By Sola Akingboye, 18 April 2025
Olufemi Soneye, the Chief Corporate Communications Officer at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), has been awarded the title of Spokesperson of the Year for 2025 by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR).
The accolade was bestowed during a distinguished event held in Abuja on Wednesday evening, following a thorough assessment of Nigeria’s leading communicators.
Soneye was selected as the premier candidate from a distinguished group of finalists, which included Igo Weli from Shell Petroleum, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi of the Nigeria Police Force, Olumuyiwa Akande of Sifax Group, and Osagie Edward from the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).
His path to this prestigious recognition began with a victory in the “Distinguished Spokesperson – Oil and Gas” category, where he surpassed notable industry figures such as Chief Chinedu Ukadike from the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) and Shell’s Igo Weli. This achievement marks Soneye’s second consecutive win in this category, having previously secured the award in 2024, outpacing Shell’s Michael Adande and Dr. Johnson Nkwocha of Indorama Eleme Petrochemicals.
Who is Olufemi Soneye?
Olufemi Soneye is an experienced journalist and communications strategist who took on the role of Chief Corporate Communications Officer at NNPC Ltd in October 2023. His extensive career includes prominent editorial positions in Nigeria, Australia, and the United States, notably as the Editor of the esteemed US Air Force One Magazine at Joint Base Andrews in Washington, D.C.
Since his arrival at NNPC Ltd, Soneye has transformed the company’s approach to public engagement. Under his guidance, the communications department has become a vital business asset, facilitating brand evolution, improving stakeholder relations, and leading proactive crisis management efforts.
Employing a comprehensive branding strategy, Soneye has successfully repositioned NNPC as a transparent, innovative, and proudly Nigerian energy brand. His creative methods in digital communication have greatly broadened the company’s outreach, making it more engaging and accessible to the public.
Significantly, his strategic vision has established crisis response protocols that protect NNPC’s reputation during challenging situations.
A Legacy in Progress
In response to receiving the award, Soneye expressed, “I am truly honored to be recognized as Spokesperson of the Year by the NIPR. This accolade is not solely mine; it reflects the outstanding team I collaborate with daily. From the outset, I committed to being a transparent and professional spokesperson, dedicated to delivering timely, accurate, and impactful communication.
“This award underscores our collective commitment to elevating public communication standards and serving the Nigerian populace with integrity. As I often state, NNPC is a shared asset that belongs to all Nigerians. We are dedicated to keeping the public informed and engaged in our initiatives as we strive to ensure energy security for our nation.”
Shaibu Hussein, Chairman of the NIPR Adjudication Committee, remarked that Soneye was chosen for his “dedication, strategic insight, and unparalleled ability to influence public narratives.”
Hussein, represented by Lami Tuiaka at the event, characterized the selection process as comprehensive, involving experts in communication, seasoned media professionals, and specialists in public relations.
While presenting the award, Hon. Joshua Audu Ghana, the Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Power, commended Soneye for his significant influence and leadership. “Mr. Soneye has set a new standard for public communicators in Nigeria. His contributions at NNPC Ltd are exemplary,” he remarked.
In his concluding statements, Soneye dedicated the accolade to his team at NNPCL and received a standing ovation from the audience.
“This award reflects our collective vision. We are dedicated to ensuring that the Nigerian public remains informed, engaged, and proud of our national energy company,” he concluded.
