General News
CBN SPOKESPERSON WINS OUTSTANDING SPOKESPERSON (BANKING SECTOR) AWARD
In a remarkable demonstration of excellence in public communication, Hakama Sidi-Ali, spokesperson for the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), was awarded the Outstanding Spokesperson (Banking Sector) for the second consecutive year at the 2025 National Spokespersons Awards, a statement from Dr Ibrahim Moddibo has disclosed.
According to the statement, the ceremony, held in Abuja Intercontinental Hotel, was part of the grand finale of the 2025 National Spokespersons’ Summit in Abuja.
Organized 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 aim to celebrate innovation and professionalism in public communication across both public and private sectors in Nigeria.
During the event, NIPR President Dr. Ike Neliaku and Hon. Rotimi Akintunde Jr., Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Media and Public Affairs, commended the award 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 and her commitment to bridging the gap between the CBN and the Nigerian populace. Her significant role in countering misinformation regarding the potential introduction of N5,000 and N10,000 banknotes was particularly noteworthy, effectively calming public unrest and maintaining financial stability. Furthermore, her adept communication during Nigeria’s recent negotiations with the United States over newly imposed tariffs underscored her pivotal role in international economic diplomacy.
The award ceremony showcased a variety of individuals and institutions excelling in strategic communication and public affairs. This year’s event underlined the critical role of credible voices in shaping public perception, fostering institutional trust, and enhancing democratic accountability.
Among the other awardees, Mr. Olufemi Soneye of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) who received the “Distinguished Spokesperson (Oil and Gas)” award. Dr. Fabian Benjamin from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) was recognized as the “Outstanding Spokesperson (Education Sector).”
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) shone brightly throughout the event, with Mrs. Hadiza Umar winning “Outstanding Spokesperson (Digital Economy)” and Malam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi earning the title of “Most Supportive CEO to Spokespersons (Public Sector).”
In the security and enforcement category, Mr. Femi Babafemi of the NDLEA and ACP Muyiwa Adejobi of the Nigeria Police Force were acknowledged for their remarkable media presence and effective crisis communication, particularly during sensitive times.
Institutions were also celebrated for their contributions to media excellence. The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) clinched the award for “Best Corporate Spokesperson Team,” while Air Peace was honoured as the “Most Influential Corporate Voice.” Additionally, Unilorin’s Lukman Temitope Omoniyi was awarded for the “Best Corporate Share of Voice on Social Media,” highlighting the significance of digital platforms in branding.
Other notable recipients included Gombe State’s Malam Ismaila Uba Misili as “Outstanding State Government Spokesperson,” Sade Morgan of Nigerian Breweries as “Outstanding Corporate Spokesperson,” and Viola Graham Douglas of LAFARGE, recognised as the “Most Innovative Spokesperson in the Multinational Category.” LAFARGE’s CEO, Mr. Lolu Alde-Akinyemi, was also named “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.
Now 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.
The ceremony was attended by prominent figures, including past and present Ministers of Information, such as Frank Nweke Jr., Lai Mohammed, Jerry Gana, and Labaran Maku, as well as the current Honorable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris.
The summit featured high-level discussions led by notable speakers, including former Ogun State Governor Chief Segun Osoba, Prof. Taiwo Oyedele, and other eminent figures in the field of communication, reflecting a collective commitment to enhancing public engagement standards in Nigeria.
General News
World Water Day 2026: Oluremi Tinubu Calls for Gender Equity Through Improved Water Access
The First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, has called for collective action to promote gender equality through improved access to water and sanitation, as the world marks World Water Day 2026.
In a message commemorating the day, Senator Tinubu highlighted this year’s theme, “Water and Gender,” alongside the campaign slogan, “Where Water Flows, Equality Grows,” emphasizing the strong link between water access and gender equity.
She noted that in many communities, women and girls bear the burden of sourcing water, often trekking long distances to streams, a situation that negatively impacts their education, health, and economic opportunities.
“When we ensure safe, clean, and accessible water, we do more than quench thirst; we open doors for girls to stay in school, for women to pursue livelihoods, and for families to live healthier lives,” she said.
