MD/CEO of NDBDA, Prince Ebitimi Amgbare (2nd right) in a handshake with the ANDOP President, Mr. Ofonime Umanah while the Protem Secretary, Mr. Celestine Ogolo (1st right) and the Protem Treasurer, Mr. Lawson Hayford look on with admiration during the visit on Monday.
By Anietie Akpan
The Managing Director/CEO of the Niger Delta Basin Development Authority (NDBDA), Prince Ebitimi Amgbare and the Association of Niger Delta Online Publishers, (ANDOP) have expressed great regret over the passing of a veteran journalist, Isaac Ombe.
Until his demise, Ombe was the Special Assistant on Media to the Managing Director/CEO of the NDBDA who described him as “a veteran journalist of impeccable integrity”.
In a a heartfelt tribute, Prince Amgbare expressed his deep pains over the sudden death of Ombe when the registered trustees of ANDOP, led by the President, Ofonime Umanah, Protem Secretary, Celestine Ogolo and Protem Treasurer, Lawson Hayford, paid him a condolence visit at the Authority’s headquarters in Port Harcourt on Monday.
The Managing Director/CEO commended Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State for supporting the families of Ombe and others who died in the road crash with the sum of N10 million each and taking up all medical bills of victims of the fatal accident.
His words: “Ombe’s dedication to journalism and his passion for truth would be greatly missed.”
The NDBDA boss’s tribute to Ombe reflects the impact he had on those around him as the journalism community continues to mourn the loss of this dedicated and passionate journalist, who will be remembered for his commitment to truth and professionalism.
Earlier, the President of ANDOP, said journalism community was saddened by the untimely death of their colleague, saying that Ombe was a brother, friend, and worthy partner in the pen profession.
Umanah who is also the Publisher of TNN Newspaper in his tribute, 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 can not 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.”
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.
Umanah also briefed the Managing Director of the objectives of his association which according to him was poised to mentor and improve 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. Before joining the NDBDA, Ombe was a former executive member of the Federated Correspondents’ Chapel of the Bayelsa State Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ)
Ombe lost his life in a tragic road accident on his way to the burial ceremony of Bayelsa State’s late Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo on January 30 at the Toru-Orua axis of the Sagbama-Ekeremor road in Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
