Abdurrahman Bundi, Senior Technical Assistant to Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum on Print and Digital Communications, has won the Digital Communication category at the 2026 National Spokespersons Awards in Abuja.
Bundi was among 15 individuals and institutions honoured at the sixth edition of the National Spokespersons Awards, held alongside the fourth Economic Confidential Lecture at Nicon Luxury Hotel, Abuja, on Wednesday.
The award recognises his contribution to strategic digital communication, public engagement and effective dissemination of government information in an increasingly digital media environment.
Other prominent recipients included Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Waiya; Director of Corporate Communications at the Central Bank of Nigeria, Hakama Sidi-Ali; the Nigeria Customs Service and the Federal Road Safety Corps.
The ceremony was chaired by the President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Dr Ike Neliaku, and attracted senior government officials, communication professionals and media practitioners.
Chairman of the awards jury, Professor Saudat Abdulbaqi, said the 2026 edition attracted 171 nominations, with 99 entries successfully passing the initial eligibility screening.
She said 42 candidates subsequently emerged from the second stage of evaluation, while 30 finalists competed across 15 award categories.
According to Abdulbaqi, a seven-member jury assessed the shortlisted entries based on four key criteria: impact, innovation and originality, reach, and quality of evidence.
She said the rigorous process was designed to ensure that the awards were based on measurable professional performance rather than popularity or institutional influence.
The awards were organised by Image Merchants Promotion Limited (IMPR), publishers of PRNigeria, Economic Confidential and Spokespersons Digest.
Chief Executive Officer of IMPR, Alhaji Yusha’u Shuaib, said the awards and the Economic Confidential Lecture were established to promote informed national discourse, recognise excellence and strengthen professional communication standards in Nigeria.
Shuaib stressed that effective communication had become increasingly critical to public administration as governments and institutions navigate a rapidly changing media landscape and engage citizens through both traditional and digital platforms.
Bundi’s recognition underscores the growing strategic importance of digital communication in governance, particularly in an era where social media and other digital platforms play a major role in shaping public perception and understanding of government policies.
The event was attended by the Director-General of Voice of Nigeria, Jibrin Baba Ndace, who represented the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.
Also present were former Director of Defence Information, Major General Chris Olukolade (rtd.); Professor Sule Ya’u Sule; and other senior practitioners in public relations, government communication and the security sector.
Organisers said the awards were aimed at fostering a culture of innovative, responsible and evidence-based communication across Nigeria’s public and private sectors.
Bundi’s award further highlights the growing recognition of strategic communication as an essential tool of modern governance, particularly in an environment where the speed, reach and influence of digital information can significantly shape public understanding of government programmes and policies.
