The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno has expressed deep shock at the sudden death of two members of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Patience John and Comrade Esther Ukpe.
In a statement released in Uyo by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Ekerete Udoh, on Wednesday, Governor Eno described their demise as a huge loss to the journalism profession in the state.
The governor acknowledged the contributions of the two deceased journalists in disseminating the ARISE Agenda of his administration, noting that they would be sorely missed.
Governor Eno extended his heartfelt sympathies to the families of the departed journalists, the members of the Akwa Ibom State Council of the NUJ, and the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ).
He said: "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.
“May God console their families, the NUJ family, and grant their souls, eternal repose”.
The governor reassured the media community that his administration will continue to identify with media professionals, saying that they are an integral part of his plans and policies, which are geared towards leaving a lasting legacy of development in the State.
While the cause of Patience John's death is unknown, Comrade Esther Ukpe was said to have slumped and died around Aka Road, Uyo, on September 2, 2024.
Ukpe was a member of the 2024 Federated Correspondent Chapel Week Planning Committee before the unfortunate incident.
Chairman, of the 2024 Federated Chapel Week Planning Committee Comrade Edet Edet said: "Esther Ukpe's contributions to the planning of our upcoming week-long event were invaluable, and her commitment and efforts will be greatly missed.
"As we await further details regarding funeral arrangements from her family, we extend our heartfelt prayers for the repose of her soul. We also pray that God grants her family the strength and fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss."
