News Investigators/ The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, has won the 2025 Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) spokesperson’s Award.
Mr. Soneye was rated ahead of the spokespersons of Shell Petroleum, Igo Weli; Nigeria Police Force, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi; Sifax Group, Olumuyiwa Akande; and Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Osagie Edward, to clinch the award.
The NNPCL’s spokesman emerged in the category of Distinguished Spokesperson (Oil and Gas).
In 2024, Mr. Soneye similarly defeated the spokesperson of Shell Companies in Nigeria, Michael Adande and the spokesperson of Indorama Eleme Petrochemicals Limited, Dr Johnson Nkwocha, to clinch the “Distinguished Spokesperson in Oil and Gas” award.
In 2025, the NIPR described Soneye as a “diligent” spokesperson, stressing, “he is a strategist.”
Mr. Soneye’s capacity to shape public opinion also stood him out from the crowd of spokespersons, according to the Adjudication Committee Chairman, Dr Shaibu Hussein.
Represented by a member of the committee, Lami Tuiaka, the chairman said the starting moment to the conclusion of the award was rigorous and demanding.
He also predicted Soneye’s victory based on his communication skills, crisis management, and overall impact.
“Our committee, comprising communication scholars, PR practitioners, and media personalities, worked tirelessly to review the nominations, assess performances, and deliberate on the winner.
“I must report that we carefully examined each nomination, considering factors such as communication skills, crisis management, and overall impact,” he said.
Presenting him the plaque at the National Spokespersons Award 2025, chairman of the event, Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Power, Hon. Joshua Audu Ghana, said the institute would celebrate Soneye throughout 2025 as the current NIPR spokesperson award winner.
His words: “On behalf of the NIPR Award Night 2025, I have the honour and privilege to present the Spokesperson of the Year 2025.
“Please join me to celebrate our latest spokesperson, whom we will celebrate throughout 2025, in the person of Olufemi Soneye.”
In his remark, Mr. Soneye attributed his success to the dedication of the entire team of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
“We are all happy and I am deeply honoured to receive this award tonight from NIPR. This award reflects the dedication of our entire team, and we want to thank NIPR for all they have been doing,” he added.
