Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State, has expressed shock over the sudden death of two members of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ, Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Patience John and Comrade Esther Ukpe.
Eno in a statement made available to newsmen by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Ekerete Udoh, described the demise of the duo as 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, noting that they would be sorely missed.
He extended his heartfelt sympathies to the families of the departed journalists, members of the State Council of NUJ and National Association of Women Journalists,NAWOJ.
“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, then came 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 would continue to identify with media professionals, saying that they are integral part of his plans and policies, which are geared towards leaving a lasting legacy of development in the State.
Newsmen gathered that both Patience John and Ukpe died morning hours of Monday 2 September,2024.
