Abuja, Nigeria – In a exceptional demonstration of excellence in public communication, Hakama Sidi-Ali, spokesperson for the Central Financial institution of Nigeria (CBN), was awarded the Excellent Spokesperson (Banking Sector) for the second consecutive yr on the 2025 Nationwide Spokespersons Awards. The ceremony, held in Abuja Intercontinental Resort, was a part of the grand finale of the 2025 Nationwide Spokespersons’ Summit in Abuja.
Organized by the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) in collaboration with Picture Retailers Promotion Restricted (IMPR), the writer of PRNigeria and Spokespersons Digest, the awards purpose to rejoice innovation and professionalism in public communication throughout each private and non-private sectors in Nigeria.
Throughout the occasion, NIPR President Dr. Ike Neliaku and Hon. Rotimi Akintunde Jr., Chairman of the Home of Representatives Committee on Media and Public Affairs, counseled the award recipients for his or her exemplary requirements within the subject and inspired them to take care of the qualities that garnered nationwide recognition.
Sidi-Ali was lauded for her proactive communication methods and her dedication to bridging the hole between the CBN and the Nigerian populace. Her important function in countering misinformation relating to the potential introduction of N5,000 and N10,000 banknotes was significantly noteworthy, successfully calming public unrest and sustaining monetary stability. Moreover, her adept communication throughout Nigeria’s latest negotiations with america over newly imposed tariffs underscored her pivotal function in worldwide financial diplomacy.
The award ceremony showcased a wide range of people and establishments excelling in strategic communication and public affairs. This yr’s occasion underlined the crucial function of credible voices in shaping public notion, fostering institutional belief, and enhancing democratic accountability.
Among the many different awardees, Mr. Olufemi Soneye of the Nigerian Nationwide Petroleum Firm Restricted (NNPCL) who acquired the “Distinguished Spokesperson (Oil and Fuel)” award. Dr. Fabian Benjamin from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) was acknowledged because the “Excellent Spokesperson (Training Sector).”
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The Nationwide Data Expertise Growth Company (NITDA) shone brightly all through the occasion, with Mrs. Hadiza Umar profitable “Excellent Spokesperson (Digital Economic system)” and Malam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi incomes the title of “Most Supportive CEO to Spokespersons (Public Sector).”
Within the safety and enforcement class, Mr. Femi Babafemi of the NDLEA and ACP Muyiwa Adejobi of the Nigeria Police Drive have been acknowledged for his or her exceptional media presence and efficient disaster communication, significantly throughout delicate instances.
Establishments have been additionally celebrated for his or her contributions to media excellence. The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) clinched the award for “Finest Company Spokesperson Group,” whereas Air Peace was honoured because the “Most Influential Company Voice.” Moreover, Unilorin’s Lukman Temitope Omoniyi was awarded for the “Finest Company Share of Voice on Social Media,” highlighting the importance of digital platforms in branding.
Different notable recipients included Gombe State’s Malam Ismaila Uba Misili as “Excellent State Authorities Spokesperson,” Sade Morgan of Nigerian Breweries as “Excellent Company Spokesperson,” and Viola Graham Douglas of LAFARGE, recognised because the “Most Revolutionary Spokesperson within the Multinational Class.” LAFARGE’s CEO, Mr. Lolu Alde-Akinyemi, was additionally named “Most Supportive CEO to Spokespersons (Personal Sector).”
With over 20 classes coated, together with well being, marine, hospitality, energy, insurance coverage, and disaster administration, the awards emphasised the rising significance of public relations and strategic communication as important parts of governance and company repute.
Segun McMedal, Chairman of the Planning Committee, praised winners and nominees for his or her important roles in sustaining public belief and shaping nationwide discourse. He urged all communicators to uphold the values of transparency, accountability, and professionalism.
Now in its fifth version, the Nationwide Spokespersons Awards, beforehand generally known as the Spokespersons’ Communication Awards (SCA), proceed to function a premier platform for recognizing impactful {and professional} public communication in Nigeria.
The ceremony was attended by outstanding figures, together with previous and current Ministers of Data, comparable to Frank Nweke Jr., Lai Mohammed, Jerry Gana, and Labaran Maku, in addition to the present Honorable Minister of Data and Nationwide Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris.
The summit featured high-level discussions led by notable audio system, together with former Ogun State Governor Chief Segun Osoba, Prof. Taiwo Oyedele, and different eminent figures within the subject of communication, reflecting a collective dedication to enhancing public engagement requirements in Nigeria.
