Abuja: Image Merchants Promotion Ltd. (IMPR) has announced that the 2026 National Spokespersons Awards will celebrate communication excellence while advancing strategic communication and national development. IMPR Managing Director, Mr. Yushau Shuaib, disclosed this during a media briefing in Abuja ahead of the awards ceremony.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the awards, alongside the Economic Confidential Annual Lecture, will bring together communication professionals, policymakers, and media stakeholders from across Nigeria. The event, scheduled for August 13, aims to strengthen public communication and promote good governance through professional engagement. The annual lecture will focus on the theme, ‘Anti-Corruption Reforms, Economic Stability and Effective Communication.’
Shuaib stated that the awards recognize spokespersons who demonstrate professionalism, innovation, integrity, and excellence in public communication. He highlighted that the initiative has become a leading platform for honoring
outstanding communication professionals across public and private institutions. The 2026 edition has secured endorsements from the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Nigeria Institute of Public Relations, and African Public Relations Association.
Finalists for the awards emerged through an independent assessment conducted by editors, communication scholars, and public relations experts. Shuaib noted that the selection process reflected transparency, merit, and commitment to professional excellence, with hundreds of nominations received nationwide. This reflects a growing interest in communication professionalism and public accountability.
Several past award recipients have gained international recognition for excellence in strategic communication and public engagement. Recognized institutions include the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Central Bank of Nigeria, and National Information Technology Development Agency. The Nigeria Customs Service and the Nigerian Air Force have also previously received recogni
tion through the awards platform.
Shuaib revealed that Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, would receive a Special Recognition Award at the ceremony. Additionally, ICPC Chairman, Musa Aliyu, is set to 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.
A national research report on artificial intelligence in crisis communication will be unveiled during the program. The report examines AI applications in emergency communication, fact-checking, media verification, and building public trust. The gathering will attract spokespersons, editors, security agencies, diplomats, corporate executives, and development partners from across the country.
Shuaib described the awards and lecture as important platforms for advancing strategic communication, strengthening institutions, and promoting national development. He added that IMPR remains committed to quality journalism, strat
egic communication, and public-interest reporting across Nigeria.