellence in International Relations” award, highlighting the critical role communication plays in fostering connections beyond national borders. Adewale Adebajo of the British High Commission, Lagos, was recognized for his innovative approach, taking home the “Most Innovative Spokesperson Award Diplomatic/Multinational.”

The impact transcended individual accolades. Governor, Alh. Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State, was acknowledged for his commitment to “Excellence in Corporate Governance.” Organizations like the Nigeria Customs Service were celebrated for their achievements in “Excellence in Regulatory Compliance.” while other respected Chief Press Secretary (CPS) of many state governor cart away the prestigious trophies. These awards served as a powerful reminder that effective communication is vital across all sectors, from public institutions to private companies.

Dr. Jossy Nwakocha of Indorama Eleme Petrochemicals the energy sector in the room was palpable, not just from the excitement of the awards themselves, but also from the presence of a significant number of aspiring communication professionals.

Looking ahead, the NSA had become a trademark as permanent fixture in the Nigerian communication industry. The organizers have expressed their commitment to making this an annual event, potentially expanding the categories and scope to encompass a wider range of communication expertise.

In his speech, Neliaku said: “Let me congratulate the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Image Merchants Promotion Limited, Mallam Yushau Shuaib, for organizing this beautiful and colourful event to reward our spokespersons who are carving a niche for themselves by doing excellent jobs for their principals and organisations”.

While commenting on the awards, Mal. Shuaib explained that the award ceremony was organized to celebrate high-flying Nigerian spokespersons whose brilliant work is helping to redefine the job of public relations, reputation management, and image branding in the country.

“I wish to appreciate the efforts of the Awards Jury Team, who did a fantastic job of assessing and selecting the deserving finalists and eventual winners”, he said.

VISIT OUR OTHER WEBSITES
PRNigeria.com EconomicConfidential.com PRNigeria.com/Hausa/
EmergencyDigest.com PoliticsDigest.ng TechDigest.ng
HealthDigest.ng SpokesPersonsdigest.com TeensDigest.ng
ArewaAgenda.com Hausa.ArewaAgenda.com YAShuaib.com
  • TAGS
  • CSC Abdullahi Maiwada
  • Dr. Ike Neliak
  • IMage Merchants Promotion
  • Indorama Eleme
  • National Spokespersons Awards
  • Nigerian Institute of Public Relations
Previous articleFact-check: Were Senegal’s New President Faye, Wife Peasant Farmers as Depicted in a Viral Picture?
Next articleBobrisky Convicted, Pleads to Campaign against Naira Abuse
Kabir Abdulsalam
Kabir Abdulsalam
Xing

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR

CG Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi

Customs Just Wrote Nigeria’s Energy Rulebook

Okello Oculi

Okello Oculi: A Pan-Africanist Asteroid Burns out Forever By Is’haq Modibbo Kawu

Leon Usigbe

Death, you can’t be Proud of this By Abdulrahman Abdulraheem 

Tinubu’s Plateau Gambit – Yilwatda, 2027, and the Return of the Machiavellian Strategist By Abdullahi O Haruna Haruspice

Ozumi and a recipient of a wheelchair

Wheels of Hope: How a Simple Gift is Reshaping Lives at Sa’adatu Rimi University By Ozumi Abdul

Late Ex-President Muhammadu Buhari and Mansur Liman

“Buhari: A Blunt, Honest Leader Who Laughed at His Own Predicament”

Intelligence Synergy: Reshaping Nigeria’s Security Architecture, By Mukhtar Ya’u Madobi

When Media Saves Lives: How NEMA is Equipping Journalists for Disaster Risk Communication in Kano/Jigawa

Young Muhammadu Buhari jnr

A Young Buhari’s Poetic Tribute to a Leader By Yushau A. Shuaib

A Brotherhood Beyond Blood- Seyi Tinubu’s Rare and Humble Support for Yusuf Buhari By Abdullahi O Haruna Haruspice

Late President Muhammadu Buhari

Critique of Renaming University of Maiduguri after Muhammadu Buhari By Dr Umar Ardo

Late President Muhammadu Buhari

Buhari’s Shocker: I look Forward to Leaving, and when it’s time, I go to my Grave By Femi Adesina

Recent Posts

  • Olubaka of Oka Praises Foundation for “Best Oka Day” Festival
  • NIPR FCT Chapter Focuses on Crisis Communication and Professionalism
  • Troops Eliminate Dozens of Terrorists, Arrest 578 Suspects in July Operations
  • FG Reacts to Niger Governor’s Closure of Badegi FM
  • Information Ministry Inaugurates Anti-Corruption Unit to Deepen Transparency
  • Home
  • About
  • Adverts
  • Contact
© 2020 PRNigeria. All Rights Reserved.
Latest News
Olubaka of Oka Praises Foundation for "Best Oka Day" FestivalNIPR FCT Chapter Focuses on Crisis Communication and ProfessionalismTroops Eliminate Dozens of Terrorists, Arrest 578 Suspects in July OperationsFG Reacts to Niger Governor’s Closure of Badegi FMInformation Ministry Inaugurates Anti-Corruption Unit to Deepen TransparencyIG Boosts Police Intelligence Capacity with New Tech, Training for Technical Intelligence UnitAnambra Police Nab Wanted Kidnap Suspect in KadunaCustoms Just Wrote Nigeria's Energy RulebookLawyer Sues Housing Ministry, FHA Over Alleged Property RedesignNavy to Establish  Base in Kebbi to Tackle Inland Waterway CrimesArmy Commander's Compassion Keeps 100 Students in School in ZamfaraSam Obi Sponsors 500 Students in Evergreen, SimplifiedIQ's Education ProgramNIPR Hails customs Boss' Tenure Extension as Evidence of Transformational LeadershipAkwa Ibom Boosts National Security with Land Donation for Nigerian Air Force BaseCustoms Unveils Renewable Energy Handbook, Strengthens EU-Germany-GIZ Partnership
X whatsapp