The Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, has been named among the three finalists in the Crisis Communicator category of the 2026 National Spokespersons Awards (NS Awards), a prestigious national platform that recognizes excellence in public communication and reputation management.
The announcement was conveyed in a letter dated June 22, 2026, signed by the Chairman of the Planning Committee of the National Spokespersons Awards, Mr. Segun McMedal.
NIPR Launches 5th National Spokespersons Awards
Part of the letter reads: “I am pleased to inform you that you have been selected as a finalist in the Crisis Communicator category of the National Spokespersons Awards (NS Awards).”
The NS Awards, organized by Image Merchants Promotion Limited (IMPR), publishers of PRNigeria and Spokespersons Digest, is regarded as Nigeria’s premier platform for recognizing excellence, integrity, and impact in public communication.
According to PRNigeria, the Chairman of the Jury for the 2026 National Spokespersons Awards, Professor Saudat Abdulbaqi, announced the finalists following the completion of the first and second phases of the assessment process. The exercise produced 42 finalists across 16 categories in what organizers described as one of the most competitive editions since the awards were established.
The awards, jointly organized by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and Spokespersons Digest, celebrate excellence in strategic communication, public engagement, media relations, and reputation management across both public and private sectors.
The jury panel, comprising academics, public relations practitioners, journalists, and publishers, conducted a rigorous evaluation process aimed at identifying individuals and institutions that have demonstrated outstanding performance in public communication and stakeholder engagement.
Speaking on the selection process, Professor Abdulbaqi disclosed that 91 entries successfully passed the initial eligibility stage after meeting the required standards of clarity of objectives, measurable impact, and verifiable supporting evidence, including reports, publications, and digital references.
IMPR Unveils Jury for 2026 National Spokespersons Awards
She explained that shortlisted entries were subsequently assessed using four key criteria: impact, innovation and originality, reach, and the quality of evidence submitted. According to her, the process was designed to ensure fairness, transparency, and credibility in selecting communication professionals and institutions that excelled in crisis communication, media relations, digital engagement, and strategic stakeholder management.
Following the rigorous assessment, Comrade Ibrahim Waiya emerged as one of the top three finalists in the Crisis Communicator category alongside Lere Olayinka of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and Dan Nwomeh of the Enugu State Government.
The recognition adds to a growing list of honours and accolades received by Comrade Waiya since assuming office as Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs nearly two years ago.
In recognition of his contributions to the media and information sector, particularly through innovative communication initiatives and stakeholder engagement programmes, Waiya has received awards and commendations from several professional and media organizations, including the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the Nigerian Society of Broadcasters (NSB), the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), among others.
The winners of the various categories of the 2026 National Spokespersons Awards will be unveiled during the award ceremony scheduled to hold in August 2026.