By Vivian Emoni
Image Merchants Promotion Ltd. (IMPR) says the 2026 National Spokespersons Awards will celebrate communication excellence while advancing strategic communication and national development.
IMPR Managing Director, Mr Yushau Shuaib, disclosed this on Monday in Abuja during a media briefing ahead of the awards ceremony.
Shuaib said the awards and the Economic Confidential Annual Lecture would convene communication professionals, policymakers and media stakeholders from across Nigeria.
He said the event, scheduled for Aug. 13, would focus on strengthening public communication and promoting good governance through professional engagement.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the annual lecture is with the theme, ‘Anti-Corruption Reforms, Economic Stability and Effective Communication.’
According to Shuaib, the awards recognise spokespersons who demonstrate professionalism, innovation, integrity and excellence in public communication.
“The initiative has become a leading platform for honouring outstanding communication professionals across public and private institutions,” he said.
He added that the 2026 edition had secured endorsements from the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Nigeria Institute of Public Relations and African Public Relations Association.
Shuaib said finalists emerged through an independent assessment conducted by editors, communication scholars and public relations experts.
He revealed that hundreds of nominations were received nationwide, reflecting growing interest in communication professionalism and public accountability.
“The selection process reflected transparency, merit and commitment to professional excellence,” he said.
According to him, several past award recipients later gained international recognition for excellence in strategic communication and public engagement.
He listed recognised institutions to include the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Central Bank of Nigeria and National Information Technology Development Agency.
Others are the Nigeria Customs Service and the Nigerian Air Force, which have previously received recognition through the awards platform.
Shuaib disclosed that Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, would receive a Special Recognition Award at the ceremony.
He added that ICPC Chairman, Musa Aliyu, would deliver the keynote lecture on anti-corruption reforms and effective communication.
The event will be chaired by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.
Shuaib said a national research report on artificial intelligence in crisis communication would also be unveiled during the programme.
He explained that the report examined AI applications in emergency communication, fact-checking, media verification and building public trust.
According to him, the gathering will attract spokespersons, editors, security agencies, diplomats, corporate executives and development partners from across the country.
He described the awards and lecture as important platforms for advancing strategic communication, strengthening institutions and promoting national development.
Shuaib added that IMPR remains committed to quality journalism, strategic communication and public-interest reporting across Nigeria. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
VOE/KTO
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Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo