Uyo, Akwa Ibom State – June 20, 2025 – In a momentous recognition of academic excellence, professional distinction, and impactful public service, Dr. Ugochukwu Lawrence Okorozoh, former Public Relations Officer of the Imo State University Alumni Association (IMSUAA), has been formally inducted as a Fellow of the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN). The investiture was held during the Institute’s 2025 Annual Marketing Conference at CEEDAPEG HOTELS, Ewet Housing Estate, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
The prestigious ceremony was presided over by the President of the Institute, Mr. Idorenyen Enang, FNIMN, and witnessed by an array of eminent marketing professionals, academics, and policy influencers from across Nigeria. Notably in attendance were Mrs. Bolajoko Bola-Ajayi (1st Vice President, NIMN), Mr. Walter Okafor (2nd Vice President, NIMN), Dr. Ike Neliaku (President, NIPR), Hon. Princess Emem Ibanga (Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Akwa Ibom State), and Mr. Michael Abbiw (President, Chartered Institute of Marketing, Ghana).
The highlight of the event was the induction of 55 distinguished professionals into the prestigious Fellowship rank of the Institute. Among them was veteran comedian and cultural icon Mr. Atunyota Alleluya Akpobome (Ali Baba), who delivered a powerful response on behalf of all new inductees, emphasizing the strategic role of marketing in national development and social cohesion.
Dr. Okorozoh, who currently serves as Chief Information and Public Relations Officer at the Projects Development Institute (PRODA), Enugu, was honored for his outstanding contributions to marketing thought leadership, public sector communications, and capacity development, over a career spanning more than 17 years.
A consummate academic, Dr. Okorozoh holds a B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Marketing from Imo State University, Owerri, where he was mentored by Prof. Chigozie Francisca Ibekwe, and earned his Ph.D. in Marketing from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), under the supervision of the renowned Prof. Justitia Nnabuko.
In his moving acceptance speech, Dr. Okorozoh expressed deep appreciation to the lecturers and mentors who shaped his academic journey, acknowledging respected scholars such as Prof. Aham Anyanwu, Prof. J.I.N. Inyanga, Prof. Ogwo E. Ogwo, Prof. Joseph Uduji, Prof. Ikechukwu Umeh, and HRH Igwe (Prof.) S.C. Moguluwa for their pioneering contributions to marketing education and practice in Nigeria.
He also paid special tribute to Dr. Chidi Nwankpa, a member of the NIMN Governing Council, whose nomination and recommendation played a pivotal role in his conferment. The presence of Dr. Nwankpa, alongside the President of the Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN), added color and prestige to the ceremony.
Dr. Okorozoh, who is also an Ozo title holder by inheritance, dedicated the Fellowship to his late father-in-law, Engr. Samuel Jim Udongo, whose life of discipline and mentorship continues to inspire him.
In his words:
> “This Fellowship is a humbling affirmation of the journey I have walked. It is a celebration of every lecture hall, every field project, and every community I’ve served. I dedicate this recognition to my family, especially my beloved wife, Umoh Alodia Okorozoh, and my mother, Hon. Mrs. McQueen Ngozi Okorozoh, whose prayers and sacrifices continue to sustain me. I also honour the memory of Engr. Samuel Jim Udongo, my father-in-law, whose wisdom and inspiration still guide me.”
Dr. Okorozoh also extended heartfelt gratitude to the following individuals for their support, encouragement, and goodwill:
Mrs. Onyinye Mbonu
Dr. Chidi Okoro Oguguo
Mrs Udoka Annune
Chibuzor Paul Ezidiukwu
Dr. Elizabeth Onyedili Obiora
Mrs. Chinwe Aguguo Duru.
He offered special appreciation to Ven. Angus Nnatu, his Head of Department at the Industrial Promotions, Information and Documentation Division in PRODA, for his spiritual support, professional motivation, and unwavering encouragement throughout this journey.
The event was further energized by the presence and solidarity of Christian Okechukwu Kanu of the Rivers Spectacular Chapter of IMSU Alumni Association, whose support and fraternity deeply uplifted the inductee.
The Fellowship of the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (FNIMN) is the highest professional designation conferred by the Institute. It is reserved for individuals who have demonstrated exemplary commitment, leadership, and sustained contributions to the advancement of marketing as a discipline and profession in Nigeria.