A cross-section of journalists practicing in Imo State has expressed deep shock and disbelief over the sudden demise of the Trust Television Correspondent in the state, Ajibade Awefoso.
Ajibade reportedly slept alone at his Lagos residence on Friday, September 6 and failed to wake up on Saturday morning.
Reports said his worried neighbours had raised alarm after repeated knocks on his door without a response leading to his door being forced open.
Many of his colleagues have been distraught since news of his passing filtered into Imo State.
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The Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) described Ajibade as a quintessential member who would be sorely missed by the chapel.
In a statement signed by Victor Nwachukwu, Secretary, the chapel said; “It is a with a heavy heart that the media industry in Imo State announces the passing of a quintessential member of the chapel and council, Mr. Ajibade Awofeso, a Correspondent of Trust TV in Owerri, which sad event occurred on Saturday, September 7, 2024, according to a close family source”.
While Ifeanyi Iheakanwa of The Big Truth Newspaper; Daniel Onyebuchi, Destiny Isinwa, Kelechi Ugo and Grace Ofurum expressed shock and disbelief wondering when he felt sick to kick the bucket, Emma Iheaka of Vanguard Newspapers prayed God to console his family and grant his soul eternal rest.
Others who also expressed grief and shock over Ajibade’s exit included Angela Nkwo-Akpolu, Chief Chidi Nkwopara, Ibe Paschal, Williams Odunze, Daniel Opara (Dan Jay), Jude Owuamanam, Steve Uzoechi and Theodore Chinonso Ubah.
Odunze exclaimed; “This is unbelievable!!! May God keep his soul”; while Dan Jay shouted; “What do you mean? I saw him healthy few days ago’.
Angela Nkwo-Akpolu waxed philosophical when she submitted “Life is ephemeral. May the Lord rest his soul”.
Another journalist, Victor Duruamaku threw his hands into the air in bewilderment and exclaimed; “Whaat? It is difficult to believe that our own Ajibade is dead, please what happened? Well, God our creator knows everything. May his soul rest in the bosom of our Lord”.
Prior to his death, Ajibade also worked with the Galaxy TV and served as the Internal Auditor of the Correspondents' Chapel of NUJ in the state.
Ajibade’s wife hails from Ngor/Okpala Local Government Area of Imo State.
Their marriage is blessed with three children.
Recall that he had buried his father-in-law, Late Mr. Paulinus Nwaiwu on August 29, 2024.
