By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
Condolence messages have continued to pour-in to Kogi State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) by institutions and corporate bodies over the demise of Leadership Newspaper Correspondent, Mr Sam Egwu who passed on Sunday in Lokoja.
Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic, Dr Salisu Ogbo Usman and the management of the institution who commiserated with the NUJ over loss described the sudden demise of Sam Egwu as shocking.
The Rector, in a condolence message issued by Mrs Uredo Omale, Head, Public Relations and Protocol Unit of the Polytechnic, described Egwu as one of the most respected members of the NUJ in the state.
He also described Egwu as an astute investigative journalist, “A great man of inestimable quality, a visionary and innovative writer who had touched the lives of many positively.
He urged the NUJ and the immediate family of the deceased to take solace in the fact that he lived a life of honesty, sincerity, integrity, devotion and selfless service to humanity saying, “these would make him live in the hearts of many forever.
Prince Matthew Kolawole, Speaker of Kogi State House of Assembly, in his condolence message described Egwu’s demise as devastating.
He said it was devastating and sad “for someone to lose one of his trusted allies in the pen and paper world, especially a beloved dependable member who has been so supportive to the union.
The Speaker, on behalf of his family, the people of Kabba/Bunu State Constituency, members, management and staff of the State Assembly commiserated with the Kogi State House of Assembly Press Corp, NUJ and the entire family of the deceased.
Mr Kingsley Fanwo, the state Commissioner for Information expressed shock over the sudden death of Mr Sam Egwu and described him as a seasoned journalist whose immense contributions to the pen profession in Kogi State and beyond cannot be quantified.
“I urge the correspondent chapel of Kogi State, the Kogi NUJ council and the body of journalists in general to find comfort in the fact that Elder Sam Egwu (as he’s fondly called) has used his pen to create a positive change in the society.
“His death is a rude shock, but we hope that the beautiful memories shared during his sojourn here on earth will comfort us at this difficult time”, Fanwo said.
In same vein, Management and Staff of Kogi State Internal Revenue Service (KGIRS) also commiserated with the Correspondents’ Chapel of the NUJ over the demise of Elder Sam Egwu as he was fondly called.
The condolence message which was signed by Mallam Muhammad Mukhtar Idris, Head, Corporate Communications Unit of the Service described the demise of Egwu as a painful loss.
“We also commiserate with the entire NUJ Members, Kogi State Council over this painful loss. Death is inevitable, and every soul must taste it. God created death and life that he may try which of us is best in his/her deeds”, it said.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Pilot reports that the Late journalist will be buried in his country home, Awo-Akukunda in Ankpa Local Government Area of Kogi State on Friday, February 3.