The First Lady urged Nigerians to work together to ensure equitable access to water resources across the country, stressing that improved water systems can drive social and economic development.
She concluded by encouraging citizens to embrace the spirit of the global observance and reaffirm commitments toward building a more inclusive society.
“Let us work together to ensure that where water flows in Nigeria, equity truly grows,” she added.
World Water Day is observed annually on March 22 to raise awareness on the importance of freshwater and advocate for sustainable management of water resources worldwide.
Fresh hostilities in the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict intensified early Sunday, with Iran launching strikes near Israel’s main nuclear research centre, leaving dozens injured and raising fears of wider regional escalation.
According to reports, missiles hit areas close to the nuclear facility in Dimona and the southern city of Arad. Rescue services confirmed that nearly 70 people were injured in Arad alone, with several in serious condition and multiple residential buildings severely damaged.
The Israeli military said it had begun retaliatory strikes targeting locations in Tehran, further escalating the conflict, which has now entered its fourth week.
Iran warned that any attack on its energy facilities would trigger retaliatory strikes on U.S. and Israeli infrastructure across the region. The threat followed a statement by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who warned that the United States could target Iranian power plants if Tehran fails to reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours. Iranian authorities described such threats as provocative, vowing a firm response if carried out.
Saudi Arabia also confirmed that its air defence systems intercepted missiles and drones targeting its territory, including areas near key oil installations, with no casualties reported. In a separate incident, a projectile struck near a commercial vessel off the coast of the United Arab Emirates, causing an explosion but leaving the crew unharmed.
Iran’s state media reported that the death toll within the country has surpassed 1,500 since the conflict began, raising humanitarian concerns. Legal experts have also warned that targeting civilian infrastructure such as power plants could violate international law.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the situation as “a very difficult moment,” as emergency teams continued search-and-rescue operations in affected areas.
In Yemen, Iran-backed Houthi rebels warned they could join the conflict if attacks against Iran intensify, cautioning that further escalation could disrupt global energy supplies and economic stability.
Despite diplomatic signals, including a temporary U.S. move to ease sanctions on Iranian oil shipments, there are no clear signs of de-escalation, with both sides continuing military operations. Analysts warn the conflict risks expanding into a broader regional war with significant global implications.
The monarch of Ozoro Kingdom in Delta State has denied any prior knowledge of a controversial festival linked to the alleged abuse of women and girls, as outrage continues to trail the incident across Nigeria.
The traditional ruler, His Royal Majesty Anthony Ogbogbo, made the clarification when a delegation from the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) visited his palace following reports of harassment during the ‘Alue-Do’ festival.
According to the monarch, he had never encountered such practices in his over two decades on the throne. He stated that he had “never heard that a festival is celebrated with girls being harassed or molested” in the community, distancing the palace from the widely condemned incident.
The controversy stems from viral videos showing women being chased, stripped, and assaulted by youths during the cultural event held in Ozoro, Isoko North Local Government Area. The disturbing footage sparked nationwide outrage and renewed concerns over gender-based violence.
During the palace visit, the NANS delegation; alongside student leaders from Southern Delta University, confirmed that some of the victims were students who had since received medical attention. While reports indicated no confirmed cases of rape, the students described the incidents as serious molestation and a violation of human dignity.
NANS condemned the attacks, describing them as a gross violation of human rights and a threat to the safety of students in the community. The association called on security agencies to ensure a thorough investigation and bring perpetrators to justice.
Meanwhile, the Delta State Government has also condemned the incident, describing it as “barbaric” and unacceptable, stressing that no cultural practice should justify violence against women. Authorities have launched investigations, with police confirming the arrest of suspects linked to the incident.
Civil society organisations, including ActionAid Nigeria, have also demanded immediate prosecution of those responsible, insisting that cultural traditions must not be used to excuse abuse or undermine the rights and dignity of women and girls.
The incident has intensified calls for stricter enforcement of laws protecting women and for a review of traditional practices that may expose individuals to harm.