Public Relations

By Anas Abbas

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has once again been recognized for its commitment to excellence in public service and strategic communication.

Assistant Comptroller of Customs (AC) Abdullahi Maiwada, the National Public Relations Officer, has been named among Nigeria’s top 50 PR and communications professionals in the prestigious 2025 PR Power List.

This significant recognition was announced on Wednesday by GLG Communications in partnership with the Guardian Newspaper.

The annual PR Power List honors public relations professionals who have significantly shaped narratives and driven impactful change within the communication sector, both in Nigeria and abroad.

AC Abdullahi Maiwada earned a spot in the Changemakers Category, which celebrates professionals who actively challenge conventional practices and introduce innovative communication strategies that yield measurable results.

In response to the honor, AC Maiwada expressed his gratitude, calling the recognition a humbling milestone that reflects the progress achieved in institutional communication within the NCS.

“This recognition is deeply humbling. It speaks to the commitment of the Service to modernize public engagement, enhance transparency, and build trust through effective storytelling and timely dissemination of accurate information,” he stated.

Maiwada emphasized that while he is honored to receive this accolade, the credit belongs to his dedicated team and the visionary leadership of Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.

“His reforms have empowered us to think differently, act boldly, and represent the Service with dignity and professionalism,” he added.

As the NCS continues to enhance its public engagement strategies, this accolade serves as a testament to its ongoing efforts to foster transparency and trust with the Nigerian public.

By Nasiru Ahmad Sadiq

After diving into Muazu Muazu’s lengthy critique of Sanusi Bature, one cannot help but wonder if the writer is misinformed, harboring personal grudges, or perhaps just following orders from some unseen puppet master. His arguments, filled with half-truths and baseless claims, seem to reveal more of his own biases than they do Sanusi Bature’s role as Director of Press at Kano Government House.

Muazu kicks off his piece with tangled metaphors and quickly spirals into a maze of contradictions. He accuses Bature of dropping the ball on Public Relations, yet he also acknowledges Bature’s impressive 19 years of experience in international development, the private sector, and journalism.

So, which is it, Muazu? Is Bature a rookie as you suggest, or a seasoned expert whose accolades – like being named Spokesman of the Year in 2024 – completely undermine your feeble attempts to belittle him?

The most glaring issue with Muazu’s tirade is the absence of solid evidence. He throws around vague claims that Sanusi Bature “speaks recklessly,” “blocks people from seeing the Governor,” and “corners journalists’ allowances,” but he doesn’t back any of it up. Are these accusations based on real investigations, or just the grumblings of disgruntled folks with personal axes to grind?

It is also worth noting that Muazu leans heavily on anonymous sources. Any credible journalist knows that anonymous claims, especially when lacking factual support, do not hold much weight. Without evidence, these allegations are little more than gossip.

Moreover, much as I respect Muazu’s background in communication, it baffles me how he seemingly misunderstand what Public Relations really entails. He criticizes Bature for not being “passionate” or “convincing” enough – these are subjective opinions that cannot be measured. Yet, despite Muazu’s insinuations, Bature has received widespread acclaim for transforming the Public Relations landscape in Kano State, making it more effective and engaging. His professionalism and knack for breaking down complex government policies into something the public can grasp have earned him praise and respect from various circles.

The personal slant in Muazu’s article is hard to overlook. It feels less like an unbiased analysis and more like a targeted attack aimed at damaging the reputation of a man whose success might have upset some people. When a critic hurls accusations without providing context, exaggerates flaws, and overlooks achievements, it makes you wonder: what is really driving this?

Muazu’s closing question – “Is Sanusi Bature appointed by accident?” – is dripping with sarcasm. The only “accident” here appears to be his article; a regrettable mix of half-formed theories, speculative claims, and thinly veiled bitterness. Maybe Muazu should consider channeling his efforts into more constructive discussions instead of trying to undermine accomplished professionals based on rumors.

Ultimately, time will tell. However, it is unlikely that Muazu’s assertions will hold up. Sanusi Bature continues to be a respected figure whose contributions are enhancing Kano State Government’s global image.

Let us hope that any future critiques, if they arise, are based on facts rather than driven by hidden motives. For now, the unfounded nature of this attack is evident to all thoughtful readers.

Nasiru Ahmad Sadiq is a lecturer in English Department, Aminu Kano College of Legal and Islamic Studies and he can be reached via nasirulhaqqi@gmail.com