Dr. Samuel Ayetutu has officially assumed office as Chairman of the Lagos State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), following the election of the immediate past Chairman, Mrs. Comfort Obot Nwankwo, into the Institute’s Governing Council during the 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
In line with the provisions of the NIPR Chapter Administration By-Law (Amended 2024), Dr. Ayetutu, who previously served as Vice Chairman, will serve out the remainder of the current Executive Council’s tenure, which concludes on Thursday, August 14, 2025, when new elections are scheduled to hold.
The official handover ceremony took place during the Chapter’s Monthly Meeting held on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, in Lagos. Speaking at the event, Mrs. Comfort Nwankwo expressed her heartfelt appreciation to members of the Chapter for their unwavering support throughout her tenure. She pledged continued support in her new role, both at the national level and within the Lagos Chapter, where she now serves as Ex-Officio and Internal Auditor.
In his acceptance remarks, Dr. Ayetutu lauded Mrs. Nwankwo’s exemplary leadership and unwavering dedication to the Institute. He also used the occasion to announce a personal academic milestone—his successful defense of a PhD thesis in Mass Communication at Babcock University on the same day.
Dr. Ayetutu emphasized the need for unity, professionalism, and proactive engagement among members to strengthen the Chapter and elevate the public relations profession across Lagos State.
Also elected into the NIPR Governing Council during the Uyo AGM was Mr. Olusegun McMedal, a former Chairman of the Lagos Chapter, who will work alongside Mrs. Nwankwo in representing the Chapter at the national level.
Dr. Samuel Ayetutu is a seasoned, innovative, and tactful communication strategist with over 24 years of experience in the Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) industry. A consummate professional, he has executed numerous public relations, advertising, and editorial projects for both the public and private sectors.
He began his academic journey at the Ogun State Polytechnic, now Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta, earning a National Diploma and Higher National Diploma in Mass Communication between 1992 and 1997. His thirst for knowledge led him to the Lagos State University where he obtained a Postgraduate Diploma in International Relations and Strategic Studies (2002–2003) and a Master’s degree in Communication Studies (2007–2009).
In 2012, he completed a PRINCE2 Project Management course certified by the Association of Project Management Group, United Kingdom. On June 11, 2025, he successfully defended his doctoral thesis at Babcock University and is among the graduating PhD class scheduled for convocation in July 2025.
Professionally, Dr. Ayetutu commenced his career in September 1999 as a Sub-Editor at the now-defunct Daily News, published by John West Limited. By July 2000, he joined the Lagos State Ministry of Information and Strategy as a Public Affairs Officer, rising through the ranks and serving across various government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies including the Lagos State Health Management Board, Ministry of Home Affairs and Culture, Sports Council, Health Service Commission, Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Lands Bureau, and the Public Works Corporation.
Between 2005 and 2009, he was a part-time lecturer at Lagos State Polytechnic where he taught courses in Public Relations, Advertising, and News Writing.
In June 2021, he was elected Vice Chairman of the Lagos NIPR Chapter, a position he held until his elevation to Chairman in 2025.
A committed Rotarian, Dr. Ayetutu is a past president of the Rotary Club of Omole-Golden under Rotary International District 9111. He has served Rotary in various leadership capacities, including Assistant Rotary Public Image Coordinator (ARPIC) for Rotary International Zone 20A (English-speaking Africa) between 2016 and 2019. He has also been nominated as a future District Governor in the District.
Dr. Ayetutu is a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and a Fellow of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON). He is happily married and blessed with two children.
