Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
The Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), Mr Olufemi Soneye, Wednesday night won the Distinguished Spokesperson in Oil & Gas award, organised by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR).
Soneye was appointed the spokesman of the national oil company on October 18, last year, and has since then driven its brand penetration, strategic communications initiatives, and stakeholder management.
Soneye, who received the award at the event in Abuja, dedicated it to the Group Chief Executive Officer of the NNPC, Mele Kyari, stressing that he was humbled by the honour.
“I am deeply honoured and grateful to receive the NIPR Spokesperson of the Year award in Oil and Gas. This recognition means a great deal to me, and I am truly humbled by the acknowledgment of my efforts in representing NNPC Ltd.
“I would like to dedicate this award to the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd., Mr Mele Kyari, whose unwavering support and guidance have been instrumental in shaping my role as a spokesperson.
“Additionally, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to the entire corporate communications team for their collaborative efforts and dedication to excellence. This award is for the whole team,” Soneye, who was represented by the Head, Relationship & Stakeholder Management, NNPC, Mrs. Oluwakemi Olumuyiwa, said.
He stated that the award serves as a motivation to continue striving for excellence in representing NNP, the sector and upholding the highest standards of communication.
The National Spokesperson’ Awards held at the International Conference Centre is the highest honours celebrating Nigeria’s outstanding image makers in corporate communications, public affairs, politics, media, advocacy, among others.
Soneye is a seasoned journalist with both full-time and freelance experience at some of the world’s most respected publications in Nigeria, Australia, and the United States of America.
A former president of the Nigerian Media Practitioners, Washington, DC, Soneye is a member of reputable bodies, including the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) National Association of Black Journalist, Society of Professional Journalists, and the Guild of Corporate Online Media Publishers.
Chairperson of the awards jury, Prof. Mabel Evwierhoma, while speaking at the event, stressed that winners and nominees were painstakingly picked after a thorough vetting process.
She described it as a highly competitive process, explaining that three persons emerged in each of the 20 categories that were up for grabs. She also encouraged those who did not win this time not to stop forging ahead with their calling.
