Thousands of herbalists and traditional religion practitioners across Anambra State have unanimously endorsed Governor Chukwuma Soludo for second-term ahead of the November 8, 2025 governorship election. The endorsement came during a statewide gathering held in Awka, where members of the traditional spiritual community discussed recent legislative actions affecting their practice and addressed public misconceptions about the government’s stance on traditional institutions. The herbalists, drawn from all 21 local government areas, used the occasion to sensitise members on the provisions of the newly enacted Anambra State Homeland Security Law. The law, passed in January, aims to distinguish legitimate traditional practitioners from criminal elements operating under the guise of native medicine. The State Coordinator of Native Doctors and Spiritual Material Sellers, Daniel Ejie praised Governor Soludo for his visionary leadership and inclusiveness. “The Homeland Security Law is a bold and timely intervention. “It has not only sanitised our practice but has given native doctors legal recognition and legitimacy. “We were once wrongly associated with criminals, but Governor Soludo has restored our dignity by officially acknowledging our role in society.” He commended the Anambra State House of Assembly for sponsoring and passing the bill, noting that it had instilled a renewed sense of pride among genuine practitioners. “We also applaud the governor’s achievements in infrastructure, youth empowerment, digital governance, and his efforts to create a lawful environment for all professions—including indigenous ones. For these reasons, we fully endorse his re-election.” The event featured chants, drumming, and public declarations of support, as the practitioners expressed confidence in Soludo’s leadership and commitment to preserving Igbo culture and values. Responding, the Majority Leader of the Anambra State House of Assembly and Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security, Ikenna Ofodeme, assured the traditionalists of continued government support. He dismissed rumours of government opposition to traditional institutions, stressing that Soludo remains a strong advocate for the protection and regulation of indigenous practices in modern governance. “The Soludo administration is inclusive and deeply rooted in the promotion of Igbo culture. “The recent legislation formally organises and recognises native doctors’ operations in Anambra. “It draws a clear line between cultural preservation and criminal abuse.” He said that Governor Soludo swiftly signed the bill into law, further demonstrating his commitment to cultural inclusion and public safety.
President Donald Trump of the United States of America has expressed his anger with Israel which dropped bomb in Iran a few hours after he brokered the truce between the two feuding countries. Trump said that he was “really unhappy” with Israel, warning that it should not drop fresh bombs. “Israel. Do not drop those bombs. If you do it it is a major violation. Bring your pilots home, now!” Trump wrote on Truth Social. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz had earlier vowed to order “intense strikes” on Tehran. He accused Iran of firing missiles in violation of a ceasefire agreed to after 12 days of war. Katz asked the military to “continue high-intensity operations targeting regime assets and terror infrastructure in Tehran” in light of “Iran’s blatant violation of the ceasefire declared by the President of the United States.”
However, Iran denied the claim, saying that missiles had been fired at Israel before the ceasefire took effect.
Former Nigeria’s Vice President, Atiku Abubakar is currently fuming over what he called “Tinubu’s Curious Classmate.” In a statement today, June 24, Atiku threw a barrage of questions to President Bola Tinubu which he said “Nigerians deserve answers to.” The former Vice President recalled that during the inauguration of the Renewed Hope Mechanisation Programme in Abuja yesterday (June 23), President Tinubu made a revelation that a certain Mr. Alex Zingman was his classmate at Chicago State University (CSU). He said that rather than evoking confidence, the claim has triggered more questions than answers, “particularly regarding the President’s long-contested academic history.” According to Atiku, a basic review of publicly available information showed that Mr. Alex Zingman, “a Belarusian businessman whose name features prominently in controversial dealings across Africa — including allegations of arms trafficking and financial improprieties in Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of Congo — is listed in various reports as being born in 1966.
