Gov commiserates with NUJ, families of deceased journalists in Akwa Ibom

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has condoled with the Nigerian Union of Journalists in the state as well as the families of the late Comrade Patience John and the late Comrade Esther Ukpe over their passing.

Late John, until her demise, worked for the Akwa Ibom State Broadcasting Corporation (AKBC) and was the Secretary of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists in the state (NAWoJ), while late Ukpe was with a state-based newspaper and a member of the Federated Chapel.

The governor, in a statement issued through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Ekerete Udoh, said their deaths were a huge loss to the journalism profession in the state. He acknowledged the contributions of the two deceased journalists in disseminating the ARISE Agenda of his administration.

According to the statement, “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, we then received 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.”

The governor reassured the media community that his administration will continue to identify with media professionals, saying they are an integral part of his plans and policies, which are geared towards leaving a lasting legacy of development in the state.