THE NATIONAL SPOKESPERSONS AWARDS ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

The National Spokespersons Awards is Nigeria’s premier platform dedicated to honoring and celebrating the creativity and excellence of spokespersons operating in public and private organizations across the country.

These awards recognize individuals and organizations that have excelled in strategic communication, public engagement, and reputation management, meeting the highest standards across all levels of the selection process based on their achievements in the previous year.

Eligibility:

• • The award is open to members and prospective members of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR).
• • Entries may be submitted by the spokesperson or their organizations in recognition of their outstanding work.
• • Certified NIPR members may also nominate eligible spokespersons.
• • Entries must provide proof of impact, demonstrating how their communication programmes achieved set outcomes during the year under review (2024–2025).
• • Entries should preferably be accompanied by proof of NIPR membership.
• • Entries should specify the award category for which the works are being presented.
• • Entries must be submitted online at https://shorturl.at/RWT1P.
• • Entries must include web links or scanned images showcasing the campaign's execution and impact.
• • All entries must be submitted on or before the official deadline for consideration.
• • Any entry that fails to meet these guidelines may be disqualified.

Adjudication Criteria

• Clarity & Concision: Ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and effectively, ensuring messages are easily understood.
• Adaptability (Creativity & Innovation): Skill in tailoring communication to different media channels while maintaining message integrity.
• Media Savvy & Presence: Frequency and quality of media engagements, including interviews, press conferences, press releases, and op-eds.
• Storytelling & Framing: Ability to craft compelling narratives that effectively communicate the organization’s objectives and achievements.
• Use of New Technologies: Proficiency in leveraging emerging communication channels, tools, and technologies to enhance engagement and outreach.
• Outcome & Impact: Evaluation of how effectively PR objectives were met, measuring the overall success and influence of communication efforts.

5TH NATIONAL SPOKESPERSONS AWARDS CATEGORIES

Individual Awards:

1. Outstanding Spokesperson of the Year – This is the highest individual honour recognizing the most outstanding spokesperson who has excelled in delivering clear, impactful, and transparent messages that resonate with diverse audiences and foster positive relationships with stakeholders.
2. Outstanding Government Spokesperson – (Federal) – This celebrates a spokesperson who has demonstrated exceptional skills in deploying communication strategies to build mutual understanding, consent, and support for federal government programmes among stakeholders.
3. Outstanding Government Spokesperson – (State) – This celebrates a spokesperson who has demonstrated exceptional skills in deploying communication strategies to build mutual understanding, consent, and support for state government programmes among stakeholders.
4. Outstanding Corporate Spokesperson – Honoring a corporate spokesperson who exemplifies excellence in strategic communication, media engagement, and reputation management. This individual has effectively shaped public perception, strengthened stakeholder trust, and elevated their organization’s corporate image through impactful storytelling and crisis navigation.
5. Outstanding Spokesperson (Security Services) – This honours a spokesperson with proven skills in leveraging communication strategies and building relationships with relevant stakeholders towards a better-informed citizenry on security operations.
6. Most Innovative Spokesperson (Multilateral / Multinational) – Honouring a spokesperson from a multilateral organization or multinational corporation who has leveraged cutting-edge communication strategies, digital tools, and creative storytelling to engage stakeholders and amplify organizational impact.
7. Outstanding Spokesperson (Banking Sector) – Awarded to a banking sector spokesperson who has successfully navigated industry complexities, built trust through clear and transparent communication, and strengthened brand positioning in a highly competitive financial landscape.
8. Outstanding Spokesperson (Insurance Sector) – Celebrating a spokesperson in the insurance industry who has effectively communicated complex policies, fostered consumer confidence, and enhanced public understanding of risk management and financial security.
9. Outstanding Spokesperson (Crisis Management – Public Sector) – Recognizing a public sector spokesperson who has demonstrated exceptional crisis communication skills, strategic messaging, and swift responsiveness in managing public perception during challenging situations.
10. Outstanding Spokesperson (Crisis Management – Private Sector) – Honouring a private sector spokesperson who has exhibited resilience, adaptability, and strategic crisis management, ensuring business continuity and safeguarding corporate reputation during critical moments.
11. Outstanding Spokesperson (Health Sector) – Awarded to a health sector spokesperson who has effectively communicated public health messages, crisis responses, and policy initiatives, fostering trust and engagement within the healthcare ecosystem.
12. Outstanding Spokesperson (Education Sector) – Recognizing a spokesperson in the education sector who has championed institutional reputation, policy advocacy, and stakeholder engagement while promoting innovation and excellence in education.
13. Outstanding Spokesperson (Digital Economy) – Honouring a spokesperson who has been at the forefront of shaping conversations around telecoms, fintech, and the digital economy. Through strategic communication, thought leadership, and stakeholder engagement, this individual has driven public awareness, influenced policy discourse, and championed innovation, accelerating the nation’s digital transformation and technological advancement.
14. Outstanding Spokesperson (Marine & Blue Economy) – Awarded to a spokesperson who has been a powerful advocate for the marine and blue economy, driving awareness, investment, and policy discourse in this vital sector. Through strategic communication, thought leadership, and stakeholder engagement, this individual has played a pivotal role in promoting sustainability, fostering economic opportunities, and shaping the future of maritime and ocean-based industries.
15. Distinguished Spokesperson (Power Sector) – Recognizing a spokesperson in the power sector who has effectively communicated energy policies, infrastructure developments, and industry challenges while maintaining public trust and engagement.
16. Distinguished Spokesperson (Oil and Gas) – Honouring a spokesperson in the oil and gas industry who has demonstrated strategic communication excellence, stakeholder engagement, and crisis management in one of the world’s most scrutinized sectors.
17. Distinguished Spokesperson (Hospitality Sector) – Celebrating a hospitality industry spokesperson who has successfully navigated brand positioning, crisis communication, and stakeholder engagement to enhance tourism and service excellence.

Institutional Awards

18. Most Influential Corporate Voice – Awarded to a corporate leader or spokesperson whose voice has significantly shaped public discourse, influenced industry policies, and set communication standards in the corporate space.
19. Best Corporate Share of Voice (Social Media) – Recognizing an organization or spokesperson that has effectively utilized social media platforms to engage audiences, drive brand narratives, and maintain a strong digital presence.
20. Best Corporate Spokesperson Team – Honouring a high-performing corporate communications team that has demonstrated exceptional synergy, strategic execution, and impact in shaping corporate narratives and reputation.
21. Most Supportive CEO to Spokespersons (Public Sector) – Recognizing a public sector CEO / DG / GM / Executive Secretary who has provided outstanding support to their communications team, fostering an environment that prioritizes transparency, strategic messaging, and public engagement.
22. Most Supportive CEO to Spokespersons (Private Sector) – Honouring a private sector CEO who has championed the role of corporate communications, empowering their spokespersons with the resources and autonomy to build and protect the organization’s reputation effectively.

Conclusion

The 22 award categories highlight the critical role of spokespersons in shaping narratives, managing reputations, and driving impactful communication across sectors. By recognizing excellence in government, corporate, crisis management, and media engagement, the National Spokespersons Awards sets a benchmark for professionalism, inspiring higher industry standards and best practices nationwide.