For the second successive year, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) spokesperson, Hakama Sidi-Ali, has been named as the Outstanding Spokesperson in the Banking Sector for 2024 by the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR).
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 (IMPL), publishers of PR Nigeria 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.
