With the na­tion yet to come to terms with the sud­den demise of the veteran journalist, Pastor Dimgba Igwe, vice chairman of The Sun Publishing Limited, his residence still wears a heavy cloak of mourning with sympathizers streaming in large numbers.
Those who momentarily stepped aside to sign the con­dolence register, it was ob­served, no doubt, poured out their hearts in words, even as they eulogised his life and con­tributions to the deepening of the journalism profession in Nigeria.
The floodgate of tributes was thrown open and left to flow endlessly like a river, with the Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), describing the Igwe’s death as a great loss, even as he eulogised him as a truly great man.
While noting that the de­ceased was a friend and broth­er, he wrote: “How do I explain this separation or deal with our unfinished work. Brief as our interactions have been in the last few years, I have learnt a lot from knowing you. Rest in peace, because there is no more sorrow where you are. We will continue the work un­til we meet to part no more.”
For Dr. Rotimi Oladele, president of Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), the death of Pastor Igwe was really painful, but stressed that he lived well.
According to him, he had thought they would meet at a “big professional function to open their usual bank of hu­mour and biblical chats, but that God allowed the tragedy to happen.”
Joseph Okonmah, chairman of NIPR, Lagos chapter, also noted that the deceased fought a good fight and finished the race strong.
According to him, Igwe left an indelible mark that would be missed greatly by the media and humanity in general. “We will all miss his love and soli­darity,” he said.
The representative of South- South Media Professionals, Mr. Asu Beks, prayed for God to grant the soul of Dimgba the very best peace that was de­nied him by the world.
Bishop Mark Omonze of All Grace Cathedral Church and representative of the Pen­tecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Okota, described him as a General in the Kingdom of God that was not defeated in death. He was grateful to God for his life and the souls he impacted on.
“I see his transition as a pro­motion. Though we mourn at the death of our loved one, but we are expected to thank God for all. His life is a testimony; he has left a legacy. He has fought the good fight; he has won and finished well. Death has not overcome him. He is definitely resting in the bosom of our lord,” Bishop Omonze stated.
Mr. Yemi Ajayi, Daily Editor, New Telegraph, while describing Igwe as a consum­mate journalist, took a swipe at the authority.
For him, the tragedy would have been averted, if the gov­ernment had lived up to its re­sponsibility. He called on the federal and state governments to ensure that the perpetrator of the dastardly act was brought to book.
“Igwe is more than a Gen­eral and if he were in the Ni­gerian Army, he would have been a Field Marshal. The government should do all within its power to fish out the perpetrator. It is sad that a man would be killed in such a circumstance without get­ting justice. The only thing the government can do to ensure he gets justice is to bring the perpetrator to justice. For us, his children in the profession, it is left for us to continue where he stopped. He was a consummate journalist. We must uphold the profession and discharge our duty the way we should. This, we are sure will make him happy where he is.”
To Biodun Durojaiye, an editor with New Telegraph, the deceased was a gentle and thoroughbred profes­sional, whom they all learnt
a lot from, including his ‘twin brother’, Mike Awoyinfa.
Yetunde Adeyemi of UBA Plc. noted that the deceased affected lives in ways that cannot be understood, adding: “You are a wonderful man, kind, gentle and light-hearted. What I am thankful for is most importantly the fact that you loved God and walked in His ways,” she said.

Fashola opens flood of tributes for Dimgba Igwe