‎ABUJA – Mrs. Hakama Sidi-Ali, Acting Director of Corporate Communications and Investor Relations at the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has been named Nigeria’s Spokesperson of the Year 2026 at the 6th National Spokespersons Awards held at the NICON Luxury Hotel, Abuja. The award marks the peak of a three-year run that has redefined strategic communication at the nation’s apex bank.

With the latest honour, Mrs. Sidi-Ali achieved an unprecedented hat-trick at the National Spokespersons Awards. She becomes the first communications professional to win a sector-specific award twice in a row before claiming the overall top prize, making history in Nigeria’s public relations space.

‎Her rise began in 2023 when CBN Governor, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, appointed her as the first female spokesperson in the Central Bank’s 66-year history. She won the Outstanding Spokesperson – Banking Sector award in 2024 and retained it in 2025, becoming the first female banking communicator to do so.

The 2026 Spokesperson of the Year award followed a rigorous, evidence-based evaluation by the awards jury. The criteria included impact, innovation, campaign reach and quality of evidence. The jury cited her work in building a proactive communications architecture at the CBN through regular Monetary Policy Committee briefings, investor relations, stakeholder engagement and international advocacy.

The impact of her work has also gained global attention. Under her leadership, the CBN’s communications campaign was named a finalist at the 2026 International Public Relations Association, IPRA, Golden World Awards. Earlier this year she was also named African Iconic Female Spokesperson of the Year at the African International Women Recognition Awards following a continent-wide vote.

‎Chairperson of the Awards Jury, Professor Saudat Abdulbaqi, said the 2026 edition attracted 171 nominations nationwide. After screening, 30 finalists emerged across 15 categories. She noted that the process was transparent and focused on measurable professional excellence rather than popularity.

‎The event also honoured other communication leaders. Chairman of ICPC, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu received an award for anti-corruption reforms. Other winners included Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya of Kano as Crisis Communicator of the Year, Abdurrahman Ahmed Bundi of Borno for Digital Communication, and ASC Folusho Adeogun of Nigeria Customs as Young Communicator of the Year. The FRSC, TETFund, NIPR Kaduna Chapter and Integrated Indigo Limited were also recognised.

‎Speaking at the event, CEO of Image Merchants Promotion Limited, Alhaji Yushau Shuaib, announced that IPRA has granted the National Spokespersons Awards Conference Status, boosting its international profile. The ceremony, chaired by NIPR President Dr. Ike Neliaku, was attended by government officials, security chiefs and communication experts.

Organisers said Mrs. Sidi-Ali’s journey from CBN’s first female spokesperson to national winner reflects how professionalism, credibility and consistency define excellence in strategic communication.