The Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Olufemi Soneye, has been crowned the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations spokesperson of the year 2025.
The announcement was made during a highly competitive event held Wednesday night in Abuja.
Soneye emerged victorious over other notable contenders, including Shell Petroleum’s Igo Weli, Nigeria Police Force spokesperson, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Sifax Group’s Olumuyiwa Akande, and Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency spokesperson, Osagie Edward.
Soneye’s road to the top began in the “Distinguished Spokesperson (Oil and Gas)” category, where he outshined Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN)’s Chief Chinedu Ukadike and Shell’s Igo Weli.
This isn’t his first time making waves at the NIPR awards.
In 2024, Soneye clinched the same category by defeating Shell Companies in Nigeria’s Michael Adande and Indorama Eleme Petrochemicals Limited’s, Johnson Nkwocha.
For the 2025 edition, the NIPR described Soneye as a “diligent” spokesperson and lauded him as “a strategist.”
According to the chairman of the adjudication committee, Shaibu Hussein represented by committee member Lami Tuiaka, the process was demanding and thorough.
“Our committee comprising communication scholars, PR practitioners, and media personalities worked tirelessly to review the nomination, 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,” she said.
Soneye’s ability to influence public perception and his adaptness in crisis communication were cited as key reasons he stood out among his peers.
At the national spokespersons award 2025, the plaque was presented by Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Power, Joshua Audu Ghana, who affirmed that Soneye would be celebrated throughout the year.
“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 that we will celebrate throughout 2025 in the person of Olufemi Soneye,” Ghana announced.
In his acceptance speech, Soneye gave credit to his team at NNPCL, dedicating the award to their collective efforts.
Amid a standing ovation, he said, “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.”
