The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations has selected Mr. Olufemi Soneye, the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, the 2025 Spokesperson of the Year.
He won the prize in a fiercely contested category in Abuja on Wednesday, defeating the spokespersons for SIFAX Group, Olumuyiwa Akande; Shell Petroleum, Igo Weli; Nigeria Police Force, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi; and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Mr. Osagie Edward.
Soneye’s journey to the NIPR 2025 award started in the “Distinguished Spokesperson (Oil and Gas)” category, where he beat over Shell’s Igo Weli and Chief Chinedu Ukadike, the spokesperson for the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria.
His outstanding work as a spokesman was also acknowledged at the contest’s 2024 edition. He won the same “Distinguished Spokesperson in Oil and Gas” award last year, defeating Dr. Johnson Nkwocha, the spokesman for Indorama Eleme Petrochemicals Limited, and Michael Adande, the spokesperson for Shell Companies in Nigeria.
Soneye was characterized by the NIPR in 2025 as “a strategist” and a “diligent” spokesman.
Dr. Shaibu Hussein, the Chairman of the Adjudication Committee, stated that Soneye stood out from his contemporaries due to his capacity to influence public opinion. Hussein, who was represented by Lami Tuiaka, a committee member, said that the award procedure was exacting and comprehensive.
“Our committee, comprising communication scholars, PR practitioners, and media personalities, worked tirelessly to review the nominations, assess performances, and deliberate on the winner.
“We carefully examined each nomination, considering factors such as communication skills, crisis management, and overall impact,” he stated.
Presenting him with the plaque at the National Spokespersons Awards 2025, the Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Power, Hon Joshua Audu Ghana, who chaired the event, said the institute would celebrate Soneye throughout 2025 as the current NIPR Spokesperson of the Year.
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 in celebrating our latest spokesperson, Olufemi Soneye, whom we will honour throughout 2025.”
Soneye thanked the entire staff of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited for their hard work in receiving the award in his acceptance speech.
He stated, “We are all happy, and I am deeply honored to receive this award tonight from NIPR,” amid a standing ovation. Our entire team’s commitment is reflected in this award, and we are grateful to NIPR for everything they do.
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