“By the year 1979, when President Tinubu claims to have graduated from CSU, Mr. Zingman would have been only 13 years old. “Are we now to believe that the Guinness Book of Records missed the story of a 13-year-old Belarusian prodigy graduating from an American university alongside Bola Ahmed Tinubu?” Atiku said that even more troubling is the President’s casual association with a man whose international reputation is mired in scandal. “This leads us to ask, with the solemn weight of patriotism and the urgency of truth: “Mr. President, Nigerians deserve to know why a man born in 1966 is being paraded as your classmate who graduated in 1979. Were you taught in the same classroom or in different decades? “Mr. President, Nigerians deserve to know if the Alex Zingman of global infamy — the arms-linked tycoon — shares the same seat in your memories or only in a script of fiction. “Mr. President, Nigerians deserve to know why the mystery around your academic record deepens with every attempt to clarify it. Who truly walked the halls of Chicago State University with you? “Mr. President, Nigerians deserve to know why, since you claim to have presented a certificate from Government College, Lagos to gain entry into Richard Daley College in 1973, no classmate from that institution has ever spoken of sharing a desk with you. “Mr. President, Nigerians deserve to know how a school founded in 1972 could issue you a certificate dated 1970—unless you were a lone prophet of a school yet unborn. “Mr. President, Nigerians deserve to know why you have not proudly unveiled a single verifiable classmate from your supposed years in Government College, Lagos or Government College, Ibadan or Chicago State University, the way other leaders do with ease and pride. “Mr. President, your oath of office binds you not just to protect our nation but to honour its truth. The Presidency is not a sanctuary for secrets — it is a platform for integrity. And as such, Nigerians await not tales of Alexes from distant lands but proof, clarity, and the simple dignity of facts.”
Former President Goodluck Jonathan is set to preside over the official launching of a Book written by his Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Bello Adoke. The book, titled: “OPL 245: Inside Story Of The $1.3 Billion Nigeria Oil Block,” is scheduled to be launched on July 10, at the Shehu Musa Yar’adua center in Abuja. The inside story of the OPL 245 saga began with the award on April 29, 1998, of its contract under General Sani Abacha’s rule to Malabu Oil & Gas Ltd, backed by then Petroleum Minister, Dan Etete, who secretly held shares, through a discounted $20 million signature bonus under Nigeria’s Indigenous Concession Programme. Located offshore, about 150 kilometre from the Niger Delta, it’s estimated to contain about nine billion barrels of oil. In July 2001, President Oludegun Obasanjo’s government revoked Malabu’s licence and awarding it to Shell, which had farm‑in rights (40 percent).
Former President Goodluck Jonathan
Shell entered arbitration even as Malabu challenged the revocation. A 2006 out‑of‑court settlement temporarily restored OPL 245 to Malabu, contingent upon paying a now‑raised $210 million signature bonus. In 2010, Goodluck Jonathan’s administration reaffirmed OPL 245 to Malabu and in April 29, 2011 Federal Government of Nigeria brokered a “Resolution Agreement” in which Shell & Eni deposited about $1.092 billion, plus a $208 million signature bonus, into a JP Morgan escrow in London. Malabu then sold its entire 100 percent share and dropped disputes with the government and Shell/Eni. The government then disbursed $1.092 billion to Malabu, with Shell and Eni each taking 50 percent of the block. Some activists and None Governmental Organizations raised eyebrows and argued that the $1.1 billion paid to Malabu was a disguised bribe to insiders, thereby depriving the Nigerian treasury. However, cross-border investigations were conducted during which time Italy (Milan), the UK’s Serious Fraud Office, Nigeria’s EFCC, and US/Dutch authorities all launched probes. At the end of the investigations in 2021, Italy (Milan) Middlemen that were convicted were acquitted and Shell & Eni were cleared based on “no case to answer.” In June 2022, Nigeria had sued JP Morgan for negligence over escrow release and the case was dismissed. Meanwhile, the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) of Nigeria went ahead to charge Dan Etete and Mohammed Adoke in 2017. But in March 2024, the no‑case submissions by many defendants including Adoke were upheld by the Federal Capital Territory’s High Court. OPL 245 held massive value in development and could translate into billions in revenue for Nigeria. The deal had stirred public anger over perceived misappropriation of funds meant for Nigeria’s development. It exposed how political appointments, insider ownership, and inconsistent policy across administrations could drive legal battles and corruption risk. So, Adoke’s upcoming Book is likely to address the OPL 245’s journey, from its Abacha-era award to Malabu, through revocation, global arbitration, a $1.3 billion transaction, and multiple legal proceedings that symbolized deep-rooted issues in Nigeria’s oil governance, including transparency, accountability and the strategic hijacking of national assets.
The Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Olufemi Soneye demonstrated the essence of the saying that one should quit when the Ovation becomes loud or loudest. Earlier today, June 21, Soneye announced his voluntary resignation from the nation’s oil giant. He gave as reason for his action, his desire to have more time to attend to family matters and other issues. In a statement which he addressed to his colleagues both in the media and public relations body, Soneye expressed gratitude to the NNPCL in particular and Nigeria in general for the opportunity offered him to serve. He promised to remain loyal and committed to the ideals of the company, even while outside its operation fueld. The statement goes thus: Dear Esteemed Colleagues, 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. 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 organisation 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. With sincere appreciation, Olufemi Soneye. Dated June 21, 2025. Femi Soneye was virtually brought from America where he was residence and practicing journalism and its paraphernalia, to come and head the image making section of the company in October 2023. His appointment was greeted with both hope and doubt about his ability to cleanse and or defend the image of the company. Hope by those who had close relationship with him before then, and doubt by those watching from distance. As a matter of fact, when he was brought from America and appointed as Chief Corporate Communications Officer to replace GarbaDeen Muhammad, he was tasked with boosting brand penetration, strategic communications, crisis management, and stakeholder relations. He was expected to elevate NNPCL’s communications to become a proactive “business enabler” through transparent storytelling, digital engagement and stakeholder trust-building. It is for all such innovative outing that he earned, among others, NIPR Spokesperson of the Year (overall) – 2025 after previously winning Distinguished Spokesperson – Oil & Gas in 2024. He also won Triangle International Image Maker of the Year, for reshaping NNPCL’s public image. Soneye was named among Top 10 Perception Managers for 2024 by The Top10 Magazine. He was celebrated by GOCOP for his NIPR win and impact in strategic communications. As he dropped the gauntlet today and moved on, Soneye has a gargantuan success story to tell as regard the strategic contributions at NNPCL. He literally humanized NNPCL’s messaging, particularly the Port Harcourt Refinery revival, reducing opacity and building public trust. He optimized digital outreach to increase engagement and expand reach via 360° branding and advocated for proactive crisis response structures to preserve reputation in turbulent times . Femi Soneye blended extensive global journalistic experience, military communications from his U.S Air Force tenure, and strategic corporate communications. Since October 2023, he spearheaded a transformation of NNPCL’s communications, making it more transparent, engaging, trusted and earned multiple prestigious recognitions and industry acclaim. And who is Femi Soneye? Olufemi Oladipo Soneye was born on October 29, 1974 and graduated from McLay College in Sydney, Australia in year 2000. He earned a Diploma in International Studies from Montgomery College, Maryland, USA from 2005 to 2006. He was certified in Health & Applied Sciences at the Community College of the Air Force between 2008 and 2010, completed multiple professional development programs across London, Brussels, Paris and Italy, focusing on leadership, strategic communications, data protection and intelligence analytics. He began journalism in 1999 with Independent Sports Weekly in Lagos, Nigeria and switched over as reporter to Sydney’s Leader Newspapers in 2000. His roles in the United States of America include Business Sales Manager at Comcast Cable (2007) and Health Services Management Officer at the U.S. Air Force’s 459th Aerospace Medicine Squadron, where he also edited the “Air Force One” newsletter between 2009 and 2015. Soneye held editorial and investigative journalism roles globally, covering corporate governance, economic and energy sectors, including the CBN and NNPC (pre-transformation). He is a founding member of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) in Nigeria, and a past President of the Nigerian Media Practitioners in Washington, D.C. He is also a member of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), National Association of Black Journalists (USA) and Society of Professional Journalists, amongst others. Femi Soneye really brought into play demonstrably redefined communication excellence at NNPCL, shaping a more transparent, credible, and stakeholder-aligned narrative, while winning top industry accolades. His strategies have helped transform not just the company’s image, but also its influence and public trust. After achieving all such Laurels, what else would he be waiting to achieve, except perhaps to continue to build on them? It’s not far from the truth to say that Femi Soneye came to NNPCL, saw, conquered and left when the Ovation Is growing to deafening point!
Ozi-Usman, nipr is the Editor-in-chief of Greenbarge Reporters online newspaper and hardcopy magazine, and an author.
