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Tag: Hakama Sidi-Ali

  • Hakama Sidi-Ali, others win 2025 National Spokespersons awards

    Hakama Sidi-Ali, others win 2025 National Spokespersons awards

    A Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) official, Hakama Sidi-Ali won the Outstanding Spokesperson (Banking Sector) at the 2025 National Spokespersons Awards, the second in a row. Held at the Abuja Intercontinental Hotel, the ceremony was part of the 2025 National Spokespersons’ Summit grand finale.

    Organised by the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) in collaboration with Image Merchants Promotion Limited (IMPR), the publisher of PRNigeria and Spokespersons Digest, the awards celebrate innovation and professionalism in public communication across public and private sectors.

    NIPR President Dr. Ike Neliaku and Hon. Rotimi Akintunde Jr., Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Media and Public Affairs, commended the recipients for their exemplary standards in the field and encouraged them to maintain the qualities that garnered national recognition.

    Sidi-Ali was lauded for her proactive communication strategies in connecting the central bank and Nigerians since assuming office. Her significant role in countering misinformation regarding the introduction of N5,000 and N10,000 banknotes calmed public concern and maintained financial stability.

    Experts also acknowledged the CBN Director of Corporate Communications’ adept dissemination during Nigeria’s recent negotiations with the United States over the new tariffs, saying it underscores her proficiency in international economic diplomacy.

    The 2025 ceremony showcased a variety of individuals and institutions excelling in strategic communication and public affairs. It also underlined the critical role of credible voices in shaping public perception, fostering institutional trust, and enhancing democratic accountability.

    Mr. Olufemi Soneye of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) was named Distinguished Spokesperson (Oil and Gas); Dr. Fabian Benjamin from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) was recognized as Outstanding Spokesperson (Education Sector).

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    The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) shone as Mrs. Hadiza Umar won the Outstanding Spokesperson (Digital Economy); NITDA DG, Mr. Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi emerged as the Most Supportive CEO to Spokespersons (Public Sector).

    In the security and enforcement category, Mr. Femi Babafemi of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and ACP Muyiwa Adejobi of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) were praised for their remarkable media presence and effective crisis communication.

    The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) was declared Best Corporate Spokesperson Team, while Air Peace won the Most Influential Corporate Voice. UNILORIN’s Lukman Temitope Omoniyi won the Best Corporate Voice on Social Media, highlighting the significance of digital platforms in branding.

    Gombe’s Ismaila Uba Misilli, Outstanding State Government Spokesperson; Sade Morgan of Nigerian Breweries, Outstanding Corporate Spokesperson; Viola Graham-Douglas of LAFARGE, Most Innovative Spokesperson (Multinational); LAFARGE’s CEO, Mr. Lolu Alde-Akinyemi, Most Supportive CEO to Spokespersons (Private Sector).

    With over 20 categories covered, including health, marine, hospitality, power, insurance, and crisis management, the awards emphasized the growing importance of public relations and strategic communication as essential components of governance and corporate reputation.

    Segun McMedal, Chairman of the Planning Committee, praised winners and nominees for their vital roles in sustaining public trust and shaping national discourse. He urged all communicators to uphold the values of transparency, accountability, and professionalism.

    Dignitaries at the event included former Ministers of Information—Frank Nweke Jr., Lai Mohammed, Jerry Gana, Labaran Maku—and the incumbent Alhaji Mohammed Idris. The summit featured high-level discussions graced by ex-Ogun State Governor Chief Segun Osoba, Prof. Taiwo Oyedele and other eminent figures.

    In its fifth edition, the National Spokespersons Awards, previously known as the Spokespersons’ Communication Awards (SCA), continue to serve as a premier platform for recognizing impactful and professional public communication in Nigeria.

  • Hakama Sidi-Ali: Celebrating women in public relations

    Hakama Sidi-Ali: Celebrating women in public relations

    By Rahma Oladosu

    As we celebrate International Women’s Day, I find it compelling to pay tribute to one of the most recognizable female spokespersons in Nigeria’s financial sector, Hajia Hakama Sani-Sidi Ali. Her remarkable journey and accomplishments serve as a testament to the transformative power of female leadership in a traditionally male-dominated industry.  

