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Highlights from the 2025 Spokespersons Awards: NNPCL, CBN, JAMB, NITDA & Others Steal the Spotlight!

Nigeria’s leading communicators from a variety of industries were honored yesterday at the 2025 edition of the “National Spokespersons Awards” (NSA), making it a night of glamour, acknowledgment, and celebration.

The event honored people and organizations that have improved the standard for information management, brand representation, and media interaction while highlighting excellence in public affairs and strategic communication.

The significance of trustworthy voices in influencing public opinion, boosting institutional confidence, and strengthening democratic accountability is reaffirmed at this year’s NSA.

The ceremony, which was organized by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and PRNigeria, Economic Confidential, and Spokespersons Digest publishers, Image Merchants Promotion Limited (IMPR), took place at the Abuja Continental Hotel.

Mr. Olufemi Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), was at the top of the winners’ list. He was named the coveted “Spokesperson of the Year” in addition to winning the “Distinguished Spokesperson (Oil and Gas)” award.

He received double honors for his constant media presence in a highly sensitive field and his strategic articulation of NNPCL’s policies.

In a similar vein, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) was distinguished by Mrs. Hakama Sidi-Ali, who was selected “Outstanding Spokesperson (Banking Sector)” for her calm and efficient communication in the face of currency reforms and shifting economic indicators.

Dr. Fabian Benjamin of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) received recognition as an “Outstanding Spokesperson (Education Sector)” in the field of education.

Many people have praised his tough but approachable style in addressing public inquiries and examination-related disputes.

With Mrs. Hadiza Umar winning the title of “Outstanding Spokesperson (Digital Economy)” and Malam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, the agency’s Director-General, taking home the prize for “Most Supportive CEO to Spokespersons (Public Sector),” the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) also put on a strong display. This demonstrates how NITDA has consistently prioritized open and creative public engagement.

ACP Muyiwa Adejobi of the Nigeria Police Force and Mr. Femi Babafemi of the NDLEA received awards in the security and enforcement category for their outstanding crisis communication, media presence, and public reassurance, especially at delicate moments.

Institutions for team excellence and business leadership in the media were also honored at the ceremony. “Best Corporate Spokesperson Team” went to the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), while “Most Influential Corporate Voice” went to Air Peace.

The “Best Corporate Share of Voice on Social Media” award was won by Lukman Temitope Omoniyi of Unilorin, highlighting the importance of digital channels for institutional branding.

Sade Morgan of Nigerian Breweries was named the “Outstanding Corporate Spokesperson.” Malam Ismaila Uba Misili of Gombe State was named the “Outstanding State Government Spokesperson,” and Viola Graham Douglas of LAFARGE was named the “Most Innovative Spokesperson in the Multinational Category.”

Additionally, Mr. Lolu Alde-Akinyemi, the CEO of LAFARGE, received the title of “Most Supportive CEO to Spokespersons (Private Sector).”

The awards highlighted the increasing acknowledgement of public relations and strategic communication as essential elements of corporate governance and reputation, with more than 20 categories covering industries like health, maritime, hospitality, power, insurance, and crisis management.

The chairman of the planning committee, Segun McMedal, commended the nominees and winners in his welcoming speech for their crucial contributions to maintaining public confidence and influencing national dialogue.

In the delicate and strategic art of public communication, “tonight we honor individuals and institutions that have demonstrated exceptional professionalism, integrity, clarity, and courage,” he remarked.

According to him, the prizes mark a significant turning point in the group’s efforts to raise the bar for public participation in Nigeria.

McMedal continued, “Let this evening be a celebration of exceptional work and a reminder of the tremendous power and responsibility that come with being a spokesperson in today’s intricate information ecosystem.”

He, therefore, urged all communicators to continue upholding the values of transparency, accountability, and professionalism.