By Clifford Agugoesi, Editor-in-Chief
The Director of Corporate Communications and Media Relations at the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) Hajiya Hadiza Umar, has been listed among Nigeria’s top 50 Public Relations and communications professionals in the prestigious 2025 PR Power List.
The recognition, jointly announced on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, by GLG Communications in partnership with The Guardian newspaper and Edelman Afrique, celebrates professionals redefining strategic communication across Nigeria and the diaspora.
A Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Hajiya Hadiza Umar was honoured in the Rising Voices category which highlights fast-rising communication leaders who demonstrate creativity, agility, and impact in shaping narratives and driving innovation in public engagement.
This honour verifies Hajiya Hadiza Umar’s status as a formidable voice in Nigeria’s communication space and reinforces NITDA’s credibility as a digitally-driven, people-focused government agency.
The exclusive soirée and awards ceremony, held on July 18 at Alliance Française, Mike Adenuga Centre, Ikoyi, Lagos, south west Nigeria, attracted industry leaders, innovators and storytellers for an evening that collocated inspiration, recognition and frank dialogue.
The 2025 PR Power List features honourees in four categories: Rising Voices, Community Impact, Changemakers, and Fourth Estate, spotlighting professionals whose work influences policy, shapes perception, and fosters sustainable communication practices.
Responding to the honour, Hadiza Umar described her inclusion as a proud moment that highlighted not just personal achievement but also the evolving role of communication in promoting digital inclusion and national development.
Said she: “Being named among the PR Power 50 is a humbling experience and a reminder of the critical role communication plays in national transformation. At NITDA, our goal has always been to use strategic communication as a catalyst for digital literacy, innovation, and inclusion. I dedicate this recognition to my committed team and the visionary leadership of our Director-General, Mallam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, who has created an enabling environment for creativity and growth,”.
NITDA, under the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, is at the forefront of promoting digital literacy, IT development, and citizen-focused communication strategies that bridge the digital divide across Nigeria.
Managing Partner of GLG Communications, Oreani Ogbe said the selection committee recognised professionals “using influence for public good, leading strategic change, and building narratives that matter.”
Mrs Umar, a journalist, PR professional with practical experience, has worked in different faculties from the period of her employment in 1997. She joined NITDA in 2009 as the Head of Corporate Affairs.
With thorough understanding of government operations, she has demonstrated a good relationship between the Agency and stakeholders in the Information Technology industry in Nigeria and global IT community.
Through her supervisory role, Mrs Umar was able to relate, maintain and sustain a favourable communication channel and understanding between the Agency and its public, while collaborating with various departments to provide updates on IT services and monitoring of NITDA collaboration network with focal organisations and stakeholders both national and international.
With her vast experience and training in public relations management and practices, she is determined to reposition NITDA using the various PR tools and strategies towards achieving its vision as the prime catalyst for transforming Nigeria into a sustainable digital economy.
Mrs Umar has attended various PR and Management Training programmes and conferences national and international. She is also a Fellow of Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR); Fellow, Africa Public Relations Association (APRA); Member, African Business School (ABS); Member, Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM); and Fellow, Chartered Institute of Corporate Administration (CICA). -With additional reporting by Angeline Mgbele, Bureau Chief, Northern Nigeria.
