Olufemi Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer of Nigerian national Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), shone like the stars on Wednesday in Abuja as he scooped two top awards at the 2025 edition of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) Awards.
Soneye, a journalist, brand strategist and PR specialist, was appointed as NNPCL’s spokesman on October 18, 2023.
A seasoned professional, Soneye brought with him decades of international media experience across Nigeria, Australia, and the United States, where he previously served as Editor of the prestigious US Air Force One Magazine at Joint Base Andrews, Washington, D.C.
At the awards on Wednesday, Soneye beat an experienced field, which included Shell Petroleum’s Igo Weli, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi of the Nigeria Police Force, Olumuyiwa Akande of Sifax Group, and Osagie Edward of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), to win the most coveted award of Spokesperson of the Year.
In addition to winning the top prize, Soneye also emerged winner in the “Distinguished Spokesperson (Oil and Gas)” category beating Shell’s Igo Weli and the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) spokesman, Chief Chinedu Ukadike to the prize, a feat he had performed previously in the 2024 edition of the award.
In his remarks on Wednesday night, Dr. Shaibu Hussein, Chairman of the Adjudication Committee, represented by committee member Lami Tuiaka, emphasized that the selection process was intense and thorough.
He described Soneye as a diligent and strategic communicator whose ability to influence public opinion, handle crises effectively, and create impactful messaging set him apart from others.
“Our team of communication experts, PR professionals, and media figures worked extensively to assess the nominees based on communication skills, crisis management abilities, and overall public impact,” he stated.
Presenting the award to Soneye, Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Power, Hon. Joshua Audu Ghana, lauded the NNPCL spokesman on his achievement noting that NIPR will celebrate him throughout 2025 as the award’s titleholder.
“On behalf of NIPR Award Night 2025, I proudly present this plaque to our Spokesperson of the Year, Mr. Olufemi Soneye,” he stated.
Receiving the award, Soneye dedicated it to the entire NNPCL corporate communications team.
“I am truly honoured to be named Spokesperson of the Year by NIPR. This award is not mine alone. It belongs to the exceptional team I work with every day.
From the beginning, I made a vow to be a transparent and professional spokesperson committed to timely, impactful and accurate communication. This award reinforces our shared dedication to raising the bar in public communication and serving the Nigerian public with integrity.
“As I always say, NNPC is our collective asset and belongs to all Nigerians. We remain committed to keeping the public informed and involved in our activities as we continue to ensure energy security for our nation”.
A consummate professional, has as NNPCL’s spokesman revolutionized the company’s public communications’ process. From being viewed as an opaque organization reluctant to open its doors to public scrutiny, Soneye, with the support of the company’s management has repositioned NNPCL as a public-friendly and transparent organization always willing to engage its external public in a professional and creative manner.
Under his adept management of the public communications process, the NNPC brand has witnessed remarkable elevation and with a 360-degree approach to branding, has repositioned the company as a trusted and proudly Nigerian energy brand.
In addition, Soneye institutionalization of a proactive crisis management mechanism has ensured that NNPCL is never caught off guard. His foresight and swift interventions have consistently protected the corporate image of the company.
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