Na heavy news we carry today, my people! Delta State don lose one of dem sharpest journalists, Mathew Ochei. E pass away early Tuesday morning after small sickness wey no give am chance to show face again. Ochei, wey dey work for PUNCH Newspapers, na im be Vice Chairman for Asaba Correspondents Chapel of NUJ too. Na 43 years e take waka this earth.
The Delta State Government no carry this matter light o! Dem send big men like Charles Aniagwu and Sir Festus Ahon to visit Ochei family for him compound in Oshimili South. Omo, when dem reach there, na Mrs. Uche Ochei, him wife, dey welcome dem with tears and strong heart. Charles come talk say dem receive di news with shock, e pain dem well-well. He stress say Ochei na dedicated man wey do him job with grace and integrity.
Aidono wey no go forget wetin Ochei do for journalism. E no just dey report for paper; him write about wetin dey happen for Delta and Nigeria, make sure say truth no dey loss for any report. Di man dey put passion for wetin he dey do. Na so Charles talk am say, “Mathew Ochei na committed journalist wey live purposeful life. Him dey around for people wey need am.”
Mrs. Ochei, wey collect di condolence, talk say she dey appreciate di government for coming to show love. She say dem presence come give dem small comfort for this difficult time. Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, di Delta State Commissioner for Special Duties, no slack for di matter too. E come talk say Ochei na a solid journalist and unionist wey earn respect for work wey e don do.
Di Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly, Emomotimi Guwor, no carry body enter ground o! E describe Ochei’s death as “shocking and painful,” he add say this na big loss not just for him family but for di whole journalism community too. He dey pray make God give di NUJ and all of us wey dey mourn strong heart as we dey bear this heavy loss.
As we dey talk, na so matter dey go for Delta State. Ochei go miss well as e don give im everything to brightening journalism light. Small time we go gather again for after-party to remember dis man wey live life to di fullest. Rest well, Comrade Mathew Ochei. You go always dey in our heart!
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