An avalanche of messages of commiseration has continued to pour in for the publisher of THE CONCLAVE online newspaper, Mr Sufuyan Ojeifo, on the death of his mother, Madam Aishetu Ojeifo, which occurred on Saturday, October 12, 2024.
Madam Aishetu died from a brief illness at the age of 91, leaving behind worthy legacies of service to God and mankind as well as successful children that she birthed and mentored. She would have turned 92 on December 12, 2024.
Prominent Nigerians who have so far touched base with THE CONCLAVE publisher to condole with him and pray for the repose of the soul of his beloved mother include a former Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Architect Yomi Awoniyi; National Vice Chairman (South-South zone) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Dan Osi Orbih; a former chairman of Maiduguri Metropolitan Local Government Council and one-time national chairman of the defunct Grassroots Democratic Movement (GDM), Alhaji Gambo Lawan; a retired permanent secretary in the Federal Civil Service, Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe (PhD); a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Edo State, Senator Ehigie Edobor Uzamere; a former Director General of the National Lottery Commission, Olorogun (Dr) Peter Igho; Chairman of THISDAY Editorial Board, Mr Olusegun Adeniyi; a former Information Commissioner in Delta State, Mr Magnus Onyibe; a former Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice in Edo State, Barrister Henry Idahagbon; Chief Corporate Communications Officer at the Nigeria National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, Mr Olufemi Soneye; a commissioner at the National Population Commission (NPC), Tony Aiyejina (PhD); and, Director General of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Alhaji Ali M.Ali.
The list also included an Abuja-based legal luminaries, Bola Aidi (SAN) and Adamson Adeboro (SAN); Director of Corporate Services at Setraco Nigeria Limited, Mr Ignatius Aigbokhaode; Emeritus Professor of Philosophy at National Open University of Nigeria, Godwin Sogolo; Nigeria’s former Ambassador to Thailand, Omah Djeba; a businessman, Chief Kennedy Izuagbe; a Lagos-based Communication expert, Mr Segun Shonubi; a former special assistant to a cabinet minister, Ms Uju Ukagbue; Director of Information at the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning), Mrs Julie Jacobs-Osagie; a former Director of Macro at the Ministry of Budget and National/Economic Planning, Mr David Adeosun: Publisher of Development Monitor, Mr Peter Emuekpero.
The list continued: Emyeh Jimmy Emyeh (Publisher of National Waves); Sir Folu Olamiti (Publisher of Newspot); Erasmus Ikhide (Publisher of Trojan News); Emma Akpolohor (Producer of Man Around Town on Independent Television, Benin); Mr Collins Edomaruse (Publisher of Metrowatch); Mr Godwin Adindu (a retired Director in the Federal Civil Service); Mr Paul Mumeh (Media Adviser to former Senate President, David Mark); Mr Mac Amarere (a former executive director at African Independent Television, AIT); Ms Lilian Okenwa (Publisher of Law and Society magazine); Mr Joe Obi (a directorate cadre staff member at National Assembly); Mr Boniface Emenalo (a Director at national Assembly); and Chief Akinwumi Bayode (a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Lagos).
Read on: Hon Abdul Oroh; Mr Ime Ufot; Mr Loverty Makyur (Special Assistant, Special Duties to the SGF, Senator George Akume); Mr Friday Aizeboje (Publisher of Owan Mirror); Mr Yushai Shaibu (Publisher of PRNigeria); Mr Austin Avwode (Publisher of Grandnews); Mr Olumide Bajulaiye (Publisher of Daily Dispatch); Mr Celestine Okafor (Publisher of News Leader); Ms Adetutu Folasade-Koyi (Abuja Bureau Editor of Daily Sun newspaper); Mr Emma Ujah (Bureau Editor of Vanguard newspaper); and, Mr Lanre Ogundipe (a former President of Nigeria Union of Journalists and African Union of Journalists) who penned a special missive that reads like a poem. Read him: “Dear brother/colleague – CONCLAVE publisher, Sufuyan Ojeifo, the news of mama’s passage was received with mixed feelings. Mama passed on at a ripe age of 91 years. The painful aspect is that we would not see again on this part of eternity. We are comforted by the fact that she lived an impactful life and lived to see the fruit of her labour.
