Waiya Wins National Award For Crisis Communication

Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, has been honoured as an Outstanding Crisis Communicator at the 2026 National Spokespersons Awards in Abuja.

Waiya received the award yesterday at Nicon Luxury Hotel in Abuja, in recognition of his role in crisis communication, information management and dissemination of government policies and programmes to the people of Kano State.

The chairman of Image Merchants Promotions Limited (IMPR) and organising partner of the awards, Prof. Sule Ya’u Sule, said Waiya was selected for his commitment to timely, accurate and responsible communication, particularly during periods of crisis and public uncertainty.

Sule said the recognition demonstrated the importance of effective communication in maintaining public confidence in government.

“The recognition highlights the critical role of effective crisis communication in promoting public understanding, strengthening government-citizens relations and building confidence and trust in government policies and programmes,” he said.

Upon receiving the award, Waiya expressed appreciation to the organisers, describing the recognition as encouragement to do more to strengthen communication between the government and citizens.

He dedicated the award to Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, the ministry’s staff, and the media community in Kano State for their support and commitment to effective public communication.

Waiya said, “The timely dissemination of accurate and credible information remains essential to good governance, particularly during periods of crisis and public concern.”

He added that the award would motivate the ministry to intensify efforts to ensure that residents of Kano State have access to accurate and timely information on government policies, programmes and activities.

According to him, effective crisis communication requires professionalism, transparency, accuracy, and a strong understanding of people’s concerns.

He assured that the ministry would continue to play its role in bridging the communication gap between the government and citizens.

Among those who attended the event from Kano State were the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Kano State House of Assembly, Sa’ad Aminu Ungogo; a member of the committee, Salisu Riruwai; management and staff of the Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs; and heads of its agencies.

Representatives of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, Nigerian Guild of Editors, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations and the Society of Nigerian Broadcasters were also present.

Others included members of the League of Veteran Journalists, Heads of Media Forum, members of the Online Media Chapel, representatives of the academia, Directors of Public Enlightenment, Public Relations Officers, local government information officers, as well as family members, friends and well-wishers.