President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed his deep condolences over the sudden demise of Mr John Chiahemen, a veteran journalist.
Chiahemen, who had worked with the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) and also served as Bureau Chief for Reuters in Nigeria, died in a hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa on Tuesday at the age of 72.
In a condolence letter signed by Garba Shehu, his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, and dated August 10, 2022, President Buhari said he was “saddened to learn of the death of John Chiahemen” and “extends deep condolences to his family, friends and colleagues, including everyone in the various media organizations where he worked.”
The President recalled that the veteran newsman was “well respected for his brilliant contributions and editorial role of covering news about Africa from a business and development perspective, beyond the narrow stereotypes of disaster and poverty.”
The President expressed hopes that the remarkable legacies left behind by Mr Chiahemen, who he described as “one of Nigeria’s most accomplished journalists”, would continue to inspire current and upcoming members of the fourth estate of the realm.
The President also prayed for the peaceful repose of the soul of the deceased and comfort for those in mourning.
In another condolence message, Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom , also expressed deep sorrow over Mr Chiahemen’s demise.
Ortom, in the condolence message signed by Nathaniel Ikyur, his Chief Press Secretary, described the passage of the international journalist, “who had been contributing to the development of the society especially on the global peace initiative,” as a huge loss to Nigeria.
Ortom lamented that Mr Chiahemen died at a time when his wealth of experience and expertise in conflict management was needed to navigate through the murky waters of the Nigerian politics.
He noted the exploits, courage and resilience of the late journalist in modern media engagement both in Nigeria and other African countries where he had worked with distinction.
The Governor lamented that Benue State and Nigeria has lost a patriot and a thorough bred media practioner and urged the bereaved family to take solace in the fact that late Chiahemen left positive footprints in the sands of time.
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