Kano information commissioner shortlisted for 2026 spokespersons award

The Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Waiya, has been shortlisted as one of three finalists in the Crisis Communicator category of the 2026 National Spokespersons Awards.

This was disclosed in a statement released on Friday by the Director of Special Duties in the Kano State Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs, Sani Abba Yola.

According to the statement, Waiya’s nomination 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 read in part, “I am pleased to inform you that you have been selected as finalist in the Crisis Communicator category of the National Spokespersons Awards (NS Awards).”

The statement noted that the awards, organised by Image Merchants Promotion Limited, publishers of PR Nigeria and Spokespersons Digest, recognise excellence, integrity and impact in public communication.

It added that the Chairman of the 2026 Awards Jury, Professor Saudat Abdulbaqi, announced 42 finalists across 16 categories after the completion of the first and second phases of the assessment process.

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According to the organisers, the jury assessed shortlisted entries based on four criteria: impact, innovation and originality, reach, and quality of supporting evidence submitted.

Speaking on the selection process, Abdulbaqi said, “After an initial eligibility screening, 91 entries met the required standards—clarity of objectives, demonstrable impact, and verifiable evidence such as reports, publications, and digital links. These were then subjected to a more intensive second stage evaluation.”

She added, “The Jury assessed all shortlisted entries using four core criteria: impact, innovation and originality, reach, and the quality of evidence submitted.

“The process was designed to ensure fairness, transparency, and credibility in identifying spokespersons and institutions that demonstrated excellence in public communication, media relations, crisis response, digital engagement, and strategic stakeholder management.”

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

The award ceremony is scheduled to hold in August 2026, when winners across the various categories will be announced.