Wednesday 17 September 2014

NIJ, FRSC, others mourn Igwe

Representatives of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ), yesterday, mourned the late Vice Chairman of The Sun Newspapers, Pastor Dimgba Igwe, who was knocked down by a hit-and-run driver, recently in Lagos.
During a condolence visit to The Sun Corporate Office, the Corps Marshal and Chief Executive, represented by Zonal Commanding Officer, RS2.0 Lagos, Godwin, said Igwe was a veteran journalist, known for his professionalism and dedication to human development, freedom and peace among Nigerians. He added that the deceased cultivated a special friendship with FRSC through which he championed the cause of safer roads, fuller lives campaign.
Ogagaoghene stated that Igwe’s death was a sad reminder of the task before FRSC to continue to bring to the consciousness of the motoring public, that every road user has a right to the use of the road, irrespective of their mode of transportation.
He assured the Commission’s readiness to assist in unraveling the killer of the ace journalist; urging anyone who may be in possession of the killer vehicle’s information, such as number plate, not to hesitate to report same to the FRSC.
Responding on behalf of The Sun, General Manager, Human Resources Administration, Ogechi Uche, thanked the visitors for condoling with The Sun family, saying that it was a trying moment for the company. She stated that the late Igwe made frantic effort in shooting the company to an enviable position.
Also, the Provost of NIJ, Elizabeth Ikem, grieved that Igwe’s death was painful as it came at a time his expertise and wealth of experience was highly needed in the development of journalism profession in Nigeria. She said Nigeria needed more people that would replicate Igwe’s character which radiated integrity, tolerance and selflessness. She maintained that such character was needed in achieving cohesion in Nigeria as a country with divergent views.
“The school knows him very well. NIJ will miss him but we took courage when we received the sad news, as we are encouraging you to take courage too. I pray that God should help you fill every vacuum he left in every area of life.”
Chisco Group
The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of Chisco Group, Dr Chidi Anyaegbu, said  he received the news of Igwe’s death as a great shock, describing the deceased as a Nigerian foremost writer and author.
“On behalf of myself, my family and the entire staff of Chisco Group of companies, I write to commiserate with you and the entire family of  the late Dimgba Igwe who until his death was our very close friend and confidant. May God give you and his colleagues the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss,” he prayed.
Department of State Service, Lagos
The Lagos State Director of Security, Ben Olayi, mourned Igwe, saying his death came with grief at the prime age and time of his career. However, he said he was consoled by his enviable achievements in the media industry especially, the worthy life that he lived.
“To us, his death is no doubt a great loss to the  journalism profession and human resources of our great nation, considering his profile and pedigree as a journalist, public affairs and administrator,” he said.
Champion Newspapers Limited
Paying tribute, the Group Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief, Nwadiuto Iheakanwa, said Igwe was a veteran journalist whose contributions would not be forgotten and encouraged those living to emulate his sterling qualities.
She mourned: “While we join millions of people both within and beyond the shores of our country to mourn his painful exit at a time when his services were still needed, we are consoled by the fact that he lived a good Christian life.”
Commissioner of Police, Imo
The Commissioner of Police, Imo State, Abdulmajid Ali, also condoled with the family and management of The Sun Publishing Limited on the death of Igwe. “May the Almighty God grant his family and the management of Sun the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss and may the gentle soul of the departed rest in perfect peace,” he prayed.
Aka Ikenga
In a letter signed by the President and Publicity Secretary, Chief Goddy Uwazurike and Okey Onyemobi, the group stated that Igwe was an amiable personality, a literary colossus and an illustrious son of Igbo-land. “His sojourn in journalism from the days of Weekend Concord has added zest and spice to newspaper readership. His commentaries were legendary and sagacious.”
Nigeria Media Merit Award
In a letter jointly signed by Olusoga Basola and ‘Yemi Akeju, the NMMA extolled the late Igwe’s virtues, pointing out that he served journalism profession with zeal, courage, vibrancy and integrity.
They further described him as a trail blazer and added that his contributions to development of the Nigeria Media were highly commended and inestimable. “ We are consoled by the fact that he left his footprints in the sands of time through his selfless service which will forever be remembered by the industry.”
NDAN
Coordinator, Chief Nicholas Okereke and Secretary, Kenneth Ikediuba of Newspapers and Magazines Distributors Association of Nigeria, Lagos chapter, also joined other Nigerians to mourn the media icon. They said Igwe’s death was a big loss to the journalism world and the vacuum created would be difficult to fill.
“Before his death, he was one journalist among journalists in the industry. Nevertheless, we pray God to grant the family of the deceased the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss,” the organisation said.
NDAN’s, Chairman, Gabriel Ogundipe and General Secretary, Gbenga Owosho of  Ekiti State Chapter, also sent a letter of commiseration to Igwe’s family, colleagues and The Sun Newspapers.
Rotary Club of Gbagada Lagos
The President of Rotary Club of Gbagada, Lagos, Prof Kayode Taiwo, assured that the club was praying for the deceased’ family members and management and staff of The Sun Company. “We pray
God to grant the deceased eternal rest and give all concerned the fortitude to bear the loss. Our sincere thoughts and prayers are with you,” he prayed.
Quadrant Company Limited
In a letter jointly signed by Keneth Eze and Samson Oluwole, the company described the fallen media manager as a true pillar of professionalism in the journalism profession in Nigeria, stressing that his good works will continue to resonate.   It added that he was indefatigable and quintessential humble professional.
Nnri Evangelical Spiritual Church
The Secretary, Primate in Council, Evang Dapo Bamisaye,  prasied that Pastor Igwe was a respected man of God. He said Igwe lived a life of service to humanity, impacting the lives of all as a seasoned journalist and pastor in the Lord’s vineyard. “No doubt, he was an epitome of love, and  someone very close to God in all his undertakings.
 Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA)
The Managing Director, LAMATA, Dayo Mobereola, condoled with The Sun and family of Igwe, saying time and memories would help lessen the burden of Igwe’s family members, colleagues and friends.  “We pray God to grant the deceased eternal rest and give all concerned the fortitude to bear the loss.”
Erisco Foods Limited
The President of Erisco Foods Limited, Chief Eric Umeofia, described Igwe as a complete gentleman, a sound columnist whose writing was a must read for everybody.
“The death of Pastor Igwe, is truly a great loss not only to his family, The Sun Publishing Limited, but to the nation at large. Nevertheless, we are consoled by the fact that ‘what matters most in life is not how long one lives, but how well one lives’. Pastor Igwe did not only live an accomplished life in the area of his profession as a renowned journalist, but he died a fulfilled man in Christendom,” he said.

NIJ, FRSC, others mourn Igwe

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