The Cross River State Commissioner for International Donor Coordination, Elder Dr. Hippolatus Ogar Lukpata, has been inducted into the Council of Fellows of the African Institute of Public Health Professionals in recognition of his contributions to the advancement of public health practice.
The fellowship was conferred on him during a ceremony held at the Aldgate Congress Hotel, Sani Abacha Road, GRA Phase 3, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Speaking at the event, the Registrar of the Institute, Dr. Ayodele Bankole, said the honour was bestowed on Dr. Lukpata in recognition of his commitment and contributions to the growth and development of the public health profession.
The event was attended by fellows and members of the institute, invited guests as well as traditional rulers who gathered to witness the conferment of the fellowship awards.
In his acceptance speech, Dr. Lukpata, who spoke on behalf of the other inductees, expressed gratitude to God for what he described as a significant milestone in their professional journey.
“We thank God for His mercies and for finding us worthy to be inducted as Fellows of this noble institution. We are also grateful for the journey mercies granted to all inductees and participants who have come to honour us on this special occasion,” he said.
The commissioner noted that there is still much work to be done in strengthening public health practice, describing it as the bedrock of preventive healthcare globally.
“There is so much to be done to promote the practice of public health, which remains the foundation of preventive healthcare across the world,” he stated.
He assured that fellows and members of the institute remain committed to ensuring that public health practice meets global standards and promotes equitable access to effective public health services.
“As fellows and members of the public health profession, we are committed to upholding global standards and ensuring equity in access to quality public health services. We will render our service not only unto man but ultimately unto God,” he added.
Dr. Lukpata also urged members of the institute to remain committed in their respective places of service and to work collectively to project the ideals and image of the institution.
A total of 43 members were inducted into the fellowship cadre of the institute at the ceremony, with Dr. Hippolatus Ogar Lukpata emerging as the only inductee from Cross River State.
Iloke Egbe
