Hakama Sidi-Ali, the Acting Director of Corporate Communications and Investor Relations, has been named the 2026 Spokesperson of the Year. This top honor was conferred during the sixth edition of the National Spokespersons Awards, which took place at the NICON Luxury Hotel in Abuja.
According to reports reaching Zoyols News, this win is a historic milestone. Sidi-Ali is the first communications professional to transition from winning a sector-specific award for two consecutive years to capturing the overall national title. Her journey began shortly after her 2023 appointment by Governor Olayemi Cardoso, making her the first woman to lead communications in the sixty-six-year history of the apex bank.
The jury based their decision on criteria such as innovation, campaign reach, and measurable impact. They specifically highlighted her role in modernizing the institution’s communication strategy, which includes regular briefings following monetary policy meetings, improved investor relations, and more effective international advocacy. These efforts have resonated globally, with the institution’s communication campaigns reaching the finals of the 2026 International Public Relations Association Golden World Awards.
Beyond this latest accolade, Sidi-Ali was earlier recognized as the African Iconic Female Spokesperson of the Year at the 2026 African International Women Recognition Awards, following a widespread public voting process.
Professor Saudat Abdulbaqi, who chaired the awards jury, explained that the selection process was rigorous and evidence-based. Out of 171 nominations, only those entries demonstrating verifiable professional impact made it through the screening process to produce finalists across fifteen categories. The event organizers emphasized that the goal is to foster informed national discourse and set a high standard for strategic communication in the country.
During the same ceremony, several other professionals and organizations were honored for their contributions to the field. Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, head of the anti-corruption commission, received recognition for his reform efforts, while other awards went to leaders in crisis management, digital communication, and public affairs.
The event, chaired by the President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, brought together a distinguished gathering of communication experts, government officials, and academics. Key figures, including representatives for the Minister of Information and top security personnel, were present to witness the celebration of excellence in the industry. As the field continues to evolve, the global profile of these awards has been bolstered by their newly granted international conference status by the International Public Relations Association.
