The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council, has received with profound shock and deep sorrow the sudden passing of Comrade Matthew Ochei, a dedicated member of the Asaba Correspondents Chapel and staff of The Punch Newspapers, who died in the early hours of Tuesday after a brief illness.
This tragic loss has cast a pall of grief over the Asaba Correspondents Chapel, the entire NUJ Delta State Council, The Punch Newspapers, and the wider journalism community.
Comrade Matthew Ochei was a committed journalist and unionist whose professionalism, courage, warmth, and steadfast dedication to the ideals of ethical journalism endeared him to colleagues and stakeholders alike.
“His contributions to the Union and the media profession remain significant and will be fondly remembered, even as his absence is deeply felt.
“The NUJ Delta State Council stands in solidarity with the bereaved family, the Correspondents Chapel, the management and staff of The Punch Newspapers, and the entire NUJ family at this moment of immense grief.
“We share in their sorrow and pain, mindful of the fragility of life and the irreplaceable void his passing has created,” the statement signed by Churchill Oyowe, chairman and acting secretary Josephine Omordion read.
Similarly, the Honourable Commissioner for Special Duties, Government House, Dr. Ifeanyi Michael Osuoza, has extended his deepest condolences to the NUJ Delta State Council, the Correspondents Chapel, The Punch Newspapers, and all who were touched by the life and work of Comrade Ochei.
He described the late journalist as a consummate professional whose legacy of dedication and service will continue to inspire the journalism profession.
We pray that God Almighty, in His infinite mercy, grants the family, colleagues, friends, and loved ones the strength, comfort, and fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
May the soul of Comrade Matthew Ochei rest in perfect peace, and may his memories and legacy remain a source of strength and consolation to us all.
