CBN Spokesperson Hakama Sidi‑Ali, Kano’s Ibrahim Waiya Win Top Honours at 2026 National Spokespersons Awards
The spokesperson of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mrs. Hakama Sidi‑Ali, has been named Spokesperson of the Year at the 6th National Spokespersons Awards (NSA) 2026, while the Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, clinched the Crisis Communicator of the Year award.
The honours were presented on Thursday in Abuja during the 4th Economic Confidential Annual Lecture and the 6th National Spokespersons Awards, organised by Spokespersons Digest, a publication of Image Merchants Promotion Limited (IMPR), publishers of PRNigeria, Economic Confidential and Spokespersons Digest. The event, themed “Anti‑Corruption Reforms, Economic Stability and Effective Communication,” drew senior government officials, communication professionals, academics, corporate executives and media practitioners.
Chairperson of the Awards Jury, Dr. Saudat Abdulbaqi, revealed that the 2026 edition received 171 nominations nationwide, from which 30 finalists were shortlisted across 15 categories after a rigorous multi‑stage evaluation. She described the adjudication process as transparent and evidence‑driven, noting that the awards have evolved into a respected national platform for promoting professionalism, accountability and public trust.
“Six years after its launch, the National Spokespersons Awards have become a platform for recognising the value of professional communication and reminding us that the work of a spokesperson is not simply about speaking for an organisation, but about building credibility, trust and public confidence,” she said.
Abdulbaqi explained that 99 entries passed the initial screening before being assessed on impact, innovation, campaign reach and quality of supporting evidence. Forty‑two entries advanced to the penultimate stage, with two finalists selected per category.
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Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, urged communication professionals to build legacies that transcend their tenure. Represented by the Director‑General of Voice of Nigeria (VON), Malam Jibrin Baba Ndace, the minister called for unity among practitioners regardless of institutional affiliations and commended IMPR’s Chief Executive Officer, Alhaji Yusha’u A. Shuaib, for his contributions to strategic communication and youth mentorship.
He reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening governance, transparency and credible public communication.
Full List of Award Recipients
Alongside Sidi‑Ali and Waiya, several individuals and institutions were honoured for excellence in strategic communication:
– Celestine Achi – Author/Scholar Award
– Integrated Indigo Limited – PR Agency of the Year
– Andy Odeh (NNPCL) – Corporate Communication Award
– Abdurrahman Ahmed Bundi (Borno State Government) – Digital Communication Award
– Office of the Accountant‑General of the Federation – Employee Relations Award
– NIPR Kaduna Chapter – Event Management Award
– Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria (MAAUN), Kano – Knowledge Hub Award
– Abdulmumini Oniyangi (TETFund) – Media Relations Award
– Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) – Public Affairs Award
– Tolulope Olorunduro (Nigerian Women in PR) – Publication Award
– Basheer Luqman (Kwara Express Media) – Social Media Influencer of the Year
– Folusho Adeogun (Nigeria Customs Service) – Young Communicator Award
– NITDA/Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC) – Crisis Management Award.
The organisers said the National Spokespersons Awards continue to champion innovation, excellence and ethical practice in Nigeria’s communication landscape, recognising individuals and institutions whose work strengthens public trust and enhances institutional reputation.
By PRNigeria
