The recognition was announced at the 2025 National Spokespersons Awards held at the Abuja Intercontinental Hotel, capping off the National Spokespersons’ Summit. The awards, organised in partnership with Image Merchants Promotion Limited (IMPL)—publishers of PR Nigeria and Spokespersons Digest—celebrate innovation, credibility, and professionalism in public communication across both public and private institutions in Nigeria.
Commendation for Communication Excellence
Speaking at the event, NIPR President Dr. Ike Neliaku and House of Representatives Media Committee Chairman Rotimi Akintunde Jr. praised Mrs. Sidi-Ali for her exceptional performance in public affairs and her commitment to transparent and responsive communication.
Dr. Neliaku particularly commended her for her strategic handling of public concerns, highlighting her role in addressing misinformation surrounding the rumored introduction of N5,000 and N10,000 banknotes—a development that could have caused widespread panic.
“Her significant role in countering misinformation calmed public concern and helped maintain financial stability,” Neliaku said, pointing to her proactive communication style as a model for public sector engagement.
Diplomatic Acumen and Strategic Leadership
Beyond domestic affairs, Sidi-Ali was also lauded for her contributions during Nigeria’s recent negotiations with the United States over a proposed tariff regime. Her role in managing communication through that sensitive economic period showcased her fluency in international economic diplomacy, reinforcing her status as a trusted and capable voice for Nigeria’s financial sector.
Celebrating Credibility in Public Communication
Other notable honorees at the event included Femi Sonoye, spokesperson for the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, among several others recognized for their excellence in strategic communication.
The 2025 awards not only spotlighted individual achievements but also highlighted the broader impact of skilled public relations in building trust, shaping public opinion, and promoting democratic accountability. In an era marked by rapid information flow and frequent misinformation, the need for credible, authoritative voices in public discourse has never been more crucial.
Hakama Sidi-Ali’s back-to-back recognition by the NIPR is a strong testament to her leadership, professionalism, and the enduring importance of effective public communication in governance.