Former Chief spokesperson of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Femi Soneye has described Nigerian media as the most vibrant in Africa.
Soneye, who is the publisher of Per Second online newspaper, noted that the same media has been weakened by what he called “systemic challenges.”
He spoke today, August 19, after being honoured with the NUJ FCT Excellence in Corporate Communications Award from the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), the FCT Council.
According to him, despite being one of Africa’s most vibrant media landscapes, the Nigerian media continues to face systemic challenges that hinder 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.
“The government can play a supportive role by granting tax incentives or relief on import duties for newsprint, broadcast equipment, and digital infrastructure.”
Soneye called on the 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, the Unitedy States, and Canada.
He stressed the need for the federal government to provide the Nigerian media with specific support, such as tax relief and waivers on import duties for crucial media equipment.
The NUJ leadership, headed by Chairperson, Grace Ike, along with the Deputy Chairman, and Secretary-General, as well as other executives, recognized Soneye as a skilled professional who has demonstrated distinction and excellence in the field of communications.
The chairperson said: “You have talked so much about ethical journalism, ensuring that journalists balance the story to make sure that it is devoid of misinformation, and for us, that is exactly what we need in the society we are in, to ensure that we report accurately.
“You contributed your quota to the profession, and as they say, a journalist is always a journalist. We reckon with you as an icon, as a veteran in the profession, and your role and contribution cannot be overemphasised.
“So we decided to make our way here to visit you, to let you know that we value you as an awardee, not just an awardee, but as one of us, to let you know that we still need you in the profession, and we will turn to you whenever the need arises.”
Congratulating Femi Soneye, Jide Oyekunle, the NUJ-FCT Council Secretary, said that his track record speaks for itself.
“As a professional in the field of communications, both in the profession and on the government side, you have made your impact, and this will continue to speak for you, anywhere you go, and in all your endeavours.
“Apart from your work, you have touched lives. You have impacted beyond your brief, and that is the essence of humanity, which you have brought to your job. So, once again, I want to congratulate you.”
This was even as the Special Assistant on Data Analytics to the Cross Rivers State Governor, Mr. Ebriku John Friday, said that he appreciated Soneye’s expertise, experience, and charisma in promoting NNPC, and his willingness to engage with journalists.
“You have consistently demonstrated a high level of professionalism, responding promptly and clarifying issues, which has earned you respect in the industry.
“I read two days ago your article on Canada targeting many political parties as a terrorist group. In fact, it was even your article that exposed the thing that happened in Canada, and government had to react to it immediately.
“I thank you so much, and we will continue to follow that big step you have already put forward to us.”
