The Head, Media and Publicity Unit of the
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Dele Oyewale, a Deputy
Commander of the EFCC, has emerged Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, NIPR
Outstanding Federal Government Spokesperson of the Year, 2025.
The award ceremony, which took place on
Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Abuja Continental Hotel was themed:
"Integrity and the Evolving Roles of Spokespersons in Leadership
Communication."
Oyewale emerged winner in a highly competitive
category that included Presidential Spokesman, Mr. Bayo Onanuga and Josephine
Adokuru Mudasiru of the Federal Capital Development Authority, FCDA.
The Chairman of the award’s Adjudication Committee,
Dr. Shaibu Husseini, while commending the nominees emphasized that the
selection process was rigorous and driven by merit.
Oyewale stood out for his infusion of finesse in
strategic communication, skillful workmanship, impactful media engagements and
consistency in the excellent projection of the EFCC’s image and in enhancing
public understanding of the Commission’s mandate and activities.
Winners from other categories include: Olufemi
Soneye (NNPCL) – Distinguished Spokesperson of the Year (Oil and Gas), Nigerian
Customs Service – Best Corporate Spokesperson Team, Kashifu Inuwa (NITDA) –
Most Supportive CEO to Spokespersons (Public Sector), Osagie Edwards Omoruyi
(NIMASA) - Outstanding Spokesperson (Marine and Blue Economy), Femi Babafemi
(NDLEA) - Outstanding Spokesperson (Security Services). Soneye (NNPCL) beat ACP
Olumuyiwa Adejobi-NPF, Igo Weli-Shell Petroleum, Olumuyiwa Akande, SIFAX Group
and Osagie Edward-NIMASA to emerge Spokesperson of the Year.
In his remarks, Joshua Audu Gana, Member House of
Representatives congratulated the organizers for identifying and rewarding the
outstanding communicators across various sectors and lauded the winners for
their professionalism and devotion and urged them to continue to strive for
excellence in the roles they play. The Special Guest of Honour, Chairman, House
Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Hon. Akintunde Rotimi Jr, emphasized the
need for institutions and organizations to involve spokespersons in policy
formulation and decision-making processes, noting that spokespersons should be
equipped with first-hand knowledge of key issues so as to enhance their
effective and accurate public communication.
The National Spokespersons Awards is Nigeria’s
foremost platform for celebration of excellence in public relations, strategic
communication, and media management. The award is an annual celebration of
individuals and organizations that demonstrate professionalism, innovation, and
impactful public communication.