EFCC’s Dele Oyewale Named Government Spokesperson Of The Year At 2025 National Spokespersons Awards

The Head of Media and Publicity at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Dele Oyewale, has been named the Outstanding Federal Government Spokesperson of the Year by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) at the 2025 edition of the National Spokespersons Awards.

Oyewale, a Deputy Commander of the EFCC, 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 award ceremony was held on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at the Abuja Continental Hotel and was themed “Integrity and the Evolving Roles of Spokespersons in Leadership Communication.”

Chairman of the award’s Adjudication Committee, Dr. Shaibu Husseini, highlighted the rigorous and merit-driven selection process. According to him, Oyewale stood out for his finesse in strategic communication, impactful media engagements, and consistent excellence in projecting the image of the EFCC and enhancing public understanding of its mandate.

Other winners at the event included Olufemi Soneye of NNPCL, who bagged the Distinguished Spokesperson of the Year (Oil and Gas), and the Nigerian Customs Service, which was named Best Corporate Spokesperson Team. Kashifu Inuwa of NITDA received the Most Supportive CEO to Spokespersons (Public Sector) award, while Osagie Edwards Omoruyi of NIMASA was honoured as Outstanding Spokesperson (Marine and Blue Economy). Femi Babafemi of the NDLEA won in the Outstanding Spokesperson (Security Services) category.

Soneye beat other top contenders including ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi of the Nigerian Police Force, Igo Weli of Shell Petroleum, Olumuyiwa Akande of SIFAX Group, and Osagie Edward of NIMASA to clinch the Spokesperson of the Year title.

Speaking at the ceremony, Member of the House of Representatives, Joshua Audu Gana, commended the organizers for recognizing and celebrating excellence in communication, urging all awardees to maintain their high standards. The Special Guest of Honour, Hon. Akintunde Rotimi Jr., Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, stressed the need to involve spokespersons in policy formulation and decision-making processes, highlighting the importance of equipping them with firsthand information for effective communication.

The National Spokespersons Awards is Nigeria’s leading platform for recognizing excellence in public relations, strategic communication, and media management. The annual event celebrates individuals and institutions that demonstrate innovation, professionalism, and impact in public communication.