The Northern Renaissance Network (NRN) has extended its congratulations to Olufemi Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), following his recognition as Spokesperson of the Year by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR).

Soneye emerged victorious in the ‘Distinguished Spokesperson – Oil and Gas’ category for the second consecutive year, ahead of respected industry figures including Chinedu Ukadike of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) and Igo Weli of Shell Petroleum Development Company.

In a statement issued in Abuja, Agada Abuh Theophilus, spokesperson for the Northern Renaissance Network, described the accolade as a reflection of Soneye’s transformative leadership and dedication to excellence in strategic communication.

“This award is not only well-deserved but also a testament to the transformative work Mr Soneye and his team are doing to reposition the NNPC Ltd brand,” Theophilus said. “Under his leadership, NNPC Ltd has evolved from an opaque institution to one that champions transparency, accountability, and stakeholder engagement.”

Soneye’s tenure at NNPC Ltd has been marked by a remarkable overhaul of its corporate communications strategy. Drawing from decades of experience in media and public relations, he has redefined how the company engages with the public, focusing on clarity, inclusion, and responsiveness. His approach has helped to foster greater public trust and positioned the company as a credible player not only in Nigeria but across the continent.

According to the NRN, the communications unit under Soneye has become a model of professionalism and innovation. “Today, NNPC Ltd stands tall as a leading brand in Africa’s energy sector,” Theophilus added. “This is largely due to the tireless efforts of Mr Soneye and his team, who continue to demonstrate a deep understanding of public perception and stakeholder expectations.”

The group also called on NNPC Ltd to build on recent gains in public trust, urging the communications team to consolidate its efforts in reshaping the company’s image. “The journey is far from over,” Theophilus said. “We encourage Mr Soneye to remain focused and committed to further transforming how Nigerians perceive NNPC Ltd and to cementing its reputation as a world-class institution.”