By
Michael Adande
DISTINGUISHED SPOKESPERSON AWARD FOR CORPORATE COMMUNICATION
Now, that is good!
The respected Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Dr. Jossy Nkwocha, delivered the joyful news to me in a few expert but welcome words on his WhatsApp chat: “Big congratulations. You won the big one.”
By “the big one”, Fellow Jossy Nkwocha, a respected Chief in his Eze’s council, the Head of Corporate Communications/Special Advisor to Managing Director of Indorama Eleme Petrochemicals Limited and a member of Nigerian Guild of Editors (following his distinguished career as a journalist, which included being the General Editor of the famous Newswatch), revealed to me the great news from the NIPR Spokespersons Summit Award Night.
From the event held in Abuja’s international Conference Centre, the President and Chairperson of the Governing Council of NIPR, Dr. Ike Neliaku-led institute announced Shell Nigeria’s Michael Adande – me, that is – as the Distinguished Spokesperson of the Year for the Corporate Communications category. Along with the dazzling Oscar-like plaque – gold plaited microphone and hand – I was also a finalist in two other categories:
Distinguished Spokesperson in the Oil and Gas Sector
2. Michael Adande, Shell Companies in Nigeria
Most Innovative Spokesperson Award- Diplomatic/ Multinational
3. Michael Adande, Shell Companies in Nigeria
The news was exhilarating. The NIPR letter stated that “Finalists were selected in recognition of their works.”
There was quite a nice read and I am thrilled – did I say that before? Yes. Exhilarated – to be mentioned in the company of several of the great names and institutions that graced that Award Night.
The award and shortlisting in two key categories, indeed, bear testamen
ts to the awesome work that the Dr. Osagie Okunbor-led Shell Companies in Nigeria are doing to collaborate with the Nigerian people and government, to grow the economy and facilitate the sustainable development of communities hosting our operations. Work that doesn’t always receive plaudits publicly from an understandably critical public.
Work that includes telling Shell stories of bringing free but critical eye health care services to people in Lagos Island, Assah-Ohaji (Imo State), Elelenwa and Abua-Odual (Rivers State) and Ogba (Bayelsa State) etc. Community people who can ill afford the true cost of these services that they truly need. We are telling the stories that move government to combat the triple menace of crude theft, insecurity and illegal refineries by armed criminal gangs who operate through the illegal connections installed on the hydrocarbon-transporting pipelines that crisscross the Niger Delta – land and swamp.
With the wise and disciplined guidance of Mr. Igo Weli (Director of SPDC and Head Corporate Relations Shell Nigeria) and the collaborative interaction of the Communications Team led by Bamidele Odugbesan, we tell the stories that show Shell Companies in Nigeria as a force for good. And the people are hearing us. We respond professionally and promptly – even at midnight hours several times – through our 24/7 Media Help Desk. And the people, stakeholders show that they are appreciating the work.
This was a strategic departure from the picture that the publics had of Shell Co
mpanies in Nigeria. The availability of key company leaders and experts in face-to-f
ace engagements, public events, press statements and industry events were so enlightening that Shell steadily carted away performance awards during industry events and conferences – further increasing Nigeria’s capacity and reputation for innovation. An international industry Report rating the impact of the corporate communication of international oil companies positioned Shell Companies in Nigeria at the top of the pile. An impact score of +25.2. The improvement has been steadily so for the past two years leading to 2024.
So, receiving this important award from the NIPR – our profession’s iconic institute now enjoying a fresh lease of life – is another indicator that confirmed that we are marching in the right direction of ensuring the admirable reputation of Shell Companies in Nigeria. Which is good for business.
Thank you, NIPR. Thank you, NIPR Rivers State Chapter for celebrating the win. Thank you, Helen Nsirim, Ph.D, ANIPR, Dr. Increase Boma-Orawari (PhD), Ejike Ekwegbalu. Thank you Rose Okoronkwo And my dear encouraging wife, Chimezie, and children. Thank you, Shell Companies in Nigeria. The award is for our work.
We move!
