Journalists and friends of the Nigeria Union of Journalists from across the country will be expected to mount a pen parade this week, in honour of Dr Godwin Benson, a former news editor with the Akwa Ibom State Newspaper Corporation, The Pioneer.
Benson died a few months ago after a brief illness. His remains will be laid to rest on April 25, after a service to be conducted at the Western Annang Secondary Commercial School, WASCO, Ukanafun.
Incidentally, that is the secondary school that he attended. A night of tribute is to hold at the NUJ secretariat in Uyo, on Thursday.
Publisher of TNN, Mr Ofonime Umanah, in talking about the late journalist said “Dr Godwin Benson’s death is not just a loss to his family, it is a huge loss to the journalism community in Ukanafun and in Akwa Ibom State.
“Benson was two year behind me at WASCO, where we all studied for our secondary education. Just like me, he went on to study mass communication and has been a worthy practitioner ever since.
“I have always said that the story of the birth of WASCO Alumni cannot be complete without the mention of Benson. At a time that I was the president of the WASCO class of 1986 and we were doing our thing to the envy of other sets, it was Benson’s anger towards us that pushed us into expanding our reach to cover all other classes and today, we have the WASCO Alumni.
“A few years ago, when we came together to celebrate the 50th anniversary of WASCO, Benson was one of those who worked from behind to make the celebration a success. He pulled many strings and made that event what it was. We have indeed lost a compatriot. And I have lost a personal friend and brother in the practice of journalism.
