The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), in collaboration with Image Merchants Promotion Limited (IMPR), has unveiled the finalists for the prestigious 2025 National Spokespersons’ Awards (NSAwards). This fifth edition of the ceremony, set for Thursday, April 17, 2025, at the Abuja Continental Hotel, promises to be the largest celebration yet of Nigeria’s leading voices in strategic communication across the public and private sectors.
The grand ceremony will also serve as the official closing event of the 2025 National Spokespersons’ Summit, bringing together communication leaders, policy influencers, and PR professionals from across Nigeria.
A record 62 finalists across 21 competitive categories have been shortlisted by a rigorous adjudication panel chaired by renowned communication scholar Dr. Shuaibu Husseini. These finalists represent the vanguard of ethical, impactful, and innovative public communication in the country.
Originally known as the Spokespersons’ Communication Awards (SCA), the NSAwards have evolved into Nigeria’s most influential platform for recognising excellence in media relations, crisis communication, corporate storytelling, and stakeholder engagement.
Top Contenders in Strategic Communication
In the headline category of Spokesperson of the Year, Nigeria’s top communicators are set to compete for the crown. The nominees include:
- ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Nigeria Police Force
- Igo Weli, Shell Petroleum
- Olufemi Soneye, Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL)
- Olumuyiwa Akande, Sifax Group
- Osagie Edward Omoruyi, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA)
Highlight Categories and Finalists
- Outstanding Government Spokesperson (Federal):
Bayo Onanuga (Presidency), Dele Oyewale (EFCC), Josephine Mudasiru (FCDA) - Outstanding Government Spokesperson (State):
Abdullah Abdulkadir (Edo), Ismail Isah (Kogi), Ismaila Misili (Gombe) - Outstanding Corporate Spokesperson:
Dr. Jossy Nkwocha (Indorama), Rafiat Gawat (TGI), Sade Morgan (Nigerian Breweries) - Outstanding Spokesperson (Security Services):
ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, DCC Abubakar Danlami (NCoS), Femi Babafemi (NDLEA) - Most Innovative Spokesperson (Multilateral/Multinational):
Igo Weli (Shell), Stanley Olisa (Helpster US Inc.), Viola Graham Douglas (Lafarge) - Outstanding Spokesperson (Banking Sector):
Amaechi Okobi (Access Holdings), Hakama Sidi-Ali (CBN), Mabel Adeteye (Wema Bank) - Outstanding Spokesperson (Insurance Sector):
Olusakin Labeodan (Leadway Assurance), Rotimi Aleshinloye (AIICO Insurance) - Outstanding Spokesperson (Crisis Management; Public Sector):
ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Manzo Ezekiel (NEMA), Osagie Omoruyi (NIMASA) - Outstanding Spokesperson (Crisis Management; Private Sector):
Yomi Badejo-Okusanya (CMC Connect), Emmanuel Osedebamen (Julius Berger) - Outstanding Health Sector Spokesperson:
Chief Moji Makanjuola (Ranlal Global), Cyril Monye (NAFDAC), Remi Adeleke (NPHCDA) - Outstanding Education Sector Spokesperson:
Dr. Habib Yakoob (UniAbuja), Dr. Fabian Benjamin (JAMB), Lukman Omoniyi (UNILORIN) - Outstanding Digital Economy Spokesperson:
Hadiza Umar (NITDA), Olusegun Ayeoyenikan (NASENI), Reuben Mouka (NCC) - Outstanding Marine and Blue Economy Spokesperson:
Ikechukwu Onyemekaara (NPA), Olumuyiwa Akande (Sifax), Osagie Omoruyi (NIMASA) - Distinguished Spokesperson (Power Sector):
Babatunde Lasaki (Eko Disco), Hajiya Nusrat Wali (NERC), Ndidi Mbah (TCN) - Outstanding Hospitality Sector Spokesperson:
Christoph Schleissing (Lagos Continental Hotel), Niyi Aderibigbe (Transcorp Hotels) - Distinguished Spokesperson (Oil and Gas):
Chinedu Ukadike (IPMAN), Igo Weli (Shell), Olufemi Soneye (NNPCL) - Most Influential Corporate Voice:
Air Peace, Dangote Group, Julius Berger - Best Corporate Spokesperson Team:
Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Customs Service, PR Professionals in Tertiary Institutions
Recognising Leadership That Empowers Communicators
- Most Supportive CEO to Spokespersons (Public Sector):
Kashifu Inuwa (NITDA), Khalil Halilu (NASENI), Buba Marwa (NDLEA) - Most Supportive CEO to Spokespersons (Private Sector):
Ayodeji Razak (Red Media Africa), Lolu Adebiyi-Akinyemi (Lafarge), Allen Onyema (Air Peace)
The 2025 edition of the National Spokespersons’ Awards will not only crown the most credible and consistent voices in Nigerian communication but will also spark dialogue around transparency, reputation management, and strategic stakeholder engagement in modern governance and business.
As anticipation builds, the NSAwards continue to solidify their reputation as the gold standard for public relations and spokesperson recognition in Nigeria.
