DSS, NITDA, KDSG Bag African PR Awards 2021
The Department of State Security Service (DSS), the National Information Technology Agency (NITDA) and Kaduna Ministry of Internal Security have bagged Certificates of Excellence for 2021 African Public Relations Awards which recognized Superior Achievement in Branding Reputation and Engagement (SABRE).
The SABRE awards hosted by The Provoke Media in collaboration with the African Public Relations Association (APRA) celebrate PR campaigns that demonstrate the highest levels of creativity, integrity, and effectiveness.
The PR campaigns of the three Nigeria’s public organisations were undertaken in partnership with a multi-award-winning PR agency, Image Merchants Promotion Limited (IMPR), the Publishers of PRNigeria and Economic Confidential.
The NITDA’s campaign was recognised under West Africa region Category for hosting a successful innovation challenge which identified and showcased innovative technology, including MyClinic that provides mobile app health solution during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The DSS’ campaign was recognised under Issue/Crisis Management Category for tackling fake news during the EndSARS protest. Following the largest mass movement of youth protesters against alleged police harassment and brutality which led to violent attacks, DSS played pivotal intelligence roles in tackling the crisis through stakeholders’ engagements, and strategic communication among other intervention mechanisms in protecting national security.
The Kaduna State Ministry of Internal Security was also honoured with the SABRE award under Public Affairs Category for providing enabling environment for a Doka Peace Summit, a “community effort” at tackling ethno-religious conflicts fueled by the seemingly intractable farmers-pastoralists’ clashes in Doka Community. The Ministry deployed transparent crisis communication strategies in advocating for peaceful coexistence in the community.
Apart from Image Merchants Promotion Limited based in Abuja, other PR firms from Nigeria, mostly Lagos based also won various categories of the SABRE awards. They include LSF, Modion Communications, Gong Communications, Chain Reactions, Media Panache and Integrated Indigo.
Leading PR firms from South-Africa also bagged multiple awards including FleishmanHillard, Instinctif Partners, M&C Saatchi Group, Tribeca Media, Clockwork PR.
PR firms from Kenya made positive outing among SABRE big winners they include Engage BCW, Oxygène Marketing Communication and Hill+Knowlton Strategies.
Other award winners across the African Continent are Burson Cohn & Wolfe of Uganda, Edelman Africa, BCW Africa and African Media Agency.
The winning organisations and brands whose campaigns were promoted by PR firms in Africa include Dulux Colour, Kenya Airway, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Sarova Hotels, The Shoprite Group, Toyota and Unilever.
Major players in entertainment media and communication technology are among the award recipients. They include Microsoft, MultiChoice, Netflix, Nokia, Siemens, Vodacom and WarnerMedia. Financial institutions awardees include African Development Bank, AfrAsia Bank, Centenary Bank, Hollard Insurance, Leadway Assurance,
