Kano information commissioner makes national awards finalists’ list

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.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the Director of Special Duties, Kano State Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs, Sani Abba Yola, and made available to journalists in Abuja on Wednesday.

According to the statement, Waiya’s emergence as one of the leading contenders in the category was conveyed in a letter dated June 22, 2026, signed by the Chairman of the Planning Committee of the National Spokespersons Awards, Segun Mcmedal.

The letter informed the commissioner that he had been selected as a finalist in the Crisis Communicator category of the prestigious awards.

The National Spokespersons Awards, organised by Image Merchants Promotion Limited, publishers of PRNigeria and Spokespersons Digest, is regarded as Nigeria’s foremost platform for recognising excellence, integrity and impact in public communication.

PRNigeria reported that the Chairman of the Awards Jury, Professor Saudat Abdulbaqi, announced 42 finalists across 16 categories following the completion of the first and second phases of assessment.

The organisers described this year’s edition as one of the most competitive since the awards were introduced.

The awards, jointly organised by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations and Spokespersons Digest, celebrate outstanding achievements in strategic communication, public engagement and reputation management in both the public and private sectors.

The jury, comprising academics, public relations practitioners, journalists and publishers, evaluated entries through a rigorous process aimed at identifying excellence in public communication and stakeholder engagement.

Explaining the selection process, Abdulbaqi said 91 entries scaled the initial eligibility screening after meeting key requirements, including clarity of objectives, measurable impact and verifiable evidence.

She noted that shortlisted entries were subsequently assessed using four major criteria: impact, innovation and originality, reach, and quality of supporting evidence.

According to her, the process was designed to ensure transparency, fairness and credibility in recognising exceptional communicators and institutions.

Following the final stage of assessment in the Crisis Communicator category, Waiya emerged alongside Lere Olayinka of the Federal Capital Territory Administration and Dan Nwomeh of the Enugu State Government as the top three finalists.

Waiya’s nomination adds to a growing list of honours received by the commissioner since assuming office less than two years ago.

He has previously been recognised by several professional and media-related bodies, including the Nigeria Union of Journalists, the Nigerian Society of Broadcasters, the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations and the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria.

The winners of the various categories are expected to be unveiled during the National Spokespersons Awards ceremony scheduled for August 2026.