Managing Director/CEO of the Niger Delta Basin Development Authority (NDBDA), Prince Ebitimi Amgbare, is still in tears, weeks after the death in an accident of his media aide, Mr Isaac Ombe. But he is excited that the Bayelsa State government has been very supportive to the family since the sad incident.
Ombe, a former executive member of the Federated Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, who had worked for many newspapers as correspondent in Yenagoa before his latest appointment, died penultimate week, while on his way to the burial of the deputy governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Ewrudjakpo.
On Monday, the Publisher of TNN Newspaper and Founding President of the Association of Niger Delta Online Publishers, ANDOP, Mr Ofonime Umanah, led the registered trustees of ANDOP on a condolence visit to Amgbare, where the group consoled the management and staff of the Authority.
In his tribute, Umanah wrote: “Dear Ombe, The news of your death was shocking to us in the media industry, especially those of us who knew and practiced with you in those days in Bayelsa and in the Niger Delta. You were a jolly good fellow.
“We cannot question God over this. He alone knows why you had to go now. If he did not allow it, it would not have happened. May the good God accept your soul. Nua o. Bye.”
Umanah also used the visit to introduce the other registered trustees-Clestine Ogolo and Lawson Hayford-to the managing director and said ANDOP was seriously sad by the death of Ombe, who he described as a jolly good fellow and dependable professional ally.
While commending the MD/CEO for his new vision and development strides to strategically position the authority for meaningful impact and productivity, Umanah expressed the willingness of the Association to collaborate with NDBDA to bring more media visibility by highlighting the positive impact so far made just in a short while.
He used the opportunity to also brief the Managing Director of the objectives of his association which, according to him, included to mentor the younger generation of practitioners and also and improve on the integrity of online publishing, with a view to instilling confidence in the practice of journalism in the Niger Delta region.
Meanwhile, Ombe’s family has announced that his interment will take place on February 20 at home town, Tuomo, in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State.
Ombe was known for his passion for truth, professionalism, and camaraderie. He had distinguished himself through his work with reputable media outfits such as The Nation, National Mirror, The Comet, News Express, and The Verbatim.
