Accolades For CBN’s Hakama Sidi-Ali At 2025 National Spokespersons’ Awards

• Carts home Outstanding Image-maker honours In banking sector

For the second year running, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)’s Hakama Sidi-Ali has emerged the Outstanding Spokesperson (Banking Sector) at the National Spokespersons Awards.

Couched as a demonstration of excellence in public communication, the accolades for the CBN Director of Corporate Communications formed part of the 2025 National Spokespersons’ Summit grand finale held at the Abuja Intercontinental Hotel.

As a celebration of innovation and professionalism in public communication across public and private sectors, the Awards were put together by the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) in partnership with Image Merchants Promotion Limited (IMPR), publisher of PRNigeria and Spokespersons Digest.

Speaking at the occasion, the NIPR President, Dr Ike Neliaku and Hon. Rotimi Akintunde Jr., Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Media and Public Affairs, applauded Sidi-Ali and other awards’ recipients for setting exemplary standards in job delivery while also encouraging them to maintain the extraordinary qualities that brought them national recognition.

Specifically, Sidi-Ali was appreciated for her proactive communication strategies in connecting CBN and Nigerians since assuming office.

This is as her significant role in countering misinformation regarding the introduction of N5,000 and N10,000 banknotes also assisted in addressing public concerns and maintaining financial stability in the country.

A 1992 graduate of the Bayero University, Kano, where she bagged a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communication, the CBN Spokesperson has an MSc in Mass Communication and PGDE in English Language.

Additionally, the organisers also acknowledged her adept dissemination of information during Nigeria’s recent negotiations with the United States over the new tariffs, noting that the performance underscores her proficiency in international economic diplomacy.

This year’s Awards ceremony showcased a variety of individuals and institutions excelling in strategic communication and public affairs.

It also underlined the critical role of credible voices in shaping public perception, fostering institutional trust, and enhancing democratic accountability.

Another recipient of top honours at the ceremony was Mr. Olufemi Soneye of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) named Distinguished Spokesperson (Oil and Gas).

With over 20 categories covered, including health, marine, hospitality, power, insurance, and crisis management,

According to the organisers, the awards, which emphasized the growing importance of public relations and strategic communication as essential components of governance and corporate reputation, covered over 20 categories, including health, marine, hospitality, power, insurance, and crisis management.

In his remarks. Chairman of the Planning Committee, Segun McMedal, lauded all the winners and nominees for their vital roles in sustaining public trust and shaping national discourse.

He urged all communicators to uphold the values of transparency, accountability, and professionalism.

The ceremony was graced by former Ministers of Information, Frank Nweke Jr., Lai Mohammed, Jerry Gana, and Labaran Maku, as well as the incumbent Alhaji Mohammed Idris.

The summit, which also featured high-level discussions, had in attendance the former Governor of Ogun State, Chief Segun Osoba, and Professor Taiwo Oyedele among other prominent individuals.

Previously referred to as the Spokespersons’ Communication Awards (SCA), the National Spokespersons Awards is now in its fifth edition  and has continued to serve as a premier platform for recognizing impactful and professional public communication in Nigeria.