The International Public Relations Association (IPRA) has officially endorsed Nigeria’s National Spokespersons Awards (NSAwards), as the Federal Government and the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) applauded the PRNigeria Fellowship for equipping young communicators with advanced skills in journalism, public relations, and artificial intelligence.
The announcements were made over the weekend during the closing ceremony of the PRNigeria Fellowship at the PRNigeria Centre in Abuja.
In his welcome remarks, Alhaji Yushau Shuaib, Chief Executive Officer of Image Merchants Promotion Limited (IMPR), disclosed that IPRA, through a correspondence issued by its Secretary General, Philip Sheppard had conferred the NSAwards with Conference Status.
The global recognition strengthens the credibility of the annual awards, which celebrate excellence in public communication, creativity and innovation.
IMPR, publishers of PRNigeria and Economic Confidential, organises both the NSAwards and the PRNigeriaFellowship annually.
The firm has earned acclaim as a leading strategic communication agency, ranking as the Most Creative PR Agency Worldwide in 2020, and securing multiple SABRE Africa and IPRA Golden World Awards.
In representation of the Hon. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Malam Mohammed Idris Malagi, the Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mallam Ali M. Ali, praised IMPR for its investment in developing emerging communication professionals.
“We are not surprised that IMPR is one of the most outstanding strategic communication outfits that adhere to the ethics of the profession through its platforms and initiatives, including the annual fellowship for young Nigerians,” he said.
He added that the programme serves as a reservoir for future talent and urged fellows to remain vigilant in a media environment increasingly affected by fake news and AI-generated misinformation.
NUJ President, Comrade Alhassan Adamu Yahya, pledged the Union’s continued support for IMPR’s initiatives.
He encouraged fellows to uphold ethical standards and prioritise national security considerations in their work.
Also speaking, Ja’afar Ja’afar, publisher of Daily Nigerian, warned participants about the growing threat of deepfakes and AI manipulation.
He emphasised that “professional contacts make the journalist and journalism,” advising investigative reporters to deploy the Freedom of Information Act responsibly and with a focus on accountability rather than sensationalism.
The fellowship, held annually across PRNigeria Centres in Abuja, Kano, and Ilorin, concluded with special recognitions for outstanding participants.
