Encomiums as NIPR, Media Stakeholders Celebrate Akiotu at 67
By Matthew Eloyi
The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and key stakeholders in Nigeria’s media industry gathered in Abuja on Thursday, April 30, to honour veteran broadcaster, Senior High Chief Tony Akiotu, at a 67th birthday dinner following his recent election as Chairman of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON).
The event drew prominent figures from the media, legal and public relations sectors, who paid glowing tributes to Akiotu’s career and leadership qualities.
Speaking at the ceremony, NIPR President, Ike Neliaku, said the institute’s decision to celebrate Akiotu was rooted in its commitment to excellence and recognition of individuals who embody such values. He noted that the gathering also served as an avenue to strengthen professional relationships and partnerships.
He thanked Akiotu for his contributions to the institute during his tenure at DAAR Communications Plc, where he served as Group Managing Director.
“When you celebrate and build relationship, you sustain partnership, nobody can do it alone. NIPR is a great beneficiary of partnership and collaboration and thanks to people like Senior High Chief Akiotu”, he stated.
Neliaku also commended Akiotu’s role in positioning African Independent Television (AIT) as a platform for public engagement and urged him to bring the same dedication to his new role at BON.
“It’s not easy to find people like Senior High Chief Akiotu who have made their marks and still want to serve. Many people are looking up to you on your new assignment. Your predecessors have done their bits. What I keep telling people is, if you can’t do better than your predecessor, you have no business occupying that seat. Your work is cut out for you. You must do better than those before you. I know you have the capacity”, he noted.
Also speaking, the Chairman of DAAR Communications Plc, Raymond Dokpesi Jr., described Akiotu as a man of strong character and dedication, noting his passion for any responsibility he undertakes.
Dokpesi Jr., who was a co-contestant in the BON election, expressed pride in Akiotu’s emergence as chairman and described his victory as significant, particularly for his roots in Agenebode, Edo State. He added that he was optimistic about a new phase of leadership for the organisation and wished the celebrant well.
In his remarks, the President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Alhassan Yahya Abdul, congratulated Akiotu on his election and called for stronger collaboration within the media industry to improve service delivery and journalists’ welfare.
He described Akiotu as a seasoned professional whose experience would strengthen broadcasting and help mentor the next generation of practitioners.
Legal luminary, Mike Ozekhome, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, also praised Akiotu’s humility and work ethic, urging him to embrace inclusiveness and partnerships in his leadership of BON.
He further encouraged the new chairman to surpass the achievements of his predecessors and prayed for wisdom to guide him and his team.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including the immediate past NIPR President, Mukhtar Sirajo; Registrar of the institute, Uzoma Onyegbadue; members of its governing council; Secretary General of the African Public Relations Association, Omoniyi Ibietan; and other notable figures from the media and public relations sectors.
Also present were representatives of DAAR Communications Plc, former government officials, traditional titleholders, and staff of the NIPR National Secretariat, among others, who joined in celebrating Akiotu’s milestone and recent professional achievement.