EFCC’s Dele Oyewale named government spokesperson of the year at NIPR awards

Dele Oyewale, the head of media and publicity of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has received the award for the outstanding federal government spokesperson of the year by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR).

Oyewale, a deputy commander of the EFCC, received the award at the national spokespersons awards ceremony held on Wednesday in Abuja.

Themed ‘Integrity and the Evolving Roles of Spokespersons in Leadership Communication’, the event recognised leading voices in strategic communication and public relations across Nigeria.

The EFCC spokesperson emerged winner in a tightly contested category that included Bayo Onanuga, presidential spokesman, and Josephine Adokuru-Mudasiru of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA).

Shaibu Husseini, chairman of the award’s adjudication committee, commended all nominees and described the selection process as “rigorous” and “merit-based”.

According to him, Oyewale distinguished himself through “finesse in strategic communication, skillful workmanship, impactful media engagements, and consistent excellence in projecting the EFCC’s image”.

Winners from other categories include Olufemi Soneye (NNPCL), distinguished spokesperson of the year (oil and gas); Nigerian Customs Service, best corporate spokesperson team; Kashifu Inuwa (NITDA), most supportive CEO to spokespersons (public sector); Osagie Edwards Omoruyi (NIMASA), outstanding spokesperson (marine and blue economy); and Femi Babafemi (NDLEA), outstanding spokesperson (security services).