Kazeem Ugbodaga
The Bureau Chief of TheNEWS/PM NEWS in Rivers State, Sir Okafor Ofiebor, has passed away, sending shockwaves through the entire organization.
Known for his dedication and versatility, Okafor’s death has left colleagues and staff in deep mourning.
Okafor, a resident of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, graduated from Bendel State University, Ekpoma (now Ambrose Alli University) in 1986. He passed away around 1:30am on Tuesday at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital at the age of 63, following a brief illness.
A devout member of the Anglican Communion, Okafor was conferred as a Knight of St. Christopher by the Niger Delta North Diocese, Rivers State, on July 18, 2009.
As an active member of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Rivers State, his passing has also deeply affected the local journalism community.
The Rivers State NUJ expressed shock and sorrow at the sudden loss, issuing a heartfelt statement.
“The Rivers State Council extends its sincere condolences to the immediate family of the deceased. We pray that Almighty God will console and comfort them, as well as his colleagues and Chapel members. Until his passing, he was a valued staff member of TheNEWS/PM NEWS.
“This expression of sympathy cannot fully capture the depth of our sorrow, but it reflects the shared pain of this irreparable loss. May his soul rest in peace,” the statement said.