“My dear brother Sufuyan, I urge you to brace up. I know it is not easy for someone to lose a dearly mother like Mama Aishetu Ojeifo. To lose the close bond that defines mother/son relationship is not easy. I pray the good Lord will comfort you and the entire family. Please accept my sincere condolences for your profound loss. My deepest sympathy is with you and your loved ones.”
A number of institutions and organisations have also sent their condolences to THE CONCLAVE publisher, namely Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), Veritas University, Abuja, and THISDAY Alumni.
A condolence letter signed by the National Coordinator of HURIWA, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, read: “We in this organization made up of over ten thousand members in Nigeria and globally, received the news of the departure to the great world beyond of your mother, Madam Aishetu Ojeifo, who left to be with God in the morning of Saturday, October 12, 2024.
“We are hereby writing to console you over this unfortunate incident, even though we believe that your beloved mother lived a meaningful, Godly and fulfilling long life. Her departure at the ripe age of 92 is therefore not so much a very tragic event but should be a celebration of a long life happily lived.
“knowing you, sir, as one of the most respected professional journalists in Nigeria, and also as a professional media manager who is dedicated to the fine principles of ethical code of conduct for journalism practice in Nigeria, which include objectivity, balance, and truthfulness, we are delighted to commend your lovely mother for brining up a very polished gentleman in you. We believe Mama is now in heaven.
“So, kindly send our words to your siblings and do please accept our most sincere condolences.”
Vice Chancellor of Veritas University in Abuja, Rev. Professor Hyacinth Ichoku, in a condolence message sent on his behalf by the Head of Corporate Affairs and Communications, Mr Ben Agande, wrote: “Dear Mr Ojeifo, it is with profound sadness that I write on behalf of the Vice Chancellor of Veritas University, Rev Fr. Professor Hyacinth Ichoku to extend my deepest condolences to you and your family on the passing of your beloved mother. As somebody that travelled this route most recently, having lost my mother one year ago, I am aware that the loss of a parent is an unimaginable grief that leaves an indelible mark on our lives.
“Though the pain of losing your mother can only be imagined, we are consoled by the fact that in you, she produced a man of remarkable accomplishments, and through you, her legacy will continue to endure. It will be safe for me to conclude that her warmth, kindness, and unwavering support have undoubtedly shaped the person you are today. These are virtues that I am sure you are proud that your dear mother internalized in you.
“As you navigate through this difficult time, please remember that her legacy will continue to live on through the values she instilled in you and the love she shared with you and your siblings.
“At Veritas University, we recognize the profound impact that such a loss can have on one’s personal and professional life. We stand with you during this challenging period and offer our support and condolences.
“May you find comfort in the cherished memories you hold dear of your mother. The Vice Chancellor assures you that his thoughts are with you and your family during this time of mourning. May our Lord Jesus Christ console you and your siblings as you traverse this very difficult period of your lives.”
THISDAY ALUMNI’s condolence letter to Mr Ojeifo, signed by Tony Onyima, PhD and Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, President and Secretary respectively read: “On behalf of the members of the THISDAY Alumni Association, please accept our deepest condolences to you and your family on the loss of your beloved mother, Madam Aishetu Ojeifo.
“We were profoundly saddened to hear of her passing on Saturday morning of October 12, 2024, just two months to her 92nd birthday. Although, words can hardly ease the pain of such a loss, we want you to know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your siblings during this difficult time.
“Your mother’s gracious spirit and unwavering dedication to family and community have left an indelible mark on all who were privileged to know her. As you mourn, may you find comfort in the beautiful memories you shared and strength in the love of family and friends who support you.
“As you prepare to honour her life and times, we pray that the burial arrangements proceed smoothly and that the event becomes a fitting tribute to her legacy. Once again, please accept our heartfelt condolences. May Mama’s soul rest in eternal peace.”
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