Olufemi Soneye has tendered his resignation as spokesperson of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). In a statement today, June 21, Soneye said he would no longer be the spokesperson for the oil giant. He declared: “I have stepped aside from my role as Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd.” Soneye said he wants to devote more time to his family, and attend to personal responsibilities that now require his closer presence. NNPCL appointed Soneye as its spokesperson in August 2021. Soneye’s full statement goes thus: Dear Esteemed Colleagues, 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. 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 organisation 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. With sincere appreciation, Olufemi Soneye. Dated June 21, 2025.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has formally begun negotiations with the Federal Government, pushing for a N1 million national minimum wage for workers. The new minimum wage will replace the current N70,000 benchmark, a move towards improving the living standards for Nigerian workers. In an exclusive interview, Head of Information and Communications, Benson Upah said that the depreciation of the naira and other pressing economic factors, particularly the current high inflation in the country, necessitated a review of the minimum wage that was agreed upon in 2024. “We accepted N70,000 as the minimum wage, considering the potential impact on Nigerians. “The package included a review of the minimum wage from five years to three years and CNG incentives to ease transportation costs. “Although it wasn’t the best offer, we accepted N70,000. However, given the current value of the minimum wage, we’ve commenced official communications with the government for a review. “It’s essential to create value around the purchasing power of the masses.” The NLC spokesperson emphasized that the N1 million minimum wage demand directly reflects Nigeria’s current economic realities, adding that the increase is crucial to restore the purchasing power of workers across both the public and private sectors, enabling them to cope with the high cost of living. “N70,000 is about $44 not per hour, per day or per week but for a month, we are asking for a million for the minimum wage, which converts to $633 in American dollars. “This is what we are asking from the President. Don’t forget that Nigeria prides itself as the largest economy in Africa, yet we pay our workers peanuts.” Upah reiterated the NLC’s conviction that the government possesses ample resources to afford a N1 million minimum wage. He took a critical look at the significant rise in monthly Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) disbursements, which have surged from N700 billion to over N1.6 trillion for distribution among the three tiers of government, as clear evidence of this financial capacity. “The government of Nigeria is rich, there are statistics to back this up. “Where is the money from subsidy, where is the money from tariffs, Customs, FIRS? The Port makes billions of naira per day.” Upah’s calculation of the N1 million minimum wage takes into account the current cost of living and the need for workers with families to afford basic necessities. “We have commenced official communications with the government for a review of the minimum wage, given the current value of the minimum wage,” he said. “It’s essential to create value around the purchasing power of the masses. “The NLC is determined to negotiate a better wage for Nigerian workers, and it remains to be seen how the government will respond to their demands.” It can be recalled that in 2023, NLC Ajaero was brutalized and arrested by alleged state agents, including police officers, in Owerri, Imo State, while leading a protest concerning unpaid salaries and other demands. According to Upah, the Imo State government has yet to apologize to Ajaero for the incident, which transpired nearly two years ago. “Contrary to the promises made by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, no arrest has been made, and nobody has been brought to book.” Upah condemned the government’s response to the incident, saying that the brutalization of Ajaero highlighted the challenges faced by workers in Nigeria and the need for better protection and support. “The Imo State government has not apologized to the NLC President after he was brutalized in Owerri almost two years ago. “This incident is a clear example of the risks faced by workers in Nigeria, and it’s essential for the government to take concrete steps to protect workers’ rights.” Nigeria’s journey with the national minimum wage began in 1981, with the enactment of the first national minimum wage law, setting it at N125 per month. Since then, the minimum wage has seen several revisions, reflecting the nation’s changing economic landscape. In 2000, it increased to N5,500, a notable adjustment for the time. Then, in 2011, under President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration, it was raised to N18,000, acknowledging the need for wage adjustments to support workers. A major milestone occurred in 2019 when President Muhammadu Buhari signed the National Minimum Wage Act, establishing a new minimum wage of N30,000 per month. More recently, in 2023, President Bola Tinubu’s administration increased the minimum wage by over 100 percent to N70,000. These ongoing revisions underscore the continuous efforts to align the minimum wage with economic realities and ensure the well-being of Nigerian workers. Source: Persecondnews.
The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has rejected application from the Federal Government seeking the detention of the suspended Senator for Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan but granted her bail to the tune of N50 million. The court, in a ruling that was delivered by Justice Chizoba Orji, held that there was no reason to deny the defendant bail, adding that there was sufficient evidence that she is willing to face her trial. Natasha was arraigned today, June 19, on a three-count charge of defamation against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello. The court based its decision to grant her bail on section 36 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, as well as section 163 and 165 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.
The case was subsequently adjourned till September 23 for trial. In the charge marked: CR/297/25, Federal Government alleged that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was listed as the sole defendant, made the false and defamatory remarks when she appeared as guest on live television. It specifically accused her of making “imputation, knowing or having reason to believe that such imputation will harm the reputation of a person.” According to the charge, by making such false imputation that tarnished the image of others, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, committed an offence under 391 of the Penal Code, Cap 89, Laws of the Federation, 1990. It added that the alleged offence is punishable under section 392 of the same law. Giving particulars of the offence in count-one of the charge, Federal Government told the court that the defendant committed the alleged crime on April 3, during a live broadcast on Channels Television’s Politics Today. Among those listed as witnesses in the matter, included the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and a former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, who were cited as nominal complainants. Other witnesses billed to testify in the case are two police officers that investigated the matter, Maya Iliya and Abdulhafiz Garba; a Senator, Asuquo Ekpenyong and one Sandra Duru. The charge, dated May 16, came on the heels of a letter Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan wrote to the Attorney- General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), wherein she accused police of exhibiting bias in the investigation of her petitions against the Senate President. It will be recalled that the Federal High Court in Abuja had fixed June 27 to determine the legality or otherwise of the six-month suspension that was slammed on the defendant by the Senate. Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan had approached the court after she was summoned to appear before the disciplinary committee following a faceoff she had with the Senate President during plenary on February 20. While protesting alleged arbitrary change of her seating position, she repeatedly raised a point of order to be allowed to speak, even though she had been overruled by the Senate President. Irked by her conduct, the Senate President referred her case to the Ethics Committee. In a television interview she granted on February 28, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan alleged that her travails in the Senate began after she rejected unwanted advances from the Senate President, Akpabio. In an ex-parte application she brought before the court, she applied for an order to declare any action the Senate Committee took within the pendency of her suit, including her suspension, as, “null, void, and of no effect.”
Students of the Federal University Lokoja are believed to be living in constant fear of attacks by bandits and other criminal elements. Information reaching us at Greenbarge Reporters online newspaper showed that the university, in its 10 years of existence, has not been able to build hostels on the campus, located at the dangerous Felele quarters, for the students that are interested in living on campus. It was gathered that shylock landlords have since taken advantage of such lack of hostels on the campus to build houses around Living Faith Church in Lokoja, which is immediately outside the campus for the students to rent. It was gathered that there is no form of security arrangement for the students that are living off-campus, thereby making them highly vulnerable to all manner of criminal activities. One of such attacks came in the early hours of June 14, when some armed men stormed the houses of the students with dangerous weapons and inflicted various degree of injuries on them after collecting, on gunpoint, their valuables, including laptops, handheld phones and bags. One of the victims, Eneji Mathew Omadivi was badly bruised and had to be rushed to a hospital for medical attention. A member of the Kogi Central Media Practitioners Association (KOCEMPA), Prince Emma Omadivi, whose son was so injured regretted the I-don’t-care attitude of the universe authority and the security agents to the proper security of the students.
“Attacks on these innocent children are becoming rampant,” he lamented in a letter to the leadership of KOCEMPA. He asked: ” what can the media do to stem the tide in Kogi State, a State that prides itself as one of the safest in Nigeria?” Omadivi is not happy that authorities take delight in waiting for unexpected to happen before actions are taken, adding: “this is what PR refers to as fire brigade exercise. “Today I am affected, tomorrow may be you or another person. “Let’s task the university to do something about accommodation on campus, while also urging the Police and other security agencies to live up to expectations.” Omadivi confirmed that reports of the attacks have been made to the Police in Lokoja, saying: “we are waiting to see the outcome of their investigation.” He however suggested a Security Summit to be held by relevant stakeholders to draw the attention of the government “to this evil. ” It could be a summit to be organized by KOCEMPA and security agencies with some funding that may increase the purse of the Association or NUJ and security agencies in the State.”
President Bola Tinubu has queried the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun for “failure” of his officers to arrest perpetrators of the recent deadly attacks in Benue state. Speaking at a stakeholders meeting in Makurdi today, June 18, President Tinubu said that he expected the police to have made some arrests after the attack in Yelwata, a community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue state, which led to the killing of over 100 people. “Police (referring to the IGP), I hope your men are on alert to listen to information. “How come no arrest has been made? I expect there should be an arrest of those criminals.” He also urged the service chiefs, including Christopher Musa, chief of defence staff, and the heads of the air force, National Intelligence Agency (NIA), and Department of Security Service (SSS), to intensify their efforts against terror threats in the country. “Christopher, you have given much. I watch your comments, you can’t be tired of staying in the bush. Oloyede and the Air Marshal, we thank all of you, but we need to keep our ears to the ground, let’s get those criminals, let’s get them out. DG NIA, DG SSS, retool your information channels and let’s have tangible intelligence so that this will not occur again.” Meanwhile, Governor Hyacinth Alia asked the federal government to establish state police and an intervention fund to curb the wave of killings in the state. He said that state police is critical in the fight against insurgency in Benue.
