Akwa Ibom State governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has expressed shock on the sudden demise of two members of the state’s council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrades Patience John and Esther Ukpe, who, until they passed on, were key members of the state’s chapter of the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ).
LEADERSHIP gathered Ms John, an employee of the state-onwed Akwa Ibom Broadcasting Corporation (AKBC), died on the way to hospital over an undisclosed ailment, while Ukpe of the Federated Chapel, slumped and later died at the Police hospital at Ikot Akpanabia, near Uyo, over cardiac arrest.
Speaking through his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Mr. Ekerete Udoh, the Governor described the passage of the two journalists as a huge loss to the journalism profession in the state.
He acknowledged the contributions of the two deceased journalists in disseminating the ARISE Agenda blueprint of his administration, noting that they will be sorely missed.
Governor Eno extended his heartfelt sympathies to the families of the departed journalists, the leadership and members of the state council of the NUJ and NAWOJ.
He said, “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.”
Meanwhile, the governor has reassured the media community that his administration will continue to identify with media professionals, noting that “they are integral part of my plans and policies, which are geared towards leaving a lasting legacy of development in the state.”
