The President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Dr. Ike Neliaku, has advocated the use of development communication as a strategic means of highlighting the consequences of corruption and encouraging citizens to actively participate in the fight against it.
Neliaku made the call last Thursday in Abuja during the 4th Economic Confidential Annual Lecture and 6th National Spokespersons Awards, organised by Spokespersons Digest, a publication of Image Merchants Promotion Limited, publishers of PRNigeria, Economic Confidential and other titles.
The gathering, themed “Anti Corruption Reforms, Economic Stability and Effective Communication,” attracted government officials, security chiefs, academics, corporate leaders, public relations professionals and journalists.
During the event, Neliaku presented the Personality of the Year Award for Anti Corruption Reforms to the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, who delivered the keynote address.
The NIPR President applauded Aliyu’s presentation for drawing attention to the damaging effect of corruption on the nation’s economic, social, cultural and political development.
“What you have given us is development communication, and that is where we should be going as a nation in search of development,” Neliaku said.
According to him, communication should not be limited to passing information to the public but should also provide guidance, generate value and contribute meaningfully to national development.
“Once our communication is not relevant, then we don’t carry value. One area that gives value is communicating development,” he added.
Neliaku further observed that corruption has spread across various sectors of Nigerian society, making it an issue that requires sustained attention as the country pursues economic and national development.
“Corruption affects the economy, the cultural economy, the social economy and the political economy. It has become a culture that we must fight,” he said.
He commended Aliyu for highlighting the possibility of achieving tangible progress in the fight against corruption, adding that the insights shared during the lecture could provide useful direction for developing anti corruption messages targeted at young Nigerians.
The Chief Executive Officer of IMPR, Yushau A. Shuaib, said the annual lecture and awards provide avenues for promoting meaningful national conversations, celebrating professional excellence and advancing the practice of communication in Nigeria.
At the event, Shuaib unveiled two books, “MNI versus MNIPR in NIPSS: Tackling Institutional Bullying” and “AI in Crisis Communication in Nigeria: Challenges and Prospects.” The second publication, which was shortlisted for the 2026 IPRA Golden World Awards, explores the role of technology in media verification, fact checking, institutional responses and maintaining public confidence during crises.
The occasion also featured the presentation of awards to individuals and organisations recognised for their contributions to strategic communication, public service and national development.
Hakama Sidi Ali, spokesperson of the Central Bank of Nigeria, emerged as the recipient of the Outstanding Spokesperson in the Banking Sector Award for the third consecutive year.
Among the other recipients were Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, who received the Crisis Communicator of the Year Award; Celestine Achi, communications strategist, who was honoured as Author and Scholar of the Year; and Abdurrahman Ahmed Bundi, Print and Digital Communications Assistant to Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, who received the Digital Communication Award.
Integrated Indigo Limited was recognised as PR Agency of the Year, while Andy Odeh of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited received the Corporate Communication Award.
Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria received the Knowledge Hub Award, while the NIPR Kaduna Chapter was recognised with the Event Management Award.
Folusho Adeogun of the Nigeria Customs Service received the Young Communicator Award, while Basheer Lukman of Kwara Express was named Social Media Influencer of the Year. The Federal Road Safety Corps also received recognition in the Public Affairs category.
