Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has expressed sorrow over the passing of a foremost Nigerian-born South African-based Journalist, Mr John Chiahemen.
Chiahemen served as Bureau Chief of Reuters in Nigeria and died in a South African hospital at the age of 72.
Governor Ortom said the international Journalist contributed to the development of society and his death creates a great vacuum.
A statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Nathaniel Ikyur, reads in parts:
“He said the death of the international Journalist who had been contributing to the development of the society, especially on global peace initiative is a huge loss to Nigeria.
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“Governor Ortom lamented that Mr. Chiahemen died at a time when his wealth of experience and expertise in conflict management was needed to navigate through the murky waters of Nigerian politics.
“He noted the exploits, courage and resilience of Mr. Chiahemen in the modern media engagement both in Nigeria and other African countries where he had worked with distinction.
“Chiahemen also worked briefly with Abubakar Atiku’s media company, Gotel as its first managing director in 2015.
“The Governor lamented that Benue State and Nigeria have lost a patriot and a thorough bred media practitioner.
“The Governor urged the bereaved family to take solace in the fact that late Chiahemen left positive footprints in the sand of time adding “he was a very resourceful Journalist who worked for peace and upliftment of the society. He lived an exemplary life worthy of emulation.”
“Late Chiahemen left behind a wife, three children and one grandchild and hails from Mbadede, Vandeikya local government area of Benue State.”
