PHOTOS: NNPCL, CBN, JAMB, NITDA, Others Shine at 2025 Spokespersons Awards
It was a night of glitz, recognition and celebration as Nigeria’s top communicators across various sectors were yesterday honoured at the 2025 edition of the “National Spokespersons Awards” (NSA).
The event spotlighted excellence in strategic communication and public affairs, rewarding individuals and institutions that have raised the bar in information management, brand representation and media engagement.
This year’s NSA reaffirms the importance of credible voices in shaping public perception, enhancing institutional trust and deepening democratic accountability.
Organized by the Image Merchants Promotion Limited (IMPR), publishers of PRNigeria, Economic Confidential and Spokespersons Digest; in collaboration with the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), the ceremony was held at the Abuja Continental Hotel.
At the forefront of the winners’ list was Mr. Olufemi Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), who not only clinched the “Distinguished Spokesperson (Oil and Gas)” award but also emerged as the coveted “Spokesperson of the Year”.
His strategic articulation of NNPCL’s policies and consistent media visibility in a highly sensitive sector earned him double honours.
Similarly, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) stood out with Mrs. Hakama Sidi-Ali being named “Outstanding Spokesperson (Banking Sector)” for her effective and measured communication amid fluctuating economic indicators and currency reforms.
In the education sector, Dr. Fabian Benjamin of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) was recognized as “Outstanding Spokesperson (Education Sector)”.
His firm yet accessible approach in handling public queries and examination-related controversies has been widely applauded.
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) also made an impressive showing, with Mrs. Hadiza Umar emerging as “Outstanding Spokesperson (Digital Economy)”, and the agency’s Director-General, Malam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, winning the award for “Most Supportive CEO to Spokespersons (Public Sector)”—an affirmation of NITDA’s consistent prioritization of transparent and innovative public engagement.
In the security and enforcement category, Mr. Femi Babafemi of the NDLEA and ACP Muyiwa Adejobi of the Nigeria Police Force were awarded for their exceptional media presence, crisis communication and public reassurance, particularly in sensitive times.
The event also recognized institutions for team excellence and corporate leadership in media. The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) won “Best Corporate Spokesperson Team”, while Air Peace was awarded “Most Influential Corporate Voice”.
Abdullah Maiwada of Nigeria Customs receiving awards on behalf of the service for “Best spokesperson team awards”
Abdullah Maiwada of Nigeria Customs receiving awards on behalf of the service for “Best spokesperson team awards”
University office Ilorin clinched the “Best Corporate Share of Voice on Social Media”, underlining the relevance of digital platforms in institutional branding.
Other notable recipients included Malam Ismaila Uba Misili (Gombe State) as “Outstanding State Government Spokesperson”, Sade Morgan of Nigerian Breweries as “Outstanding Corporate Spokesperson”, and Viola Graham Douglas of LAFARGE as “Most Innovative Spokesperson in the Multinational Category”.
LAFARGE’s CEO, Mr. Lolu Alde-Akinyemi, was also named “Most Supportive CEO to Spokespersons (Private Sector)”.
With over 20 categories spanning sectors such as health, marine, hospitality, power, insurance and crisis management, the awards underscored the growing recognition of public relations and strategic communication as vital components of governance and corporate reputation.
In his welcome address, Segun McMedal, Chairman of the Planning Committee, praised the winners and nominees for their vital roles in sustaining public trust and shaping national discourse.
“Tonight, we honour individuals and institutions who have demonstrated exceptional professionalism, integrity, clarity and courage in the delicate and strategic art of public communication,” he said.
He described the awards as a milestone in the collective journey to elevate the standards of public engagement in Nigeria.
“Let this night serve as both a recognition of outstanding work and a reminder of the immense power and responsibility that comes with being a spokesperson in today’s complex information ecosyste
Lukman Omoniyi reviving award on behalf of University of Ilorin for “Best Corporate Share of Voice (Social Media)
Lukman Omoniyi reviving award on behalf of University of Ilorin for “Best Corporate Share of Voice (Social Media)
m,” McMedal added.
He therefore, urged all communicators to continue upholding the values of transparency, accountability and professionalism.
