ICPC Chair to Spotlight Anti Corruption Reform at 2026 Spokespersons Awards, Economic Confidential Lecture
ICPC Chair to Spotlight Anti Corruption Reform at 2026 Spokespersons Awards, Economic Confidential Lecture
The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu (SAN), will deliver the keynote address at the 2026 National Spokespersons Awards and Economic Confidential Annual Lecture, as Image Merchants Promotion Limited (IMPR) unveiled plans for what it describes as the most expansive edition of the event since inception.
IMPR—publishers of TimesNG, Economic Confidential and Spokespersons Digest—announced that the 2026 ceremony will take place on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at the NICON Luxury Hotel, Abuja.
At a press briefing in Abuja, IMPR Managing Director, Mallam Yushau A. Shuaib, said this year’s edition will convene leaders from government, business, diplomacy, security, academia, development organisations and the media to celebrate excellence in strategic communication while deepening national discourse on governance, anti corruption and economic development.
Shuaib noted that the National Spokespersons Awards have evolved into Nigeria’s foremost platform for recognising spokespersons and communication professionals who demonstrate professionalism, integrity, innovation and excellence in public engagement. Formerly organised in partnership with the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), the awards now enjoy endorsement from the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the African Public Relations Association (APRA) and the International Public Relations Association (IPRA), reflecting their growing national and international credibility.
He disclosed that finalists for the 2026 awards emerged after a rigorous evaluation by an independent panel of senior editors, communication scholars and public relations experts, following hundreds of nominations received nationwide. “The rigorous selection process reinforces our commitment to transparency, merit and professional excellence,” he said.
Shuaib added that many past winners have gone on to earn international honours, including the SABRE Africa Awards and IPRA’s Golden World Awards (GWA). He cited institutions such as the NDLEA, CBN, NCS, NITDA, NAF and NCC, whose communication campaigns gained global acclaim after recognition at the NS Awards.
He also announced that the Comptroller General of Customs, Mr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, himself a former National Spokespersons Award recipient, will receive a Special Recognition Award at the 2026 IPRA Golden World Awards in Athens, Greece—describing the honour as further validation of the credibility and standards of the NS Awards.
Alongside the awards ceremony, IMPR will host the Economic Confidential Annual Lecture, now a respected platform for national dialogue on Nigeria’s economy, governance, security and public policy. This year’s lecture, themed “Anti Corruption Reforms, Economic Stability and Effective Communication,” will be delivered by ICPC Chairman Dr. Aliyu. According to Shuaib, the keynote will examine how transparency, accountability and strategic communication strengthen economic resilience and public confidence in national institutions.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, will chair the occasion, underscoring the Federal Government’s commitment to credible public communication and national orientation.
A major highlight of the event will be the public presentation of a pioneering national research report titled “AI in Crisis Communication in Nigeria.” Shuaib explained that the study explores how Artificial Intelligence is reshaping emergency communication, media verification, fact checking, institutional response and public trust, while offering practical recommendations for strengthening Nigeria’s crisis communication architecture.
The 2026 event is expected to attract spokespersons, editors, communication professionals, policymakers, diplomats, security agencies, corporate executives, academics, development partners and civil society leaders from across the country. Shuaib described the gathering as more than an awards ceremony, calling it “a national platform for recognising excellence, exchanging ideas, strengthening professional standards and promoting strategic communication as a critical pillar of good governance and national development.”
He urged stakeholders, nominees, sponsors, partners and the public to participate in what he described as an intellectually stimulating and professionally rewarding event.