Hakama Sidi-Ali, spokesperson for the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has once again claimed the title of Outstanding Spokesperson (Banking Sector) at the 2025 National Spokespersons Awards. This marks her second consecutive victory at the prestigious event, held at the Abuja Intercontinental Hotel as part of the National Spokespersons’ Summit.

The awards, organized by the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) in partnership with Image Merchants Promotion Limited, celebrate excellence and innovation in public communication across Nigeria’s public and private sectors.

During the ceremony, NIPR President Dr. Ike Neliaku and Hon. Rotimi Akintunde Jr., chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Media and Public Affairs, praised the awardees for their high standards and urged them to continue their exemplary work.

Sidi-Ali was recognized for her proactive communication strategies, notably her efforts to dispel misinformation about potential new banknotes, which helped calm public concerns and maintain financial stability. Her adept handling of Nigeria’s recent negotiations with the United States over tariffs further highlighted her importance in international economic diplomacy.

The event celebrated numerous individuals and institutions excelling in strategic communication. Among the notable awardees were Olufemi Soneye from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, honored as the Distinguished Spokesperson (Oil and Gas), and Dr. Fabian Benjamin from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, recognized as the Outstanding Spokesperson (Education Sector).

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) also shone, with Mrs. Hadiza Umar winning Outstanding Spokesperson (Digital Economy) and Malam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi named Most Supportive CEO to Spokespersons (Public Sector).

In the security sector, Femi Babafemi of the NDLEA and ACP Muyiwa Adejobi of the Nigeria Police Force were acknowledged for their effective crisis communication during sensitive periods.

The awards also highlighted the contributions of various institutions, with the Nigerian Customs Service winning Best Corporate Spokesperson Team and Air Peace being recognized as the Most Influential Corporate Voice.

With over 20 categories, the awards underscored the growing significance of public relations and strategic communication in governance and corporate reputation.

Segun McMedal, chairman of the Planning Committee, commended the winners for their vital roles in fostering public trust and shaping national discourse, urging all communicators to uphold transparency, accountability, and professionalism.

Now in its fifth edition, the National Spokespersons Awards continue to be the premier platform for recognizing impactful public communication in Nigeria, attended by key figures including past and present Ministers of Information.

The summit featured high-level discussions led by notable speakers, including former Ogun State Governor Chief Segun Osoba and Prof. Taiwo Oyedele, reflecting a collective commitment to enhancing public engagement standards in Nigeria.

Former Kogi State Deputy Governor, Elder Simon Achuba, has called upon Christians to embody the sacrificial life of Jesus Christ in their words and actions, emphasizing love, peace, kindness, empathy, humility, self-denial, and selfless service.
In his Easter message, signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Akor Sylvester, Achuba urged Christians to refrain from returning to sinful ways following the forty-day period of fasting, prayer, and almsgiving that Lent represents. He implored them to embrace a life characterized by holiness, righteousness, selflessness, humility, love, steadfastness, and uprightness.
The former Deputy Governor stressed the importance of imbibing the lessons and significance of Easter through genuine repentance, reconciliation, and acts of compassion such as bringing joy to the less privileged and visiting orphanages, prisons, and hospitals – the very essence of the season.
He quoted, “One has not lived unless he lives for others,” adding, “As Christ has died for us, we should be ready and willing to live and, if need be, die for others.”
Achuba highlighted that “Easter should be days filled with love, with appreciation of what God has done for mankind, days of goodwill to our neighbours, days of divine expectation to see the Lord, even as His disciples saw Him at Galilee.”
“If we love with the spirit of Easter in our hearts, governance would work, electoral reforms would be easier to accomplish, funds would be judiciously utilized for the good of the larger number, the leadership would love and cherish the led. That is the essence of Easter, which we recommend to all Nigerians, indeed, to all humanity,” he stated.
“If we imbibe this in all areas of our lives, then we are on the path to a glorious life. A life that pleases God, and which honours mankind.”
Regarding the people of Kogi State, the former Deputy Governor urged religious leaders to continue promoting peace and unity across the state for the collective well-being of the populace, asserting that development cannot flourish in an environment of crisis.
He called on Christians and all Kogites to remain vigilant and security-conscious as they celebrate Easter. The former Deputy Governor also implored them to remember the less privileged and extend love to them during this significant occasion.
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By Francis Nansak

On Good Friday, Christians worldwide marked the end of their 40-day fast, commemorating Jesus Christ’s suffering and sacrifice for humanity’s redemption. In Uke, Karshi Development Area, Karu Local Government Council, Nasarawa State, Catholic faithful celebrated the season with a passion play.

Passion play, organized by the youth of Saint Vincent Catholic Church, depicted Jesus Christ’s crucifixion and sacrifice. Children and adults alike were visibly moved, with some weeping and appearing sober as they watched the reenactment of Jesus’ journey to the cross.

The parish priest, Rev. Father Magun Emmanuel, expressed joy and highlighted the significance of Good Friday, saying, “Today is Good Friday, and we are marking it with a passion play combined with the stations of the cross. It’s a day that Jesus Christ suffered and gave up his life for the salvation of the whole world.”

Father Emmanuel appealed to Nigerians to embrace love, peace, and unity, especially in the face of insecurity. He urged leaders to ensure fairness and tranquility in their domains.

Also in an interview , the director of the 2025 Passion Play, Mr. Patrick Daniel, emphasized the importance of commemorating Christ’s sacrifice and called on Nigerian youth to shun vices and live a life patterned after Christ’s exemplary mission on earth.

Another speaker Mr. Isaac Sankara admonished Nigerian youths to live a life that reflects Christ’s teachings, emphasizing love, peace, and unity. He urged them not to take the celebration of Easter lightly but to esteem the values of love, peace, and unity.

” The passion play served as a reminder of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice and a call to live a life of purpose and meaning” He added.

Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser on Policy Communications to President Bola Tinubu, has suggested that some Nigerians who comment on national issues on social media may be facing mental health challenges.
Speaking during a Channels TV interview, Mr. Bwala addressed social media speculation surrounding President Tinubu’s recent trip to France, where some users suggested it was for medical reasons.
Dismissing these claims, Mr. Bwala asserted that the President’s visit to France was for official working purposes, not medical treatment.
“Sometimes on social media, somebody will be tweeting; you don’t even know who the person is; it can be somebody who has mental health somewhere. You just see that information is coming out,” he stated. “The president did not go to see a doctor; he’s on a working visit, and we have been publishing his activities.”
Furthermore, Mr. Bwala criticized Senator Ali Ndume (Borno South) for his persistent criticism of the Tinubu administration. He argued that Senator Ndume has little to show for his extensive tenure in the National Assembly.
Mr. Bwala also urged the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to be cautious of Senator Ndume, alleging his disloyalty to the party.
“Let me tell you today, and I want everybody to hear, especially the chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Abdullahi Ganduje. Senator Ali Ndume’s spirit and soul are with the coalition; it is his body that is in APC. He is already going,” Mr. Bwala claimed. He contrasted Senator Ndume’s approach with that of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, who openly declared his departure.