    The appointment of Hakama Sidi Ali as the Acting Director of Corporate Communications at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) by Governor Yemi Cardoso was a groundbreaking decision. It not only highlighted Governor Cardoso’s commitment to gender inclusivity but also demonstrated his dedication to meritocracy and religious tolerance in a nation where ethnoreligious sentiments often dominate public discourse.  

    Governor Cardoso’s leadership has been marked by a deliberate effort to appoint highly qualified women to strategic roles within the CBN. For instance, Nkiru Balonwu, a multifaceted professional with expertise in law, technology, finance, and advocacy, was brought on board to support the bank’s transformative vision. As the founder of the Africa Soft Power Group, Balonwu has been instrumental in shaping inclusive policies and leveraging Africa’s creative and knowledge industries.  

    Similarly, Dr. Daphne Dafinone, a chartered accountant and COO of Crowe Dafinone, has brought her extensive experience in finance, auditing, and governance to the CBN. Her contributions have been pivotal in ensuring transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s financial sector.  

    Amidst these accomplished women, Hakama Sidi Ali stands out as a Trailblazers in public relations practice. An award-winning strategic communicator with degrees in Mass Communication, she is the first woman to hold the pivotal position of spokesperson in the CBN’s 66-year history. Her academic credentials, coupled with her membership in prestigious professional bodies such as the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), the African Public Relations Association (APRA), and the International Public Relations Association (IPRA), underscore her commitment to excellence in her field.  

    Before her current role, Mrs. Sidi Ali served as the Deputy Director in the CBN’s Corporate Communications Department, where she gained invaluable experience and a deep understanding of the bank’s communication strategies. Her appointment came at a critical juncture, as the bank sought to restore public trust following the controversial currency redesign and the ensuing cash scarcity that caused widespread hardship across Nigeria.  

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    Demonstrating exceptional crisis management skills, Hakama proactively addressed misinformation regarding the legal tender status of old naira notes. Her timely and articulate press releases played a crucial role in averting potential panic and economic instability. For instance, when rumors circulated that old naira notes would cease to be legal tender by December 31, 2023, she swiftly issued clear and concise statements to dispel the misinformation, thereby maintaining public confidence and ensuring economic stability.  

    One of Sidi Ali’s most notable strengths is her ability to manage crises with empathy and clarity. During periods of economic uncertainty, such as fluctuations in foreign exchange rates or concerns about inflation, she has consistently provided reassurance and transparency. Her empathetic approach has humanized the CBN, reinforcing its role as a guardian of public interest.  

    Her ability to connect with the media and manage potential negative reports has earned her the respect of business reporters and finance editors. Many attest to her sincerity, loyalty, and honesty in protecting the institution she represents. Her consistent messaging and strategic use of public relations techniques—ranging from clear communication and proactive media engagement to crisis management—have set a high standard for communication in Nigeria’s financial sector.  

    Hakama Sidi Ali’s journey is a powerful reminder that competence and dedication are the true determinants of leadership suitability. In a society where women have historically been underrepresented in leadership positions, her ascent is a beacon of progress and a testament to the possibilities that arise when meritocracy prevails.  

    Her achievements underscore the importance of creating an environment where women can thrive and contribute meaningfully to national development. Her leadership is likely to inspire other women within the CBN and beyond to aspire to leadership roles, knowing that their aspirations are attainable.  

    As we celebrate International Women’s Day, Mrs. Hakama Sidi Ali’s story stands as a beacon of progress, illustrating the profound impact of female leadership in shaping Nigeria’s financial narrative. Her journey is not just a personal triumph but a collective victory for all advocating for gender parity and excellence in leadership.  

    Governor Cardoso’s progressive vision in appointing women to strategic positions is commendable and serves as a model for other organizations. His recognition of merit over tradition reflects a commitment to inclusivity and excellence, setting benchmarks for institutional reforms.  

    In celebrating International Women’s Day, let us honor the contributions of women like Hakama Sidi Ali, whose dedication, competence, and leadership continue to pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable future. Her journey is a testament to the transformative power of female leadership and a reminder that when women are given opportunities to excel, the entire nation benefits.

