More messages of congratulations have been pouring for Mr. Olufemi Soneye, the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) over his recent emergency as Spokesperson of the Year at the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) Awards, which held last week in Abuja.
Soneye beat top contenders from other organisations to win the coveted prize.
In addition, he also clinched for the second year running, the Best Spokesperson (Oil and Gas) Award.
In the latest round of congratulations, the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) and the press corps of the Senate and House of Representatives, joined the growing list of organisations and individuals who have commended the NNPCL spokesman for his success at the Awards.
The NGE in a statement signed by Eze Anaba, its President, said the award conferred on Soneye was in recognition of his exceptional skill, dedication and professionalism In the field of corporate communications.
The NGE noted that Soneye’s strategic approach to public relations and consistent delivery of excellence, continue to set a standard for others in the profession.
“The guild is proud to associate with a consummate communicator whose impact resonates across public and private sectors. We celebrate this achievement and look forward to Even greater contributions from you in advancing the practice of public relations in Nigeria”, the NGE said in its statement.
In a similar vein, the Press Corps of the Nigerian Senate, in a congratulatory message jointly signed by Taiye Odewale and Atekojo Usman, its Chairman and Secretary respectively said Soneye’s emergence as Spokesperson of the Year did not come as a surprise given his pedigree, which had earned him awards in the past.
“You are no doubt a transparent and professional spokesperson committed to timely, accurate and impactful communication”, the body said.
It added that the impact of Soneye’s win via communication strategy with stakeholders in the oil and communication sectors, had been felt by the entire 96-man strong press corps through quarterly strategic engagement introduced by his office.
The Press Corps of the House of Representatives for its part, said the Awards won by Soneye, were a testament to his professionalism, visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to strategic, transparent and impactful communication.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Gboyega Onadiran, it noted that Soneye’s role at NNPCL has consistently reflected the highest standards of public engagement earning him respect within and beyond the communications sector.
“The House of Representatives takes this opportunity to sincerely appreciate your invaluable support and collaboration with our members. Through your efforts, the capacity of members of the Corps has been significantly enhanced with notable investments and training and the provision of working tools that have greatly improved our efficiency and output”, the House of Representatives Press Corps stated.
The encomium showered on Soneye is hardly surprising. A consummate professional, Soneye, 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.
