The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Niger State Council, Comrade Abu Nmodu, has expressed sadness over the death of the State Correspondent of the Nigerian Pilot Newspaper, Elder Hameed Salawu, who died yesterday.
In his condolence message on behalf of the Union, Comrade Abu Nmodu said the entire membership received with shock the news of the demise of one of the finest, most gentle, hardworking, and God-fearing journalists.
He said the late Hameed Salawu can best be described as an arbiter, mentor, easygoing, and an individual who epitomises peace, justice, and a rallying point between the leadership and entire members of the union.
The chairman said the deceased will be greatly missed for his wise counselling, conflict resolution strategies, high sense of professionalism in his daily reportage, and devotion to Islamic tenets.
Comrade Abu Nmodu noted that, though the Union was pained by the death of Elder Hameed Salawu, he is consoled that the deceased had lived a just life worthy of emulation, not only by his immediate family but among members of the union.
He recalled the fatherly role played by the deceased in the peaceful election that brought the present leadership of the Union to power, adding that he would continue to be remembered for his mature and professional contributions during our congresses.
The council chairman assured that the union would not allow the legacies of the deceased to go in vain, as the leadership would continue to utilise the knowledge acquired from him as a father and professional colleague.
He specifically commiserated with the Chairman of the Correspondents Chapel, Comrade Mustapha Yakubu Bina, and the entire members of the Chapel for the great loss.
He urged them not to allow the attributes of Late Elder Hameed Salawu to fade but to always imbibe the spirit of truth, sincerity, honesty, and love that he stood for in both their private and public lives.
Comrade Abu Nmodu then prayed to Allah to forgive the deceased's sins and grant him, Aljanatu Firdausi, and the family, as well as the Correspondents Chapel, the courage to bear the irreparable loss.