Nigerian media entrepreneur and communications professional, Gidado Shuaib, has been appointed a United Nations Youth Representative by the International Public Relations Association (IPRA), ahead of the 2026 Golden World Awards (GWA) scheduled to take place in Athens, Greece.
The appointment was formally communicated by IPRA Secretary-General, Philip Sheppard, who confirmed that Shuaib will work with the association’s UN Bureau in New York, represented by Jim McQueeny and Matt Cossel.
In his new role, Shuaib is expected to support IPRA’s engagement with the United Nations, particularly on youth-focused initiatives, sustainable development and global policy conversations.
The appointment comes as Nigerian public relations agencies, including Image Merchants Promotion Limited (IMPR) and LSF PR, secure shortlist positions in several categories of the 2026 Golden World Awards.
The 2026 GWA ceremony is also expected to honour the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, CG Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, at an event scheduled for September 25, 2026, in Athens.
Shuaib currently serves as Special Assistant to the Director-General of Voice of Nigeria (VON), where he contributes to strategic communications, media management, stakeholder engagement and public affairs.
He is also a Digital Communications Specialist at Baze University and provides consultancy support to organisations including the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Nigeria’s chapter of Transparency International.
A prominent figure in Nigeria’s media and youth development space, Shuaib is the Publisher and Chief Executive Officer of Youths Digest, publishers of News Digest Nigeria.
He is also the founder of the Campus Journalism Awards, which has entered its eighth edition and has become a platform for identifying, mentoring and celebrating emerging journalists across Nigeria.
Through the initiative, Shuaib has promoted ethical journalism, professional development and responsible public discourse among young media practitioners.
His professional career has included experience with major Nigerian and international news organisations, including the BBC, Premium Times and Daily Trust.
He has also contributed to public debates through opinion articles, media commentary and interviews focusing on governance, youth development and strategic communication.
Shuaib is a member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), African Public Relations Association (APRA) and International Public Relations Association (IPRA).
Beyond journalism and communications, he convenes the Campus Journalism Dialogues, edits Musings of Young Minds and continues to promote civic participation among young Nigerians.
In 2015, he represented Nigeria at the Youth Assembly of the United Nations, where he joined young leaders from different parts of the world to discuss sustainable development and international policy.
Shuaib, who holds the traditional title of Shettiman Dukawuya, earned a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication from Baze University, Abuja, and a Master’s degree in Media, Campaigning and Social Change from the University of Westminster, London.
He is currently pursuing a PhD in Development Communication at Nasarawa State University.
Founded in 1955, IPRA is an international professional association for public relations practitioners, with a focus on promoting ethical standards, professional excellence and global engagement in public relations.
Through its UN Bureau, IPRA maintains engagement with the United Nations system and provides opportunities for public relations professionals to contribute to international policy and sustainable development discussions.
Shuaib’s appointment adds to Nigeria’s growing visibility in international communications, youth development and public relations, while placing another Nigerian professional within a global platform for youth participation and international engagement.
