Jury Shortlists Finalists for the 2026 National Spokesperson Awards
The Jury for the 2026 National Spokesperson Awards (NS Awards) has completed the first and second phases of its assessment, producing 42 finalists across 16 categories in what organisers describe as one of the most competitive editions since the awards were established.
Chairman of the Jury, Professor Saudat Abdulbaqi, said the process began with 171 nominations submitted from across the country. After an initial eligibility screening, 91 entries met the required standards—clarity of objectives, demonstrable impact, and verifiable evidence such as reports, publications, and digital links. These were then subjected to a more intensive second stage evaluation.
According to her, the Jury assessed all shortlisted entries using four core criteria: impact, innovation and originality, reach, and the quality of evidence submitted. She emphasised that the process was designed to ensure fairness, transparency, and credibility in identifying spokespersons and institutions that demonstrated excellence in public communication, media relations, crisis response, digital engagement, and strategic stakeholder management.
Among the finalists in the highly coveted Spokesperson of the Year category are Hakama Sidi Ali of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Dele Oyewole of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
In the Author/Scholar category, the finalists include Celestine Achi, author of ‘The AI Powered PR Book’; Udo Jude Ilo, author of “Building on Solid Ground;” and Dr. Wasiu Tejuoso, recognised for multiple peer reviewed publications.
The Crisis Communicator category features Lere Olayinka of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Dan Nwomeh of the Enugu State Government, and Comrade Ibrahim Waiya of Kano State.
In the Young Communicator category, finalists include Folusho Adeogun of the Nigeria Customs Service/Nigeria Customs Broadcasting Network and Rt. Hon. Ibrahim Zanna Sunoma of the National Children’s Parliament.
For Corporate Communication, the finalists are Edward Osagie of NIMASA, Andy Odeh of NNPCL, and Ikechukwu Onyemekara of the Nigerian Ports Authority.
In Media Relations, the finalists are Gbenga Omotoso of the Lagos State Government and Onwuka Nzeshi of Rivers State.
The Social Media Influencer category includes Basheer Luqman of Kwara Express Media, Dan Nwomeh of Enugu State, and Ossai Ovie Success, Chief Press Secretary to the Delta State Government.
In Digital Communication, the finalists are UNILORIN TV and Abdurrahman Ahmed Bundi, Technical Assistant on Digital Communication.
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For Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), the finalists are Galaxy Backbone Limited and the Nigeria Revenue Service.
The Agency of the Year category features Chain Reactions Africa, Integrated Indigo, and Modion Communications.
Under Publication, the finalists include Tolulope Olorunduro for “Nigerian Women in PR” and Efe Obiomah, author of “How to Build a Successful PR Career in Nigeria.”
In Crisis Management, the finalists are the Nigeria Police Force, NITDA/Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC), and Ambrose Nwaogwugwu of Imo State.
For Employee Relations, the finalists are the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), and the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation.
The Event Management category features the NIPR Anambra Chapter, NIPR Kaduna Chapter, and NIPR Ogun Chapter, while the Knowledge Hub category includes the Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria (MAAUN), Kano, and the Kwara State Ministry of Communications.
In the Public Affairs category, the finalists are the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).
Chairman of the Awards Committee, Mr. Segun McMedal, who commended the jury—comprising academics, PR practitioners, journalists, and publishers on the selection exercise—said the finalists represent some of the most outstanding communication professionals and institutions in Nigeria, reflecting the growing sophistication of the country’s communication ecosystem. He announced that the 2026 National Spokesperson Awards ceremony will take place in August 2026 in Abuja, alongside the annual Economic Confidential Lecture, which attracts government spokespersons, media executives, corporate affairs leaders, and public policy experts.
McMedal noted that the NS Awards, now in their sixth edition, were created to promote professionalism, recognise excellence in public communication, and strengthen the strategic role of spokespersons in governance, corporate leadership, and national development.
He added that the final jury will reconvene in the coming weeks to determine the winners in each category based on measurable impact, innovation, and overall contributions to advancing public communication in Nigeria.
With the emergence of the 42 finalists, organisers say the stage is set for one of the most competitive editions yet, as communication professionals and institutions vie for top honours in Nigeria’s premier platform for recognising excellence in strategic communication and public affairs. Winners will be unveiled at the awards gala in Abuja.
By PRNigeria
