Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pst Umo Eno has expressed his sorrow at the death of Patrick Odey, Akwa Ibom correspondent of The Punch newspaper, describing his departure as a loss not only to his immediate family but to the entire Akwa Ibom State.
In a message of condolence at the funeral of the departed journalist in his hometown, Ogberia, Mbube, in Ogoja local government area of Cross River State, the Governor said, “through his work as a correspondent, he contributed to telling the Akwa Ibom State story and bringing the activities and development of our State to the wider audience”.
The Governor’s message read on his behalf by his Senior Special Assistant on Research and Documentation, Dr Essien Ndueso, said, “his contributions to journalism and our state will be remembered and will be greatly missed.
“On behalf of the Government and good people of Akwa Ibom State, I commiserate with his family, the management and staff of the Punch newspaper, the Nigerian Union of Journalists the Akwa Ibom State Council, and the entire media community, and pray that God Almighty grants everyone affected by this painful loss strength and fortitude to bear it.”
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Correspondent Chapel of NUJ, Comrade Bassey Anthony, described the late Mr Odeh
as a very peaceable and humble colleague whose effort in promoting excellence in journalism practice inspired many.
Anthony, who led other colleagues to the funeral,lamented that it was the 2nd time in 2 years they have buried a colleague from his chapel, having lost Chioma Unaegbu of the Vanguard newspaper last year.
He urged God to comfort the deceased’s family and also protect members from such calamity.
Also speaking, the Chairman, Academic Staff Union of Universities, Uniuyo Branch,
Prof . Opeyemi Olajide, accompanied by Prof. Happiness Uduk, ASUU National Financial Secretary, lamented the departure, acknowledging that the late journalist lived a Godly life worth celebrating
In his exhortation, Rev. Offiong Eyo
of Assemblies of God Afaha Oku charged Christians to live a life that will qualify them for a reward in the end.
He described the day of death as the most important day for Christians, as it affords them the opportunity of being rewarded by the Creator
He recounted that Patrick committed himself to serving God fervently and prayed to
God to console his wife and children.
The Punch newspaper reporter, who died at the age of 62, is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren
