The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), South East Zone has expressed shock over the death of Uwakwe Abugu, the chief press secretary to Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.
Mr Abugu, who reportedly passed on June 4, 2018, in a hospital in India, after a protracted illness, was appointed Chief Press Secretary in June 2015.
Before his appointment, he was the south-east bureau chief of New Telegraph Newspaper.
In a condolence message signed by the Vice President and Secretary, Zone C of the union, Messrs Chris Isiguzo and Ken Ofoma, they described Abugu as a man of peace, consummate professional and perfect gentleman.
“Uwakwe, you ran a good race of life, you fought through life with amazing doggedness, and kind fortune smiled on you, only for the icy hands of death to come and snatch you when we, your family, Enugu State Government and humanity needed you most.
“Above all, when you were about to enjoy the fruit of your labour.
“Oh death! Where is thy sting! Oh coward death, why do you come like a thief to snatch our best? But you came late,” they said.
In her condolence message, the state chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Comrade Ifeoma Amuta described Abugu’s death as `a big blow to journalism profession’.
“Comrade Abugu, since his assumption of office as chief press secretary, had been a father to the association. He was always there for us collectively and individually.
“Uwakwe has made his mark and left his footprint on the sands of time. That is our consolation as we express our gratitude to the all-knowing God for his life,” she said.
They prayed for the peaceful repose of Uwakwe’s soul and the souls of other faithful departed and condoled the immediate family, Enugu State Government and colleagues, in general, the heart to bear `this irreparable and irreplaceable’ soul with fortitude.
Zonal Manager of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu, Mr Felix Nwadioha described Abugu as a perfect gentleman who saw self-esteem as the best legacy to bequeath to this noble profession.
“The media in Enugu has lost a colossus, media gentleman, a man who seems self-esteem as the best legacy to bequeath to this noble profession.
“I receive the death with rude shock and will remember him with all legacies he has left behind,” he said.
