Speaking to journalists shortly after receiving the award, Waiya expressed gratitude to the Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, dedicating the honor to him. “I won this award courtesy of his contribution. This is the first time someone from the North West has won this category, and I am delighted,” he said.
Despite not coming from a traditional media background, Waiya highlighted how his experience in civil society advocacy and communication strategies helped him excel in crisis management.
He explained that his approach involved strategic engagement with citizens, navigating the media ecosystem, and building strong relationships with stakeholders and practitioners across the state.
He noted that the award reflects the enabling environment created by Governor Yusuf, noting: “This is a testament that Kano State has an inclusive governor who ensures every sector receives attention and consideration. Without his support, we would not have attained this height.”Government
Waiya described the recognition as a milestone for Kano, adding that it validates the administration’s commitment to effective governance and communication. “I dedicated this award to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf as my mentor in politics, my principal, and the governor of Kano State. I uphold the confidence he has reposed in me,” he explained.
Kano Info Commissioner, Ibrahim Waiya, receives plaque from former NUJ President, Chris Isiguzo, as Awards Convener, Yusha’u Shuaibu, looks onAfricans & Diaspora
Delivering a keynote address at the ceremony, the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, urged Nigerians to embrace effective and strategic communication skills in the fight against corruption.
He stressed that corruption is a pervasive global challenge, not confined to Nigeria, and requires innovative approaches to tackle.
In her remarks, the Chairperson of the Jurists Committee for the sixth edition of the National Spokespersons Awards, Professor Saudat Abdulbakiy, a communication scholar from the University of Ilorin, stated that the event goes beyond award presentations.
She described it as a platform for identifying and celebrating outstanding communicators who uphold ethics, professionalism, and credibility.
Professor Abdulbakiy disclosed that 171 individuals and corporate organizations were nominated, but only 19 entries qualified after meeting rigorous tests and basic requirements.
“Following a final review by the jurists, 15 winners emerged across different categories.”
She explained that the committee relied on the credibility, originality, and audience reach of each entry in determining the winners.
Urging the awardees to see the recognition as a call to greater service, she said: “This should not be seen as the end of the journey, but as motivation to do more in serving humanity.”
Earlier, in his opening remarks, the founder of the National Spokespersons Awards and Chief Executive Officer of Image Merchant Promotion Limited, Yusha’u Shuaibu, described this year’s edition as special, noting that it featured the unveiling of a new book titled “AI Crisis Communication in Nigeria.” He lauded all participants, awardees, and jurists for their contributions in making the event a success.Africans & Diaspora
In a vote of thanks, the Chairman of the 6th National Spokespersons Awards, Professor Sule Ya’u Sule, commended the participants and winners, stressing that the awardees had passed through rigorous tests and stages to authenticate their work.
He highlighted the achievements of the Kano State Commissioner for Information, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, who won the Crisis Communication Award. Professor Sule noted that Waiya has introduced a series of reforms in the media and information sector of Kano State.
According to him, Comrade Waiya has consistently supported journalists through capacity-building initiatives, provision of smartphones, and other reforms aimed at strengthening the communication landscape in the state. “He has demonstrated his ability in crisis communication and has brought meaningful reforms to the sector,” Professor Sule remarked.
Name of Awardees and Categories
– Author Scholar of the Year : Winner: Celestine Achi
– Crisis Communicator : Winner: Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya
– Crisis Communication Hub : Winner: NITDA Crisis Manager
– Digital Communication : Winner: Abdurrahman Ahmed Bundi
– Employee Relations : Winner: Office of the Accountant General of the Federation
– Event Management : Winner: NIPR Kaduna Centre
– Knowledge Hub Award: Winner: MAAUN
– Media Relationship Award : Winner: TETFUND – Abdulmumini Oniyangi
– PR Agency Award : Winner: Integrated Indigo
– Public Affairs : Winner: FRSC
– Spokesperson of the Year : Winner: Hakama Sidi Ali (CBN)
(Justice Watch News)