By PRNigeria
Below is the list of 5th National Spokesperson Awards 2025 Finalists
1. Outstanding Government Spokesperson (Federal) –
Bayo Onanuga – Presidency
Dele Oyewale – EFCC WINNER
Josephine Adokuru Mudasiru – FCDA
2. Outstanding Government Spokesperson (State) –
Abdullah Abdulkadir – Edo State
Ismail Isah – Kogi state
Ismaila Uba Misili – Gombe State WINNER
3. Outstanding Corporate Spokesperson –
Dr Jossy Nkwocha – Indorama Eleme Petrochemical
Rafiat Gawat – Tropical General Investment
Sade Morgan – Nigerian Breweries
4. Outstanding Spokesperson (Security Services) –
ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi – NPF
DCC Abubakar Danlami – Nigerian Correction Services
Femi Babafemi – NDLEA – WINNER
5. Most Innovative Spokesperson (Multilateral / Multinational) –
Igo Weli – Shell
Stanley Olisa – Helpster US Inc
Viola Graham Douglas – La Farge – WINNER
6. Outstanding Spokesperson (Banking Sector) –
Ameachi Okobi – Access Holdings
Hakama Sidi- Ali – CBN – WINNER
Mabel Adeteye- Wema Bank
7. Outstanding Spokesperson (Insurance Sector) –
Aisha Bello-Garba– Leadway – WINNER
Rotimi Aleshinloye – AIICO Insurance
8. Outstanding Spokesperson (Crisis Management Public Sector) –
ACP Muyiwa Adejobi – NPF – WINNER
Manzo Ezekeil – NEMA
Osagie Edwards – NIMASA
9. Outstanding Spokesperson (Crisis Management Private Sector) –
Chief Yomi Badejo Okusanya – CMC Connect
Emmanuel Osedebamen – Julius Berger – WINNER
10. Outstanding Spokesperson (Health Sector) –
Dr. Muhammed Abubakar Kudu – Ranlal Global Services
Cyril Monye – NAFDAC – WINNER
Remi Adeleke – NPHCDA
11. Outstanding Spokesperson (Education Sector)
Dr Habib Yakoob – Uni Abuja
Dr. Fabian Benjamin – JAMB – WINNER
Lukman Temitope Omoniyi – UNILORIN
12. Outstanding Spokesperson (Digital Economy)
Hadiza Umar – NITDA – WINNER
Olusegun Ayeoyenikan – NASENI
Reuben Mouka – NCC
13. Outstanding Spokesperson (Marine & Blue Economy)
Ikechukwu Onyemekaara – NPA
Olumuyiwa Akande – SIFAX GROUP
Osagie Edwards Omoruyi – NIMASA – WINNER
14. Distinguished Spokesperson (Power Sector) –
Babatunde Lasaki – Eko Disco – WINNER
Ndidi Mbah – TCN
15. Distinguished Spokesperson (Hospitality Sector)
Christoph Schleissing – Lagos Continental Hotel
Niyi Aderibigbe – Transcorp – WINNER
16. Distinguished Spokesperson (Oil and Gas) –
Chinedu Ukadike – IPMAN
Igo Weli – Shell Petroleum
Olufemi Soneye – NNPCL – WINNER
17. Best CorporateShare of Voice (Social Media)
University of Ilorin- WINNER
18. Most Influential Corporate Voice
Air Peace – WINNER
Dangote
Julius Berger
19. Best Corporate Spokesperson Team
Conference of PR Professionals in Tertiary Institutions
Nigeria Police Force
Nigerian Customs Service – WINNER
20. Most Supportive CEO to Spokespersons (Public)
Kashifu Inuwa – NITDA – WINNER
Khalil Suleiman Halilu – NASENI
Muhammed Buba Marwa -NDLEA
21. Most Supportive CEO to Spokespersons (Private Sector)
Ayodeji Razak – Red Media
Lolu Alde-Akinyemi – LAFARGE
Allen Onyema – Air Peace
22. Spokesperson of the year
ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi – NPF
Igo Weli – Shell Petroleum
Olufemi Soneye -NNPCL – WINNER
Olumuyiwa Akande – Sifax Group
Osagie Edward – NIMASA