Austen Osokpor of Ecobank Nigeria Honored as Media Manager of the Year at Champion Newspapers' 2025 Awards

Austen Osokpor wins the Media Manager of the Year award at the 2025 Champion Newspapers Awards for his strategic communications leadership at Ecobank Nigeria.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 28, 2026, 8:04 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from The Guardian Nigeria

Recognition of Excellence in Strategic Communication

The Nigerian media and financial sectors gathered at the Eko Hotels and Suites in Lagos to honor Mr. Austen Osokpor, Ecobank Nigeria’s Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications. Osokpor was named the "Media Manager of the Year" at the prestigious Champion Newspapers’ 2025 Awards. The accolade highlights his sustained commitment to professional integrity and his ability to manage complex corporate narratives in an era of rapid technological and social change. Presenting the award, Dr. Darlington Nwabunike, Managing Director of Saint Buniks Group, noted that Osokpor’s strategic initiatives have been instrumental in the recent growth and brand elevation of Ecobank Nigeria.

A Seasoned Architect of Corporate Reputation

With a professional career spanning over 20 years, Osokpor has established himself as a leading voice in integrated marketing communications. At Ecobank, he is tasked with the execution of the Group’s communication strategy, focusing on stakeholder confidence and market penetration. His leadership was notably tested during the significant business combination between the former Oceanic Bank International Plc and Ecobank Nigeria. During this period, Osokpor developed the media strategy that ensured a seamless transition and maintained positive public perception during one of the largest consolidations in the history of Nigeria’s banking sector.

Bridging Journalism and Corporate Leadership

Before transitioning to the banking sector in 2008, Osokpor held senior editorial roles at prominent media houses, including DBN and Silverbird Television. This background in active journalism has provided him with unique insights into storytelling and crisis management. Industry observers suggest that his ability to speak the "language of the newsroom" while navigating corporate boardrooms has made him a highly effective media manager. His current academic pursuits as a doctoral candidate at Babcock University further underscore his dedication to the evolving fields of Public Relations and Advertising.