Tag: Femi Soneye

Former Chief Corporate Communications Officer of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Femi Soneye, has called on Federal Government to support the media with incentives, including tax reliefs and import duty waivers.

Soneye spoke in Abuja yesterday after receiving Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Excellence in Corporate Communications Award.

Soneye noted that while Nigerian media remains one of the most vibrant in Africa, it continues to grapple with systemic challenges that weaken its effectiveness.

“The Nigerian media remains one of the most vibrant in Africa, but it also faces systemic challenges, financial, political, legal, and technological that weaken its effectiveness.

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“The government can play a supportive role by granting tax incentives or relief on import duties for newsprint, broadcast equipment, and digital infrastructure,” he said.

He enjoined Federal Government to establish an independent media development fund to support investigative journalism, community radio, and newsroom innovation, drawing parallels with models in South Africa, United States, and Canada.

The award underscores Soneye’s contributions to journalism and corporate communications, as well as his advocacy for a stronger, independent, and sustainable media.

NUJ Executive, led by Chairman, Grace Ike, described Soneye as a consummate professional, who has distinguished himself with tact and excellence in communications.

Ike lauded Soneye for supporting the union and advancing the interests of journalists in Abuja and elsewhere.

“You stand with journalists, not only as a media owner but also as a practitioner who understands our struggles. Your advocacy for welfare, training, and ethical reporting set you apart as an icon in the profession,” Ike said.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) Group Chief Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye yesterday resigned his appointment with the firm.

Announcing his resignation through a statement ,  Soneye said that he would no longer be the spokesperson for the NNPCL as he had “stepped aside from his role as Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd.”

According to the statement, his resignation is to “allow me to devote more time to my family and attend to personal responsibilities that now require my closer presence.”

The statement,  addressed to a cross section of the press, read: “I extend my heartfelt gratitude to you all for the unwavering support, professionalism, and genuine commitment you’ve shown in helping to shape and amplify the NNPC Ltd story over the past 20 months. Your role in building a vibrant and effective communications presence for our national energy company has been nothing short of invaluable.

“I wish to inform you that I have stepped aside from my role as Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd.

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“This decision will allow me to devote more time to my family and attend to personal responsibilities that now require my closer presence.

“It has been a profound honour to serve both the Company and our country, and to contribute in my own way to the ongoing transformation of NNPC Ltd. I am deeply grateful for the trust reposed in me, the opportunities granted, and the incredible professionals both within and outside the organization with whom I have worked.

“I remain a steadfast supporter and ambassador of NNPC Ltd wherever I go. I enjoin you, dear colleagues, to continue your robust, balanced, and constructive reportage in support of the Company’s noble mission and strategic role in Nigeria’s energy future,” he wrote in the statement.