NNPCL’s Soneye named NIPR spokesperson of the year 2025

Mr. Olufemi Soneye, the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), has been crowned the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) Spokesperson of the Year 2025.

Soneye emerged victorious in a highly competitive contest held in Abuja on Wednesday night, outshining top contenders including Igo Weli of Shell Petroleum, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi of the Nigeria Police Force, Olumuyiwa Akande of Sifax Group, and Mr. Osagie Edward of NIMASA.

His path to the prestigious title began with a win in the Distinguished Spokesperson (Oil and Gas) category, where he triumphed over notable names such as Chinedu Ukadike of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) and again, Igo Weli of Shell.

Soneye’s footprint of an excellent spokesperson at the NIPR contest was also recorded in 2024.

Last year he defeated the spokesperson of Shell Companies in Nigeria, Michael Adande and the spokesperson of Indorama Eleme Petrochemicals Limited, Dr. Johnson Nkwocha to clinch to the “Distinguished Spokesperson in Oil and Gas” award.

In 2025, the NIPR depicted Soneye as a “diligent” spokesperson, stressing “he is a strategist.”

Soneye’s capacity to shape public opinion, also stood him out of the crowd of spokespersons, according to the Adjudication Committee, Chairman, Dr. Shaibu Hussein.

Represented by a member of the committee chairman, Lami Tuiaka, the chairman said the moment to the conclusion of the award was rigorous and demanding.

He also predicated Soneye’s victory on his communication skills, crisis management and overall impact.

“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,” 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 that we will celebrate throughout 2025 in the person of Olufemi Soneye.”

Responding, Soneye attributed his recognition by the NIPR with its most exalted spokesperson’s award to the dedication of the entire team of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

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.”