The Chief Corporate Communications Officer (CCCO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Olufemi Soneye, has emerged as the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) Spokesperson of 2025.
At an event in Abuja, Soneye defeated the spokespersons of Shell Petroleum, Igo Weli; the Nigeria Police Force, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi; Sifax Group, Olumuyiwa Akande; and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Osagie Edward, to clinch the award.
Soneye’s journey to winning the NIPR 2025 award began with his nomination in the category of Distinguished Spokesperson (Oil and Gas), where he edged out the spokespersons of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Chief Chinedu Ukadike, and Shell Petroleum, Igo Weli.
According to the Chairman of the Adjudication Committee, Dr Shaibu Hussein, the NNPCL CCCO’s capacity to shape public opinion distinguished him from the crowd of spokespersons.
Represented by a member of the Committee, Lami Tuiaka, the Chairman noted that the lead-up to the award’s conclusion was rigorous and demanding, adding that Soneye’s communication skills, crisis management, and overall impact set him apart.
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“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 the plaque at the ceremony, the Chairman of the event and Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Power, Honourable Joshua Audu Gana, said the Institute would celebrate Soneye throughout 2025 as the current NIPR Spokesperson Award winner.
“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.”
In his response, Soneye attributed his recognition by the NIPR with its most exalted spokesperson’s award to the dedication of the entire team at 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,” Soneye said.
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