The Nsukka Journalists Forum has expressed shock at last week’s death of a former journalist and politician, Ayogu Eze.
The Forum, in a statement by its chairman, Benson Whyte Ezugwu, said the death of Eze left a huge vacuum in the state.
The statement reads:
It was with deep shock and utter disbelieve that we, the Nsukka Journalists Forum received the news of the demise of our dear brother, colleague and member, Distinguished Senator Ayogu Eze, who passed away on Thursday April 25, 2024.
There is no gainsaying that his death has left a vacuum in NJF as the forum still looked up to tap from his vast experiences both in Journalism and politics for the younger generation.
Late senator Eze was a consummate Journalist and politician, who had passion and untiring interest in whatever concerned the Nsukka Cultural zone.
While as a Senator representing Enugu North Senatorial district, he fought relentlessly for the creation of Adada State out of the present Enugu State.
In anticipation for the creation of Adada State, he facilitated the location of Voice FM Nsukka and also initiated moves for a Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) station to be located in Nsukka.
He also facilitated the employment of many of our youths in several media houses in Nigeria. He did all these within his first four years in the senate and in his position as the Chairman of Senate Committee on Information.
Ayogu made valid contributions to the growth of Nigerian democracy through his incisive comments and motions on the floor of the Senate. He proved his journalistic acumen as the Chairman of Senate Committee on Information as he always gave the press clear and concise analysis of developments in the senate.
His death at only 66 years of age therefore, can just be described as a monumental loss to, not only NJF but the entire Nsukka Cultural zone.
While it is true that nobody is indispensable but it is also said that nobody is replaceable.
Ayogu came, saw and played his own part and left so early but we take solace in the fact that he made his little contributions to the growth of humanity.
There is no doubt that he will be missed by NJF, his immediate family, the Nsukka nation, Enugu State, friends and Nigeria at large.
I pray that his soul will find eternal rest.