Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr Musa Adamu Aliyu, is set to lead discussions on anti-corruption reforms and economic governance at the 2026 National Spokespersons Awards and Economic Confidential Annual Lecture scheduled to hold in Abuja.
Organisers of the event, Image Merchants Promotion Limited (IMPR), announced that the programme, billed for August 13, 2026, will be the largest edition since its inception.
Managing Director of IMPR, Mr Yushau A. Shuaib, said the annual awards had evolved into a leading platform for recognising excellence in public communication and strategic engagement across Nigeria.
According to him, the awards have consistently honoured spokespersons who demonstrate professionalism, integrity, innovation and effectiveness in public communication.
Shuaib disclosed that the 2026 edition has secured endorsements from the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the African Public Relations Association (APRA) and the International Public Relations Association (IPRA), further strengthening the credibility of the initiative.
He explained that finalists emerged through an independent evaluation process conducted by communication experts, senior editors and public relations practitioners who assessed hundreds of nominations submitted nationwide.
The organisers noted that several previous recipients of the awards had gone on to receive international recognition, including institutions such as the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nigeria Customs Service, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Nigerian Air Force.
A major highlight of the event will be the keynote lecture titled “Anti-Corruption Reforms, Economic Stability and Effective Communication,” which will be delivered by the ICPC Chairman.
The lecture is expected to explore how transparency, accountability and strategic communication can contribute to economic stability and strengthen public confidence in government institutions.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, is expected to chair the event.
Organisers also announced plans to unveil a research report titled “AI in Crisis Communication in Nigeria,” which examines the role of artificial intelligence in media verification, fact-checking, misinformation management and emergency communication.
The report is expected to provide practical recommendations on how digital technologies can enhance institutional responses during crises and improve public trust.
Stakeholders from government, academia, the media, diplomatic missions, civil society organisations and the corporate sector are expected to participate in the gathering, which organisers describe as a platform for advancing professional standards and strengthening strategic communication for national development.
Deborah Adeyefa
