ABUJA, Nigeria (CHATNEWSTV) — In a high-profile celebration of public communication excellence, Hakama Sidi-Ali, spokesperson for the Central Bank of Nigeria, was named Outstanding Spokesperson (Banking Sector) for the second consecutive year at the 2025 National Spokespersons Awards.
The award ceremony, held at the Abuja Intercontinental Hotel, marked the climax of the annual National Spokespersons’ Summit organized by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) in collaboration with Image Merchants Promotion Ltd., publishers of PRNigeria and Spokespersons Digest.
Sidi-Ali was honored for what organizers described as her “proactive communication style” and “commitment to transparency and public engagement,” particularly in quelling misinformation about the rumored introduction of higher denomination banknotes and during Nigeria’s recent tariff-related negotiations with the United States.
“She exemplifies the power of clear and credible communication in a complex economic environment,” said NIPR President Dr. Ike Neliaku, who presented the award alongside Hon. Rotimi Akintunde Jr., chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Media and Public Affairs.
Other top honorees included Olufemi Soneye of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd. (NNPCL), who received the Distinguished Spokesperson (Oil and Gas) award, and Dr. Fabian Benjamin of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), named Outstanding Spokesperson (Education Sector).
The awards, covering over 20 categories, spotlighted the growing strategic value of public relations in national development, with winners recognized for shaping public perception, promoting institutional trust, and advancing democratic communication.
In the digital and tech category, Hadiza Umar of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) was named Outstanding Spokesperson (Digital Economy), while NITDA’s Director General Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi was recognized as the Most Supportive CEO to Spokespersons (Public Sector).
Security and enforcement honorees included Femi Babafemi of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and ACP Muyiwa Adejobi of the Nigeria Police Force for their consistent, timely engagement with the media during critical incidents.
Corporate winners included the Nigerian Customs Service (Best Corporate Spokesperson Team), Air Peace (Most Influential Corporate Voice), and Sade Morgan of Nigerian Breweries (Outstanding Corporate Spokesperson).
Other standout names included Gombe State’s Ismaila Uba Misili (Outstanding State Government Spokesperson), Viola Graham Douglas of LAFARGE (Most Innovative Spokesperson, Multinational Category), and Unilorin’s Lukman Temitope Omoniyi, recognized for Best Corporate Share of Voice on Social Media.
“This summit reminds us that communication is not just about speaking — it’s about building trust,” said Segun McMedal, chairman of the Planning Committee. “These awards celebrate the men and women doing just that — across every sector, every day.”
The event was graced by notable figures in the communication space, including former and current Ministers of Information Frank Nweke Jr., Lai Mohammed, Jerry Gana, Labaran Maku, and Mohammed Idris. Keynote speakers included Chief Segun Osoba and Prof. Taiwo Oyedele.
Now in its fifth year, the National Spokespersons Awards — formerly the Spokespersons’ Communication Awards — remain Nigeria’s premier platform for honoring excellence in public communication across both public and private institutions.
