The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mallam Mohammed Idris; the President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Dr. Ike Neliaku; and others have eulogised the former Chairman of the Board of Fellows of the institute, Frank Tamuno-Koko.
They gave the tributes at an event held in honour of the late PR veteran at the banquet hall of Hotel Presidential, Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital.
According to a statement in Abuja on Friday by the Chairman of the National Planning Committee Paulinus Nsirim, the minister, who was represented by a former NIPR President, Mallam Mukhtar Sirajo, described Tamuno-Koko as a dedicated professional who was not just a fellow but an embodiment of wisdom and excellence.
‘He provided thoughtful leadership and guidance to the younger generation of public relations practitioners.
‘He played a critical role in nurturing the standard ethical foundations that continue to sustain the profession today.
‘His contributions were not limited to titles or positions but were reflected in the quiet influence he exercised, those he mentored and the respect he commanded across the communication industry’, Idris said.
He, therefore, called on the family members of NIPR and those affected by Tamuno-Koko’s demise to remain strong and be comforted by the footsteps of honour he has left behind.
Also, Neliaku said that, while the loss was painful, there was comfort in the legacy left behind by Tamuno-Koko.
‘People may be sad, rightly so but I am not. Listening to everything that has been said here, I want to believe that at 77, Tamuno-Koko fulfilled his mission on earth and needed to leave when he did. Instead of mourning, we should be celebrating the man whose legacy will remain with us’, he said.
Neliaku urged the family and members of the institute to remain strong, assuring them of the institute’s support and encouraging them to draw strength from the deceased’s impactful life.
The Head of Corporate Communications at Indorama Eleme Limited, Dr. Jossy Nkwocha, said that Tamuno-Koko would be remembered for his unwavering commitment to excellence and the positive influence he had on his career and education.
He added that the deceased’s legacy would continue to inspire professionals across the communications industry.
Those who also eulogised Tamuno-Koko included NIPR Vice President, Prof. Emmanuel Dandaura; Eze Igbu Upata III/Nye Udu of the Upata Kingdom in Rivers State, King Felix Otuwarikpo; the chairman of the state chapter of the NIPR, Francis Asuko.
