Why Spokespersons also Deserve Recognition – Dr Akande
POLITICS DIGEST – The Director of Press and Information at the Supreme Court of Nigeria, Dr. Festus Akande, has called for greater public recognition of public relations professionals who he said are the unsung heroes whose work and sacrifices keep organisations afloat.
Dr. Akande said this when he received his award plaque and certificate after emerging as the winner of the Distinguished Spokesperson Awards, (Judiciary), at the first-ever National Spokespersons Awards (NSAwards) held recently in Abuja.
The awards were organised by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) in collaboration with the Image Merchants Promotions Ltd (IMPR), publishers of PRNigeria, Economic Confidential, and Spokesperson’s Digest, at the International Conference Center, Abuja.
The award is an evolution of the Spokespersons Communication Awards (SCA), organised by the IMPR for three consecutive years before the recent collaboration with the NIPR.
While expressing gratitude for the honour, Dr. Akande acknowledged the human side of public relations, saying: “Most of us (Spokespersons) work tirelessly behind the scenes, not always seeking personal recognition, which shouldn’t deter us but should fuel our desire to do more.”
Dr. Akande went on to express his sincere appreciation to the award organisers. “It’s truly gratifying when your efforts are publicly acknowledged and honored,” he added.
“A big thank you to, the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), and Image Merchant Promotions (IMPR) for this innovative award in information management. This is a first-of-its-kind event, and it is deeply appreciated.”
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“We, the spokespersons, are professionally trained to take the bullet for our organisations. It’s mandatory. We face every situation, both positive and negative publicity, and address them head-on. No matter the risk or prevailing circumstances, we speak because it’s our duty. That’s the life of an average spokesperson.”
“As public relations professionals,” he continued, “we understand the importance of monitoring trends, analysing their consequences, and advising management on potential outcomes. We implement programs that foster mutual understanding and benefit both the public and the organisation. Public relations professionals, like bridge builders, have the crucial responsibility of balancing the interests of both parties. No organisation thrives without the public, who needs to be informed regularly. This is why we are called spokespersons – we are the voice of the organisation.”
“There’s a common saying in public relations: ‘Public relations is good deeds publicly acknowledged.’ When your efforts are recognised and awarded, it energises you to keep pushing forward,” he said.
The Supreme Court spokesman acknowledged the challenges of public perception. “Even when we strive for balance, some sections of the public may occasionally express concerns or misunderstandings, this is simply part of human nature. No single message can universally satisfy everyone. Even the most well-crafted communication can be misconstrued or misinterpreted. It’s a challenge we must learn to navigate” he noted.
Speaking further, Akande, who was unavoidably absent to receive the trophy during the awards ceremony, said, ‘I want to express my sincere gratitude for honouring me today, even though I couldn’t attend the main programme. I am truly grateful to the organisers of the National Spokespersons Award, the press and information staff, and our valued partners, the National Association of Judiciary Correspondents. Your dedication to reaching out to the public on our behalf is commendable.'”
In his remarks, the Secretary to the Award Jury, Mr. Abdulrahman Abdulraheem, said time has come for groups who give awards to stop limiting the honour to the CEOs of organisations, adding that spokespersons deserve recognition for the yeomans job they do to fix the reputation of individuals and organisations.
