Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has sympathised with the Niger State Correspondents Chapel of Nigeria Union Journalists over the death of its member, Mercy Ngozi Osajiugo, News Agency of Nigerian (NAN) Senior Correspondent in the state.
The governor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, extended his heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased, NAN, Correspondents Chapel, and the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Niger State Council.
He acknowledged the selfless service of the deceased and her role in upholding responsible journalism in the state.
According to him, "It is indeed a sad moment for all members of the pen profession in Niger State, but I encouraged you not to lose faith in God in your bereavement, as He gives and takes life when and how He wills.
"I deeply sympathise with you all; may God comfort you and also repose her soul.".
The late Mercy Ngozi Osajiugo was a practicing journalist who served in Niger State for several years.
Until her death, she was a senior correspondent with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Minna Zonal office.
A senior reporter with Newsline Newspaper, Mr. Akawu Ibrahim, has emerged as one of the most outstanding journalists in the print media category.
The quintessential journalist, with over one and a half decades of journalism practice, was among the thirteen nominees crowned with the prestigious award yesterday at IBB Pen House during a ceremony to mark the 2023 Press Week of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, Niger State Council.
Justina Asishina of the Nation Newspaper and Abubakar Akote of the Daily Trust were also among the awardees for Most Outstanding Journalists in Print Media.
Others who carted the award home in the broadcast category included Maimuna Raji Egigo from Prestige FM, Umar Borno from Radio Niger, Pamela Doma and Zainab Khaleel Kobo of Niger State Television, and Fatima Usman of NTA.
Mustapha Nasiru Batsari of Voice of America, Sani Muhammad Sani and Nurudeen Isyaku Daza, both of Prestige FM, and Mal. Aliyu of FRCN emerged as outstanding journalists awardees in the indigenous languages category.
Jibrin Usman Kodo of the Niger State Ministry of Information went home with the outstanding information officer award.
During the ceremony, the Chairman of NUJ, Niger State Council, Comrade Abu Nmodu, enjoined the awardees to work hard to justify the award bestowed on them.
He encouraged journalists to continue persevering in the face of daunting challenges by upholding the truth, which is one of the cardinal ethics of the noble profession.
The Niger State Council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists is holding its 2023 Press Week, with a lecture and award ceremony kick-starting the event.
The grand finale will take place on Saturday, February 3, 2024, with the investiture of Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago as the Grand Patron of the union and the launch of the union magazine.
The occasion will be held at the Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi International Conference Centre, Minna, by 9:00 a.m.
