By OGEMDI OZOEMENAM
The President, Chairman of Council NIPR, and Member of Board, Global Alliance, Dr Ike Neliaku has described the late Chief Uche Udedibia as a fellow whose legacy will continue to resonate in the institutions he strengthened, the professionals he mentored, the friendships he nurtured, and the countless lives he touched through his service and exemplary life.
Chief Udedibia was a veteran journalist, protocol guru, erstwhile Chief of Protocol, Director of Protocol and later retired as the Permanent Secretary, Government House, Anambra State in 2006 after attaining mandatory civil service age of 60.
As a fellow of the Institute, the deceased who hails from Ifitedunu in Dunukofia council area of Anambra State, has mentored many in journalism, broadcasting, protocol, public relations, reputation building and image management.
Against this backdrop, the NIPR Anambra State Chapter in which he was a founding member, held an Evening of Tribute for him at De-Nobles Hotel Awka in the presence of some of his family members.
Reading his tribute, Dr Neliaku said Udedibia was not merely a practitioner of public relations; but one of its custodians who lived it as life.
His speech titled "Tribute to a distinguished public relations icon, mentor, nation builder and elder statesman," was delivered by the Chairman NIPR Anambra State, Dr Ngozi Ulogu and reads in part:
"With gratitude to Almighty God for a life exceptionally lived, we pay tribute to Chief Uche Augustine Udedibia, fnipr, a distinguished Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, an accomplished professional, a consummate leader, an outstanding public servant, and a gentleman, whose life embodied service, excellence, integrity, and humanity.
"His passing marks the end of a remarkable part in the history of public relations practice in Nigeria. He belonged to that rare generation of professionals whose commitment to ethical standards, professional development, and national service helped shape and elevate the practice of public relations in our country
"Throughout his illustrious career, Chief Udedibia distinguished himself as a strategic communicator, an astute administrator, and a respected voice within the communications profession particularly in broadcasting. His contributions to the growth and institutional strengthening of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations remain indelible.
"He served the Institute with unwavering dedication, providing wise counsel, inspiring younger practitioners, and championing initiatives that enhanced the reputation and relevance of the profession.
"As a Fellow of the NIPR, he exemplified the highest ideals of professionalism, fundamentally in building trust, fostering understanding, and advancing the common good. Through his conduct and accomplishments, he demonstrated these principles consistently and admirably; which formed part of the attributes that shaped the rising to the peak of his public service career in Anambra state, retiring with honour, distinction, and integrity.
"Chief Uche Udedibia was also a mentor of immense value. Many practitioners across generations benefited from his guidance, encouragement, and readiness to share knowledge. He believed in nurturing talent and creating opportunities for others to grow. His generosity of spirit, humility, and accessibility endeared him to colleagues, friends, and associates within and beyond the public relations community.
"Beyond his professional accomplishments, Chief Udedibia was a man of character and conviction. He was respected for his wisdom, admired for his calm disposition, and cherished for his warmth and sincerity. He possessed the rare ability to bring people together, build consensus, and inspire confidence even in challenging situations," Dr Neliaku concluded.
Udedibia's bossom friend, Dr Dennis Ekemezie, who doubles as former National Vice President NIPR and current Chairman, Council of Fellows NIPR Anambra State Chapter, eulogized the deceased as a dependable friend and ally with whom they solidly built the state chapter of the Institute and nurtured members that have continued to sustain the existence of NIPR and public relations practice in the State.
One of his mentee, and Deputy State Chief of Protocol to Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Lady Ngozi Okoye, described the deceased as the Doyen of Protocol in Anambra State and beyond whose remarkable career spanned both military and civilian administrations, during which he served with uncommon dedication, professionalism, and loyalty.
"Chief Uche Udedibia exemplified discipline, humility, integrity, and excellence. He possessed a rare ability to command respect without demanding it and to lead without intimidation. His attention to detail, commitment to duty, and passion for excellence made him a reference point in protocol administration and public service.
"His passing has left a void that will be difficult to fill, but his legacy endures in the countless lives he touched, the institutions he strengthened, and the professional standards he established. He was not merely a practitioner of protocol; he was one of its finest architects and ambassadors," Lady Okoye concluded as read by Dr Njide Ezeonyejiaku.
Also speaking, the former Chairman of the Chapter, Prof Chinyere Stella Okunna, former Chapter Financial Secretary, Mrs Jacinta Nwafor; former Director of Protocol Government House, Sir Charly Mbakaigwe and President-General Ifitedunu & former ASUU Chairman UNIZIK, Engr Prof Stephen Ufoaroh, delivered their separate tributes.
Responding on behalf of the bereaved family, his daughter Ifeoma Udedibia appreciated NIPR for organising such event for her late father and called on them to continue on the legacy left by him.
On her part, Udedibia's sister, Dr Agatha Nwabueze said Ezennia was the only son in the family and took good care of her eight sisters, including herself whom he saw through her PhD education.
In her closing remarks, the Chapter Chairman, Dr Ngozi Ulogu, fellow of the Institute, said Ezennia was full of life, and showed no sign of ill-health during the 13th March 2026 Summit/AGM held in Awka, in which he participated actively and never knew that it would be his last NIPR activity on earth.
"You gave your all for the good of NIPR, both for the National and the State. You were a mentor to many, a father to all, an elder and astute Public Relations practitioner.
"At this moment, you have humbly bowed to the will of your creator, we only pray that the good Lord shall receive your soul in His bossom in perfect peace. Amen."
This remains the prayers of all those who Uche Udedibia touched their lives in one way or the other as he would be commited to mother earth this Friday 19th June 2026 at his hometown Ifitedunu in Dunukofia LGA of Anambra State.