By Derek Ozo
The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has expressed sadness over the passing of one of the great Elders of the Institute, Chief Frank Tamuno-Koko, fnipr, who died on Friday.
A statement signed by the NIPR Director, Public Relations, Stanley Ogadigo and made available to newsmen, described the late Tamuno-Koko as a “strong voice in the PR industry” in Nigeria.
According to the statement, NIPR President, Dr. Ike Neliaku in a condolence message on Friday, described the late elderstatesman and a Fellow of the Institute, as a strong voice in the PR industry who had for decades of active practice made immense contributions towards the growth and development of the Institute.”
Dr. Neliaku said that Chief Tamuno-Koko’s transition is a great loss not only to the people of Rivers State, but to the entire public relations community in Nigeria, noting that he represented professionalism and excellence with deep commitment to upholding the ethos of public relations.
“The late Fellow Frank Tamuno-Koko, who served as Chairman, Board of Fellows of the Institute at some point in the history of the NIPR had wisdom and experience that helped different leadership of our Institute in navigating through complex situations. He was indeed, a champion of professional standards in the PR industry. We have lost a significant soldier of our profession”, Dr. Neliaku noted.
He prayed for God to grant the family and everyone affected by his sad departure, the fortitude to bear the loss, assuring the Institute’s continued support, especially, at this moment of grief.
Also commenting on Tamuno-Koko’s exit, Chairman, Rivers State chapter of the institute, Francis Asuk, in a post on the Rivers NIPR WhatsApp platform, described the late PR icon as a “father and mentor”, even as he declared Saturday 8 November, as a day of mourning.
“Dear Colleagues, today we mourn the exit of a PR icon and frontline member of the Rivers State Chapter NIPR, Chief Frank Tamuno Koko fnipr. A father and mentor in our professional journey. Chief Tamuno Koko stood on his feet for NIPR to the last day.”
“May I request that we give today as a day of mourning and reflection in his honour.
There shall be no other congratulatory and similar posts on the Rivers NIPR Platform today. Every post will speak to the contribution and work of this PR icon. Any birthdays falling today will be celebrated the next day.”