President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Dr. Ike Neliaku, has praised Associate Professor Sule Ya’u Sule, spokesperson to former Kano State Governor Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, describing him as a consummate professional and one of Nigeria’s foremost public relations practitioners.

Neliaku made the remarks at a special dinner in Kano organised by Sanusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa, Director-General of Media and Publicity to the Kano State Governor, to mark Dr. Ya’u’s 60th birthday.

Joined by members of the NIPR Council, Neliaku commended Ya’u’s outstanding contributions to reputation and crisis management, noting that his efforts have shaped the institute’s growth and direction.

He lauded Ya’u’s dedication, attention to detail, and passion for excellence, describing him as a mentor who has nurtured a new generation of PR professionals, particularly in Northern Nigeria.

He highlighted Ya’u’s pioneering role in the Northwest region, including his leadership in organising the Institute’s Citizens Summit for National Integration in 2021, which promoted national dialogue and unity.

The NIPR Council also congratulated Ya’u on his 60th birthday, wishing him good health and continued wisdom to contribute to nation-building.

In his remarks, Dawakin-Tofa said the dinner was held to honour Ya’u’s mentorship and enduring impact on the development of young professionals. He described him as “a guiding light and dependable inspiration” to PR practitioners in Kano and beyond.

Responding, Ya’u expressed gratitude to the NIPR President, Council, and colleagues for the recognition and pledged to rededicate himself to the institute’s service. Though he hinted at scaling back public engagements, he revealed plans to remain active in mentoring and advancing reputation management nationwide.

Ya’u previously served as spokesperson to both the military administration of Brigadier General Dominic Oneya and Governor Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau during his two consecutive terms. He is currently an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Communication, Bayero University, Kano, and chairs the Board of Directors at Image Merchants Promotion Limited.