FEATURE: Revisiting the Inaugural National Spokespersons Awards
In just 38 days, Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, will host a groundbreaking celebration that shines the spotlight on a vital yet often underappreciated skill: strategic communication.
The fifth edition of the National Spokespersons Awards (NSA) promises to bring together Nigeria’s finest communicators, honouring their outstanding achievements and emphasizing the critical role of effective public engagement in today’s world.
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 this landmark event starting from last year, 2024.
Beyond a mere awards ceremony, the NSA is a strategic investment in fostering a culture of excellence, integrity, and professionalism in Nigeria’s public relations landscape.
The journey to the inaugural NSA wasn’t without its challenges. It traces back to November 2018, when IMPR first envisioned a national public relations award to recognize excellence in strategic communication.
Under the leadership of then-NIPR President Mallam Mukhtar Zubairu Sirajo, early efforts were made to establish an annual recognition platform. While initial attempts faced setbacks, the dream remained alive.
In 2021, IMPR launched the Spokespersons Communication Awards (SCA), focusing on key issues in publicity and strategic communication. The success of the SCA, held annually from 2021 to 2023, laid the groundwork for something even bigger—the transformation of the awards into the NSA.
This shift, endorsed by NIPR President Dr. Ike Neliaku, marked the beginning of a new era for the PR industry in Nigeria.
Now in its 5th edition, the NSA has grown in prominence, drawing top professionals from corporate, government, security, and media communications.
The event has evolved to accommodate the ever-changing landscape of public relations, with refined categories to recognize excellence across various industries.
The 5th National Spokespersons Awards will be held as part of the National Spokespersons Summit from April 14th to 17th, 2025, at the Abuja Continental Hotel.
It promises to be an unforgettable celebration of communication excellence, featuring a Red-Carpet Gala and grand award night on April 16th, 2025, at 5:00 PM to honor Nigeria’s top spokespersons, keynote speeches from industry leaders discussing the evolving role of communication in governance, corporate affairs, and security.
This year’s edition features 22 categories, an increase from 20 in the previous edition, to provide greater inclusivity and representation across various industries.
To guarantee transparency and credibility, NIPR has reconstituted two key committees: the Award Planning Coordinating Committee, chaired by Olusegun McMedal, with Comptroller Joseph Attah (Rtd) as Vice Chairman, and the Adjudication Committee, led by Dr. Shuaibu Husseini, with Prof. Anthony Igyuve as Vice Chairman.
These committees will oversee the rigorous selection process, ensuring that deserving professionals receive due recognition. Over the years, the NSA has recognized outstanding spokespersons who set the standard for effective public engagement.
Among notable distinguish spokesperson celebrated last year were: Abdullahi Maiwada of (Nigeria Customs Service) who bagged Best Spokesperson of the Year for his outstanding communication efforts in regulatory compliance.
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Hakama Sidi Ali of (Central Bank of Nigeria) won Distinguished Spokesperson in Financial Services for effectively shaping the public perception of the banking sector; Olufemi Soyemi of NNPCL, recognized in the Oil and Gas Sector for strategic crisis communication and transparency; Dr. Peter Afunanya of the DSS, acknowledged for excellence in crisis management; and Stanley Olisa of Air Peace, named Young Spokesperson of the Year for innovative communication in the aviation industry.
Others were Abdulrahman Balogun of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, NIDCOM, who was conferred with the “Excellence in International Relations” award; Adewale Adebajo of the British High Commission, Lagos, who got the “Most Innovative Spokesperson Award Diplomatic/Multinational” award; and the Kwara State Governor, Alh. Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, who bagged the “Excellence in Corporate Governance” award.
the test include: Dr. Jossy Nwakocha of Indorama Eleme Petrochemicals Ltd (Distinguished Spokesperson in Environmental Sustainability), Charles Aniagwu, Commissioner in Delta State (Spokesperson Gold Award – Public Sector (State), Maryam Sanusi of FERMA (Spokesperson Gold Award – Public Sector (Federal), Festus Akande of Supreme Court (Outstanding Spokesperson Award- Judiciary), Eseme Eyibo of The Senate (Outstanding Spokesperson Award- Legislature) and Sanusi Bature of the Kano State Government (Outstanding Spokesperson Award – Executive Arm).
Aside this, Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau of DHQ (Outstanding Military Spokesperson), Michael Adande of Shell (Distinguished Spokesperson in Corporate Communication), Rafiu Ajakaye of Kwara State Government (Distinguished Spokesperson in Political Communication); Reuben Muoka of the NCC (Distinguished Spokesperson in Technology), and Jonas Agwu of FRSC (Outstanding Security Spokesperson).s
Similarly, apart from individual categories, Institutions were also recognized, with the Kwara State Government receiving the Excellence in Corporate Governance Award and the Nigeria Customs Service being honored for Excellence in Regulatory Compliance.
In his remarks, Dr. Ike Neliaku, President and Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, NIPR, Governing Council, congratulated the awardees, urging them to keep on blazing the trail in their professional callings.
According to him, even though about 20 spokespersons bagged various awards at the event, those who cut three of the finalists in the categories of the awards are also deserving winners in their rights.
While speaking, the organising committee chairman, Mr. Segun McMedal, noted that this year’s edition will be the most competitive yet, with an increased number of nominations expected. Industry experts have praised the awards for raising the bar in Nigerian public relations and fostering a culture of excellence.
The NSA is more than an awards ceremony—it is a movement dedicated to elevating the standards of public communication.
Spokespersons play a critical role in shaping narratives, addressing misinformation, and fostering trust between institutions and the public.
Their work influences governance, business, security, and diplomacy, making their recognition essential. Looking ahead, the NSA aims to solidify its position as the premier communication awards event in Nigeria.
The organizers are committed to expanding the scope of the awards, introducing new categories, and engaging more stakeholders in the industry.
Nominations of this year entries open until March 24, 2025, the stage is set for another thrilling competition among Nigeria’s finest spokespersons. The forthcoming event will not only celebrate past achievements but also inspire the next generation of communication professionals to strive for excellence.
For more details and to submit nominations, visit NSAwards Website or the NIPR website. NSA 2025: Key Details at a Glance – Event: 5th National Spokespersons Awards; Dates: April 14-17, 2025; Venue: Abuja Continental Hotel; Gala Night: April 16, 2025, at 5:00 PM; Nominations Deadline: March 24, 2025.
Don’t miss the chance to be part of Nigeria’s biggest recognition event for spokespersons and communication professionals!
Kabir Abdulsalam, a Senior Staff Writer with PRNigeria, can be reach via: [email protected]
