Members of the Association of Niger Delta Online Publishers, ANDOP, have expressed sadness over the death of their member, Mr Anietie Ben Akpan, who, until his death on August 2, was the publisher of the Calabar based medium, The Pillar Today.
Founding President of the association, Mr Ofonime Umanah, and the secretary, Celestine Ogolo, said in a joint statement on Tuesday, that the online publishers were devastated by the news of the death of the veteran journalist.
The association said “we got the news of the death of our friend, colleague and brother, Mr Anietie Ben Akpan on Monday and got very devastated. We know he was down in health but each time we spoke with him, he was very lively and hopeful.
“As a new professional organization, we saw in Akpan, a thorough bred professional who was willing and ready to contribute to our dreams of reshaping online publishing in the Niger Delta. He showed the enthusiasm to be the change agent that we needed in the online publishing business.
“Hearing of his death has destablised us. We wish it did not happen. We wish it were a dream. We have lost a friend, a true professional and partner in progress. This is, indeed, too painful for us to bear.”
The online publishers prayed God to sustain and comfort the bereaved family, even as they promised to be there for them especially during this trying period.
The statement added: “Our heart goes to the bereaved family. This is their trying times and we share in their pains. May God comfort, sustain and keep them strong at this time. May the soul of our departed colleague rest in the bosom of the Lord.”
