*Gov Eno, Info Commissioner express shock
By; PATRICK TITUS, Uyo
Akwa Ibom State Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), has been thrown into mourning and grief over the sudden death of two of its members, who reportedly passed on same day, Monday September 2, 2024.
While the news of the death of Comrade Patience John of Akwa Ibom State Broadcasting Corporation (AKBC) TV Chapel came in the early hour of the day, another staunch member, Comrade Esther Ukpe of Federated Chapel was confirmed dead by evening. Both at different hospitals in Uyo, the capital.
Although formal reports on the root causes of their deaths were yet to be made public by the families, members of the union and friends have posted on Social Media platforms, expressing their condolences and sadness over the tragedy.
The state governor, Pastor Umo Eno in a statement on Thursday signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Ekerette Udo has expressed shock over the sudden death, describing it as a huge loss to the journalism profession in the State.
Pastor Eno Governor who, acknowledged the contributions of the two deceased journalists in disseminating the ARISE Agenda of his administration, noted that they would be sorely missed.
The Governor extended his heartfelt sympathies to the families of the departed journalists, the members of the Akwa Ibom State Council of the NUJ and National Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ.
“The late Comrade Patience John of the Akwa Ibom Broadcasting Corporation, AKBC TV Service, was an integral part of the Press Corps in my Office and was noted as a diligent and hardworking professional.
“While we were struggling to absorb the sad news of her death, then came news of the sudden death of yet another journalist, Comrade Esther Ukpe of the Federated Chapel of the Union. This is deeply sad and unfortunate.
“May God console their families, the NUJ family and grant their souls, eternal repose.” He said.
The Governor reassured the media community that his administration will continue to identify with media professionals, saying that they are integral part of his plans and policies, which are geared towards leaving a lasting legacy of development in the State.
Also, the Commissioner for Information, Comrade Ini Ememobong in his condolences said the news of the death of Comrades Patience John and Esther Ukpe came as a devastating news to him and the entire Staff of the Ministry of Information.
Ememobong extended his deepest condolences to the Chairman, leadership and entire members of the State Council of NUJ and the Acting Director General and staff of Akwa lbom State Broadcasting Corporation (AKBC) on the deaths, which he added, have brought untold grief to the Union and Akwa Ibom State as a whole
“These journalists were very industrious and hardworking in the execution of their assigned responsibilities. We will miss them sorely.” He acknowledged.
