The Acting Director of Corporate Communications at the Central Bank of Nigeria, Hakama Sidi Ali, has emerged as the 2026 Spokesperson of the Year at the National Spokespersons Awards.
She received the recognition during the sixth edition of the National Spokespersons Awards and the fourth Economic Confidential Annual Lecture organised by Image Merchants Promotion Limited, publishers of PRNigeria, Economic Confidential and Spokespersons Digest, in Abuja at the weekend.
The latest honour marks another milestone in Sidi Ali’s career, as she becomes the first communications professional to win the National Spokespersons Award after securing the sector specific honour in two consecutive years.
Her latest achievement comes three years after she made history as the first woman to serve as a spokesperson for the Central Bank of Nigeria since its establishment.
In 2024, Sidi Ali won the Outstanding Spokesperson in the Banking Sector category. She retained the award in 2025 before being elevated to the overall Spokesperson of the Year title in 2026.
The organisers said her latest recognition reflected her growing influence beyond the banking sector and her contribution to communicating Nigeria’s monetary policy, improving public understanding of the CBN’s activities and strengthening confidence in the institution.
The award followed an assessment based on impact, innovation and originality, campaign reach and the quality of evidence presented by nominees.
The organisers also highlighted Sidi Ali’s role in developing a more proactive communications approach at the apex bank. This included regular Monetary Policy Committee briefings, engagement with stakeholders and investors, media relations and international advocacy.
The CBN’s communications efforts also received international attention after its campaign was shortlisted as a finalist at the 2026 International Public Relations Association Golden World Awards.
Earlier this year, Sidi Ali was also recognised as the African Iconic Female Spokesperson of the Year at the African International Women Recognition Awards 2026, following a continent wide public voting exercise.
Chairperson of the awards jury, Professor Saudat Abdulbaqi, said the 2026 edition attracted 171 nominations from across Nigeria.
She explained that entries went through an initial screening before those that met the required standards of clarity, measurable impact and verifiable evidence advanced to the next stages. The process eventually produced 30 finalists across 15 categories.
Speaking at the event, Chief Executive Officer of Image Merchants Promotion Limited, Alhaji Yushau A Shuaib, said the National Spokespersons Awards and Economic Confidential Annual Lecture were created to encourage informed national discussions, recognise professional excellence and promote stronger strategic communication in Nigeria.
