The Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has, for the second successive year, named the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) spokesperson, Hakama Sidi-Ali, as the Outstanding Spokesperson in the Banking Sector for 2024.
Mrs Sidi-Ali was named at the 2025 National Spokespersons Awards event held at the Abuja Intercontinental Hotel, as part of the 2025 National Spokespersons’ Summit grand finale.
Organisers of the event in collaboration with Image Merchants Promotion Limited (IMPR), publishers of PRNigeria and Spokespersons Digest, said the awards were to celebrate innovation and professionalism in public communication across the public and private sectors of the nation’s economy.
NIPR President, Dr. Ike Neliaku and the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Rotimi Akintunde Jr., commended Mrs. Sidi-Ali and other recipients, including the spokesman of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, Femi Sonoye, for their exemplary standards in their fields, which encouraged them to maintain the high qualities that earned them national recognition.
Neliaku lauded Sidi-Ali in particular for her proactive communication strategies in connecting the Central Bank and Nigerians since her assumption of office.
“Her significant role in countering misinformation regarding the introduction of N5,000 and N10,000 banknotes calmed public concern and maintained financial stability,” Neliaku spoke of Sidi-Ali.
Besides, he said experts also acknowledged the Acting Director of Corporate Communications’ for her adept capacity to disseminate information during Nigeria’s recent negotiations with the United States over the new tariffs regime, saying it underscored her proficiency in international economic diplomacy.
The 2025 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.
During the event, the spokesperson of the NNPC Ltd, Olufemi Soneye was named Distinguished Spokesperson in the Oil and Gas sector.
With over 20 categories covered, including health, marine, hospitality, power, insurance, and crisis management, the awards emphasized the growing importance of public relations and strategic communication as essential components of governance and corporate reputation.
Chairman of the Planning Committee, Segun McMedal, praised 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.
Dignitaries at the event included former Ministers of Information, Frank Nweke Jr., Lai Mohammed, Jerry Gana, Labaran Maku—and the incumbent Alhaji Mohammed Idris.
The summit featured high-level discussions graced by ex-Ogun State Governor, Chief Segun Osoba, Prof. Taiwo Oyedele and other eminent figures.
Organisers said the National Spokespersons Awards, previously known as the Spokespersons’ Communication Awards (SCA), in its fifth edition, has continued to serve as a premier platform for recognizing impactful and professional public communication in Nigeria.
