Artificial Intelligence expert and communications strategist, Celestine Achi, has been named Author/Scholar of the Year at the 2026 National Spokesperson Awards (NSA).
Achi was recognised for his contributions to the application of Artificial Intelligence in modern public relations and strategic communication, particularly through his book, AI-Powered PR: The Essential Guide for Communications Leaders to Master Artificial Intelligence.
The book provides communication professionals with a practical guide to understanding and integrating AI into contemporary public relations practice.
His recognition also reflects his work in developing the TABS-D Framework for AI education, an initiative aimed at improving AI literacy and encouraging practical adoption of emerging technologies among professionals and learners.
The award was presented on Thursday in Abuja during the 4th Economic Confidential Annual Lecture and 6th National Spokesperson Awards, organised by Spokespersons Digest, a publication of Image Merchants Promotion Limited (IMPR), publishers of PRNigeria, Economic Confidential and Spokespersons Digest.
The event, themed “Anti-Corruption Reforms, Economic Stability and Effective Communication,” brought together senior government officials, communication professionals, academics, corporate executives and media practitioners.
Achi emerged among 15 winners selected across 15 categories at the awards, which recognise individuals and institutions for excellence, innovation and impact in strategic communication.
Beyond his authorship and AI education initiatives, Achi is the Founder of Cihan Media Group and serves as a Board Member of Trustees and Governing Council of the International Academy of Artificial Intelligence and Experiential Learning (IAAIEL).
His work spans Artificial Intelligence, public relations, digital communication and professional education, with a growing focus on promoting responsible and practical use of emerging technologies within the communication industry.
Chairperson of the Awards Jury, Dr Saudat Abdulbaqi, disclosed that the 2026 edition attracted 171 nominations from across the country, with 30 finalists eventually shortlisted across 15 categories following a multi-stage evaluation process.
She said the judging process considered factors including impact, innovation, campaign reach and the quality of supporting evidence.
“Six years after its launch, the National Spokespersons Awards have become a platform for recognising the value of professional communication and reminding us that the work of a spokesperson is not simply about speaking for an organisation, but about building credibility, trust and public confidence,” Abdulbaqi said.
She explained that 99 entries passed the initial screening, while 42 proceeded to the penultimate stage before two finalists were selected in each category.
Achi’s Author/Scholar of the Year recognition therefore goes beyond his individual publication, highlighting the increasing role of AI literacy and technological innovation in transforming public relations and strategic communication.
Through AI-Powered PR and the TABS-D Framework, Achi has continued to advocate a practical approach to Artificial Intelligence, helping communication professionals move beyond discussions about the technology’s potential to acquiring the knowledge required to deploy it effectively.
