Mr Dele Oyewale, the Head, Media and Publicity Unit of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Deputy Commander of the EFCC, has emerged Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) Outstanding Federal Government Spokesperson of the Year, 2025.
The National Spokespersons Awards is Nigeria’s foremost platform for the celebration of excellence in public relations, strategic communication, and media management.
The award ceremony, which took place on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Abuja 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 to enhance their effective and accurate public communication.
