The Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris has described the Late Chief Frank Tamuno-Koko as one the country’s finest public relations professional who lived his life in dedication to the profession’s development.
At a colourful event, Evening of Tributes, held at the Banquet Hall of Hotel Presidential, Port Harcourt in honour of Chief Tamuno-Koko, the Minister described him as a dedicated professional who was not just a Fellow but an embodiment of wisdom and excellence, who provided thoughtful leadership and guidance to 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 reflected in the quiet influence he exercised, those he mentored and the respect he commanded across the communication industry”, the Minister’s message delivered by Mallam Sirajo read.
The Banquet Hall of Hotel Presidential, Port Harcourt was filled to the brim as professional colleagues, mentees and associates converged to pay tributes to the man they call the icon of public relations in the country, Late Chief Frank Tamuno-Koko who once served as Chairman of Board of Fellows of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR).
In the long list of notable personalities who spoke at the night of tributes on Wednesday was the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris; President of NIPR, Dr. Ike Neliaku; his predecessor, Mallam Mukhtar Sirajo; NIPR Vice President, Prof. Emmanuel Dandaura; Eze Igbu Upata III/Nye Udu Upata Kingdom of Rivers State, His Majesty, King Felix E. Otuwarikpo; Head Corporate Communications, Indorama Eleme Ltd, Dr. Jossy Nkwocha; and Chairman of Rivers State Chapter of NIPR, Rev. Francis Asuk among others.
Dr. Neliaku who drew solace in the legacy left behind by the late Tamuno-Koko extolled his life of sacrifice, impact and selflessness which helped in deepening and sustaining professionalism in the public relations industry.
“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 stated.
He therefore called on the family, members of NIPR and those affected by Chief Tamuno-Koko’s demise to remain strong and be comforted by the footstep of honour he has left behind, assuring the Institute’s support to the bereaved family.
Dr. Nkwocha in his remarks said the deceased will be remembered for always striving for excellence and how he positively influenced his career and education, stating that he would be greatly missed.
