Mallam Yushau Shuaib, has said that the 2023 Security and Emergency Management Awards (SAEMA) which recognises outstanding gallantry, contributions to safety, security and emergency management in Nigeria received 171 entries ahead of this year’s edition.
The Spokesperson Communication Awards (SCA) which made its debut in 2021 and which recognises the most outstanding public relations campaigns and communication strategies by professionals, groups and institutions, received 139 entries this year.
During his opening remarks during the SAEMA and SCA annual awards in Abuja on Thursday, Mr Shuaib said that over 50 percent of the entries come from Lagos and Abuja, even though there are great activities in other states of the federation.
“I am happy to inform you, ladies and gentlemen, that SAEMA has so much become a household name among security agencies, stakeholders and experts that we received 171 entries this year out of which we had to work round the clock to come up with two finalists for each of the 16 categories.
“This two-in-one event is hosted in collaboration with the Center for Crisis Communication (CCC), Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Center (CISLAC), the International Emergency Management Society (TIEMS) and The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR),” Shuaib said.
Apparently, he acknowledged the presence of Information Minister, Alhaji Mohammed Idris Malagi, who chaired the occasion, saying that, his tenure has been a blessing to the public relations profession in the country.
According to Hobnob News, Mr Shuaib also announced a historic partnership with the NIPR for the SCA to be renamed Nigeria National Spokespersons’ Awards (NNSA) which will be hosted annually as part of the National Spokespersons’ Summit slated for March every year starting from 2024.
“As the world grapples with the hype and myth on Artificial Intelligence regarding safety and security, we are honoured to have the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, as Special Guest of Honour while the Director General of NITDA, Mallam Kashifu Inuwa as the Keynote Speaker who will talk on “Artificial Intelligence: Effective Communication for National Security.”
“Mr Chairman, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, like every year, some of last year’s winners also conquered Africa and the world by winning other laurels. Three of our last year winners – National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Department of State Security Service (DSS), Kogi State Government, Nigerian Airforce (NAF) won different awards at international fora.
“Some of the awards were presented at the Africa Public Relations Association (APRA) ceremony in Lusaka, Zambia, the Golden World Award of the International Public Relations Association (IPRA) in Barcelona, Spain, and the World Public Relations and Communication Forum, in Chennai India,” Shuaib said.
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