    Rahma Oladosu, a business journalist, writes from Wuye District Abuja

  • Hakama Sidi-Ali: CBN’s first female spokesperson and reputation management

    Hakama Sidi-Ali: CBN’s first female spokesperson and reputation management

    By Abdulrahman Abdulraheem

    From time immemorial, women have defied the odds to boldly confront leadership flaws. As far back as the early 20th Century, women in Aba and Abeokuta organised themselves and protested against the colonial-era oppression. They achieved inspiring results. The iconic Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti and the heroic Gambo Sawaba from the South and North respectively, led in advocating for women’s rights and gender parity before Western civilisation.

    While men get the credit for everything, and people claim it’s a man’s world, there are instances in history when they took the back seat but women stepped forward. Margaret Thatcher, Benazir Bhutto, Indira Gandhi, among others, raised the stakes of participation in governance through excellent achievements, passion and oratorical prowess. Mother Theresa became one of the greatest philanthropists, winning the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 for putting smiles on the faces of kids, women and the vulnerable worldwide.

    All these happened before the Convention on Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), an international bill of rights for women adopted by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in 1979, became effective. Decades down the line after the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, which set the international target for reaching gender equality in political decision-making, a lot of water has passed under the bridge.

    The world’s consciousness is increasingly focusing on women with the ambitious and brilliant ones, who have a lot to offer in governance and professions getting, attention. Due to the scarcity of the gender at the top of political power, as well as lack of methods to fix the under-representation, Marilyn Loden, an American writer, coined the phrase “glass ceiling” and provoked the UN and its affiliates to initiate the 35 per cent affirmative action and other measures that would widen the political space for women.

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    The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has existed since 1958; it has been led by at least 12 governors and has had several spokespersons. Either by deliberate action, omission commission or co-incidence, none of the mouthpiece has been a female. The “jinx” however broke recently with the appointment of an exceptional Public Relations practitioner, Mrs Hakama Sidi Ali as Acting Director of Corporate Communications.

    Sidi-Ali not only shattered the glass ceiling by becoming the first woman to be named CBN spokesperson, the appointment of the member of the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) fulfilled all professional and legal requirements. It is important to add that she comes into the key role fully prepared, having served as Deputy Director in the same department.

    The new image maker is a 1992 graduate of the Bayero University, Kano, where she bagged a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communication; she has an MSc in Mass Communication and PGDE in English Language. Apart from NIPR, Sidi-Ali is also a member of other reputable bodies like the Chartered Institute of Loan and Risk Management (CILRM), Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPMN), Africa Development Studies Centre (ADSC), and Toastmasters International.

    The credit for CBN’s first female spokesperson must first go to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, who, in their manifesto, promised that gender parity, women empowerment and welfare would be prioritized. The CBN Governor, Mr Olayemi Cardoso, whose pen stroke brought about this landmark feat, also deserves commendation for his open mind and leadership that is all-inclusive.

    Sidi-Ali assumed office when the CBN was yet to recover from the reputational issue over the cash confiscation policy of the Godwin Emefiele era and hit the ground running, using every PR tool in the book to restore Nigerians’ confidence in the apex bank. In just a few weeks, her shuttle diplomacy, robust media relations and engagements have helped to rebuild goodwill for the institution.

    Following the widely held misinformation that old naira notes would no longer be legal tenders from December 31, 2023, the country would have been enmeshed in another cash scarcity which could have led to a conflagration if not for the timely and articulate statements the new director issued to douse tension. Based on the proactive approach and public engagement, citizens saw no need to hoard cash or get involved in illegal practices ahead of yuletide.

    While Christmas is a season of introspection and celebration for most Nigerians, it is a period of criminality for the unscrupulous few who use it to trade fake currencies. When Sidi-Ali got wind of this, she quickly rose to the occasion so that innocent buyers and sellers would not be sufferers of criminality. In her press statement, she warned banks and traders to double-check currency notes that come to them to ensure they aren’t counterfeits.

    Once bitten, twice shy. Nigerians fell victim to failed banks and lost billions, thus when the rumour of another round of bank failure hit the airwaves, the CBN didn’t give room for panic. The clarification that banks are solid and stable lowered people’s blood pressure and forestalled sudden mass withdrawals. There is no doubt that Sidi Ali’s presence has restored the image of the CBN as a responsive and sensitive organisation that will always put the nation and the people first.

    Abdulrahman Abdulraheem, Managing Editor of Economic Confidential, authored “eNaira Revolution: A Peep into Nigeria’s Cashless Future”.