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
“Attacks on these innocent children are becoming rampant,” he lamented in a letter to the leadership of KOCEMPA.
Femi Soneye Quits NNPCL Just When Ovation Is Loudest, By Yusuf Ozi-Usman
The Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Olufemi Soneye demonstrated the essence of the saying that one should quit when the Ovation becomes loud or loudest.
Earlier today, June 21, Soneye announced his voluntary resignation from the nation’s oil giant. He gave as reason for his action, his desire to have more time to attend to family matters and other issues.
In a statement which he addressed to his colleagues both in the media and public relations body, Soneye expressed gratitude to the NNPCL in particular and Nigeria in general for the opportunity offered him to serve. He promised to remain loyal and committed to the ideals of the company, even while outside its operation fueld.
The statement goes thus:
Dear Esteemed Colleagues,
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.
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 organisation 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.
With sincere appreciation,
Olufemi Soneye.
Dated June 21, 2025.
Femi Soneye was virtually brought from America where he was residence and practicing journalism and its paraphernalia, to come and head the image making section of the company in October 2023. His appointment was greeted with both hope and doubt about his ability to cleanse and or defend the image of the company. Hope by those who had close relationship with him before then, and doubt by those watching from distance.
As a matter of fact, when he was brought from America and appointed as Chief Corporate Communications Officer to replace GarbaDeen Muhammad, he was tasked with boosting brand penetration, strategic communications, crisis management, and stakeholder relations. He was expected to elevate NNPCL’s communications to become a proactive “business enabler” through transparent storytelling, digital engagement and stakeholder trust-building.
It is for all such innovative outing that he earned, among others, NIPR Spokesperson of the Year (overall) – 2025 after previously winning Distinguished Spokesperson – Oil & Gas in 2024. He also won Triangle International Image Maker of the Year, for reshaping NNPCL’s public image.
Soneye was named among Top 10 Perception Managers for 2024 by The Top10 Magazine. He was celebrated by GOCOP for his NIPR win and impact in strategic communications.
As he dropped the gauntlet today and moved on, Soneye has a gargantuan success story to tell as regard the strategic contributions at NNPCL. He literally humanized NNPCL’s messaging, particularly the Port Harcourt Refinery revival, reducing opacity and building public trust.
He optimized digital outreach to increase engagement and expand reach via 360° branding and advocated for proactive crisis response structures to preserve reputation in turbulent times .
Femi Soneye blended extensive global journalistic experience, military communications from his U.S Air Force tenure, and strategic corporate communications. Since October 2023, he spearheaded a transformation of NNPCL’s communications, making it more transparent, engaging, trusted and earned multiple prestigious recognitions and industry acclaim.
And who is Femi Soneye?
Olufemi Oladipo Soneye was born on October 29, 1974 and graduated from McLay College in Sydney, Australia in year 2000. He earned a Diploma in International Studies from Montgomery College, Maryland, USA from 2005 to 2006.
He was certified in Health & Applied Sciences at the Community College of the Air Force between 2008 and 2010, completed multiple professional development programs across London, Brussels, Paris and Italy, focusing on leadership, strategic communications, data protection and intelligence analytics.
He began journalism in 1999 with Independent Sports Weekly in Lagos, Nigeria and switched over as reporter to Sydney’s Leader Newspapers in 2000.
His roles in the United States of America include Business Sales Manager at Comcast Cable (2007) and Health Services Management Officer at the U.S. Air Force’s 459th Aerospace Medicine Squadron, where he also edited the “Air Force One” newsletter between 2009 and 2015.
Soneye held editorial and investigative journalism roles globally, covering corporate governance, economic and energy sectors, including the CBN and NNPC (pre-transformation).
He is a founding member of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) in Nigeria, and a past President of the Nigerian Media Practitioners in Washington, D.C. He is also a member of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), National Association of Black Journalists (USA) and Society of Professional Journalists, amongst others.
Femi Soneye really brought into play demonstrably redefined communication excellence at NNPCL, shaping a more transparent, credible, and stakeholder-aligned narrative, while winning top industry accolades. His strategies have helped transform not just the company’s image, but also its influence and public trust.
After achieving all such Laurels, what else would he be waiting to achieve, except perhaps to continue to build on them?
It’s not far from the truth to say that Femi Soneye came to NNPCL, saw, conquered and left when the Ovation Is growing to deafening point!