Celestine Achi Bags Author/Scholar of the Year Award at 2026 Spokesperson Awards
Artificial Intelligence expert and communications strategist, Celestine Achi, has emerged Author/Scholar of the Year at the 2026 National Spokesperson Awards (NSA), in recognition of his contribution to the application of Artificial Intelligence in modern public relations and strategic communication.
Achi was honoured for his book, AI-Powered PR: The Essential Guide for Communications Leaders to Master Artificial Intelligence, which provides communication professionals with a practical roadmap for understanding and integrating AI into contemporary PR practice.
His recognition also reflects his work as the developer of the pioneering TABS-D Framework for AI education, through which he contributes to efforts to deepen AI literacy and practical adoption among professionals and learners.
The award was presented on Thursday in Abuja at the 4th Economic Confidential Annual Lecture and 6th National Spokesperson Awards, organised by Spokespersons Digest, a publication of Image Merchants Promotion Limited (IMPR), publishers of PRNigeria, Economic Confidential and Spokespersons Digest.
The event, themed “Anti-Corruption Reforms, Economic Stability and Effective Communication,” brought together senior government officials, communication professionals, academics, corporate executives and media practitioners.
Achi’s recognition places him among 15 winners selected across 15 categories at this year’s awards, which celebrate individuals and institutions demonstrating excellence, innovation and impact in strategic communication.
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Beyond his authorship and work in AI education, Achi is the Founder of Cihan Media Group and serves as a Board Member of Trustees and Governing Council of the International Academy of Artificial Intelligence and Experiential Learning (IAAIEL).
His growing body of work sits at the intersection of Artificial Intelligence, public relations, digital communication and professional education, positioning him as one of the voices advocating for the responsible and practical use of emerging technologies in the communication industry.
The Chairperson of the Awards Jury, Dr. Saudat Abdulbaqi, said the 2026 edition attracted 171 nominations nationwide, with 30 finalists eventually shortlisted across 15 categories following a multi-stage evaluation process.
According to her, the adjudication focused on criteria including impact, innovation, campaign reach and the quality of supporting evidence.
“Six years after its launch, the National Spokespersons Awards have become a platform for recognising the value of professional communication and reminding us that the work of a spokesperson is not simply about speaking for an organisation, but about building credibility, trust and public confidence,” Abdulbaqi said.
She explained that 99 entries passed the initial screening, while 42 advanced to the penultimate stage before two finalists were selected in each category.
Achi’s Author/Scholar of the Year award therefore represents more than recognition for a single publication. It underscores the growing importance of AI literacy and technological innovation in reshaping the practice of public relations and strategic communication.
With AI-Powered PR and the TABS-D Framework, Achi has continued to champion a shift from simply discussing the possibilities of AI to equipping communication professionals with practical knowledge to use the technology effectively.
