Another Season Of Tears For Olumide, Oga Joe And Doggy
“Many of us might go down that lane before the great tribulations, while multitude might migrate the great day of Jehova’s day and have the privilege to welcome those awaiting the loud of the arc angel (Jesus Christ) and enjoy life of a thousand year reign by the Prince of Peace, then death and its painful sting will be done away with”.
Still speechless as I picked my pen to write (1) still ruminating on the existence of man and mystery of life and death (11) Still confused on how it happened (111) Still pondering where could they have left us to since they are presently resting in cold rooms (IV). Still wonders if life has no meaning again because who you saw today, you may not see tomorrow (V).
The sad mood commenced on Sunday when a Facebook post announced the death of Olumide Akande, a senior colleague who before his death was a mentor, friend and former colleague at defunct National Sports link newspapers.
Despite my departure from Lagos to Owerri, to continue the pen pushing business in 2014, “Egbon” as I fondly called Olumide, others branded “Olumba” kept in touch with me. He called to know my whereabout whenever he got the hint I was in Lagos for referee assignments.
Olumide died on Sunday, according to the post on his Facebook by a family member account posted. He died after a protracted illness.
I met him first at the newsroom of National Sportslink on No 9 Adeoyo St, Mushin, Lagos Olumide had worked with the medium alongside other pioneer editorial staff of the sports newspaper before he left and joined Punch.
However, he rejoined Sportslink months after I was employed as a Senior Staff, Writer.
At the newsroom, I got close to him and called him “Egbon”. He had his “racket” in sports journalism and was a household name to reckon with. As a doyen in sports Journalism, it was common to notice sports stories authored by “Egbon” because of the unique style, systematic approach and character of the write up. A jolly good fellow that radiated with smiles each time you approached him, he informed me that every prospective writer must have a style to be distinguish them or her from the pack Egbon didn’t fail to tell me the story of the Iwuanyanwu Nationale of old plane crash in Algeria. He was the accompanying media officer and one of those who survived the accident where two players of the club died.
Because of distance when I left Lagos, we chatted online when his health situation worsened till he gave up.
Adieu Olumide.
Before I could wipe the rolling tears arising from Olumide’s death, came the news of the demise of the publisher of Announcer newspapers, Joe Anyama. The “No nah, this can’t happen” I shouted, attracted my household who rushed into my room to find out what was amiss and reasons behind the wild exclamation. I tried to confirm the authenticity of the information with a bossom pal close to the family, who while sobbing responded “Nnaa, Nze Joe is in the Mortuary”
I was curious to find out what transpired that led to his death because I saw the late Anyama, an Nze title holder drive pass me two days before the death story became public on Portharcourt road, Owerri. I tried to recall that he showed no serious signs of illness not to think of an imminent death when I spotted him on the road. My informant went further to reveal that he spoke to one of his staff few hours before he was no more and gave directives on how the office production will run with a proviso that he was coming to office later.
An icon in the media profession in Imo State, Anyama made the local media industry thick with his Announcer Newspapers. Apart from few Owerri based medium that have gone comatose, Anyama’s Announcer, a forerunner was the only standing from the old generation and has remained functional till date. His steadfastness in keeping the newspaper on the newsstands created hope that local tabloids can survive the murky waters of print media production in the state. The existence of over ten stable Owerri based newspapers cannot be divorced from the presence of Announcer on the newsstands. Many practicing Journalists in the Industry cut their teeth at his newspaper and tutelage under the late Anyama.
On a personal note, I related well with Anyama when I served as the Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, Imo State House of Assembly. He “danced” to my tune in terms of press relations request between the Office of the Speaker and his medium.
When I joined forces with partners to come up with Trumpeta in 2011, Anyama appreciated the move through body language. In one astonishing case we met at a fuel station in Owerri, on sighting me, he quickly alighted from his Land Cruiser Jeep and crossed over to my side to shake and add congratulatory statements about Trumpeta debut. The late Publisher made encouraging comments concerning my regular Agwodinuju column at the back page of Trumpeta. We have not seized to share ideas and common issues related to media practice until death came knocking. Adieu Oga Joe.
Finally, another jolly good fellow and bossom pal, Celestine Amanze has departed this sinful world. It was on Monday, barely 12 hours after Anyama’s case got to my ears that I got a call again that a “great man” called “Doggy” by friends is seriously down and living a borrowed life courtesy of Oxygen. My production schedule was unable to allow me check the family that evening though I was personally in touch with other friends who rallied round the family to crave for his survival.
Early on Tuesday morning, I left the house to meet the family but was hurt on the way about the sad news, signaling the end of Doggy. Shock waves have gripped all who knew him, especially our small family of friends and like minds made up of young felas who gather regularly at a corner on Ihugba, St, Owerri. Doggy during his lifetime was a lively member who showcased mastery of knowledge of contemporary issues related to sports and politics. He always sought after my opinions on issues and never believed any information on sports and politics, except the ones I offered. In deep cross fire arguments with people, Doggy would often request all contestants to keep calm for clarification from “Babanababa” himself. The next would be his call. It has been tears for the demise of my “bone man”
Adieu Doggido- RIP
Ezinna Umunakwe Uhagiro Goes Home
The Nnakwe Uhagiro family of Umualim Ikenga, Eziudo, Ezinihite Mbaise LGA of Imo State mourn over the exit of their father, Ezinna Richard Umunnakwe Uhagiro.
According to details of the burial by the son, Engr Princewill Ezechinyere Uhagiro, Service of Songs holds on Thursday 31st May, 2018 at his compound.
On Friday 1st June 2018, Body departs Jasman Hospital Mortuary, Udo to his compound at Umualim Ikenga Eziudo for lying in state at his family compound.
Funeral Service at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Eziudo, Ezinihitte Mbaise. Interment at his compound.
Outing service on Sunday 3rd June 2018.
The late Ezinna Uhagiro, who was my primary school Headmaster during his active days as a teacher, more than three decades ago, was a community leader who lived a worthy life as a Christian and a pacesetter for many which manifested in the quality of children he left behind.
My sympathy and condolence goes to the family, especially first son, Prince Ezechinyere (Eskor), a bossom pal and contemporary, the younger brother, Lucky, Elder Sisters; Aunty Queendaline, Evangelist Godspet, and the younger ones Chioma and Oby.
May His Soul Rest in Peace.
