By Rahma Oladosu
As we rejoice Worldwide Girls’s Day, I discover it compelling to pay tribute to probably the most recognizable feminine spokespersons in Nigeria’s monetary sector, Hajia Hakama Sani-Sidi Ali. Her outstanding journey and accomplishments function a testomony to the transformative energy of feminine management in a historically male-dominated trade.
The appointment of Hakama Sidi Ali because the Performing Director of Company Communications on the Central Financial institution of Nigeria (CBN) by Governor Yemi Cardoso was a groundbreaking resolution. It not solely highlighted Governor Cardoso’s dedication to gender inclusivity but in addition demonstrated his dedication to meritocracy and spiritual tolerance in a nation the place ethnoreligious sentiments usually dominate public discourse.
Governor Cardoso’s management has been marked by a deliberate effort to nominate extremely certified girls to strategic roles throughout the CBN. As an example, Nkiru Balonwu, a multifaceted skilled with experience in legislation, know-how, finance, and advocacy, was introduced on board to assist the financial institution’s transformative imaginative and prescient. Because the founding father of the Africa Tender Energy Group, Balonwu has been instrumental in shaping inclusive insurance policies and leveraging Africa’s inventive and information industries.
Equally, Dr. Daphne Dafinone, a chartered accountant and COO of Crowe Dafinone, has introduced her in depth expertise in finance, auditing, and governance to the CBN. Her contributions have been pivotal in making certain transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s monetary sector.
Amidst these achieved girls, Hakama Sidi Ali stands out as a Trailblazers in public relations apply. An award-winning strategic communicator with levels in Mass Communication, she is the primary girl to carry the pivotal place of spokesperson within the CBN’s 66-year historical past. Her educational credentials, coupled along with her membership in prestigious skilled our bodies such because the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), the African Public Relations Affiliation (APRA), and the Worldwide Public Relations Affiliation (IPRA), underscore her dedication to excellence in her subject.
Earlier than her present position, Mrs. Sidi Ali served because the Deputy Director within the CBN’s Company Communications Division, the place she gained invaluable expertise and a deep understanding of the financial institution’s communication methods. Her appointment got here at a vital juncture, because the financial institution sought to revive public belief following the controversial foreign money redesign and the following money shortage that induced widespread hardship throughout Nigeria.
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Demonstrating distinctive disaster administration abilities, Hakama proactively addressed misinformation concerning the authorized tender standing of previous naira notes. Her well timed and articulate press releases performed an important position in averting potential panic and financial instability. As an example, when rumors circulated that previous naira notes would stop to be authorized tender by December 31, 2023, she swiftly issued clear and concise statements to dispel the misinformation, thereby sustaining public confidence and making certain financial stability.
One in all Sidi Ali’s most notable strengths is her means to handle crises with empathy and readability. During times of financial uncertainty, reminiscent of fluctuations in overseas change charges or issues about inflation, she has constantly supplied reassurance and transparency. Her empathetic strategy has humanized the CBN, reinforcing its position as a guardian of public curiosity.
Her means to attach with the media and handle potential damaging reviews has earned her the respect of enterprise reporters and finance editors. Many attest to her sincerity, loyalty, and honesty in defending the establishment she represents. Her constant messaging and strategic use of public relations methods—starting from clear communication and proactive media engagement to disaster administration—have set a excessive commonplace for communication in Nigeria’s monetary sector.
Hakama Sidi Ali’s journey is a strong reminder that competence and dedication are the true determinants of management suitability. In a society the place girls have traditionally been underrepresented in management positions, her ascent is a beacon of progress and a testomony to the chances that come up when meritocracy prevails.
Her achievements underscore the significance of making an setting the place girls can thrive and contribute meaningfully to nationwide growth. Her management is more likely to encourage different girls throughout the CBN and past to aspire to management roles, realizing that their aspirations are attainable.
As we rejoice Worldwide Girls’s Day, Mrs. Hakama Sidi Ali’s story stands as a beacon of progress, illustrating the profound influence of feminine management in shaping Nigeria’s monetary narrative. Her journey isn’t just a private triumph however a collective victory for all advocating for gender parity and excellence in management.
Governor Cardoso’s progressive imaginative and prescient in appointing girls to strategic positions is commendable and serves as a mannequin for different organizations. His recognition of advantage over custom displays a dedication to inclusivity and excellence, setting benchmarks for institutional reforms.
In celebrating Worldwide Girls’s Day, allow us to honor the contributions of girls like Hakama Sidi Ali, whose dedication, competence, and management proceed to pave the best way for a extra inclusive and equitable future. Her journey is a testomony to the transformative energy of feminine management and a reminder that when girls are given alternatives to excel, the complete nation advantages.
Rahma Oladosu, a enterprise journalist writes from Wuye District Abuja
