By John Atini
Dele Giwa will be remembered for his incisive and dynamic approach to features writing as encapsulated in his parallax “Snaps” column which he used at various times in Daily Times, National Concord Newspaper and News Watch Magazine.
In short, he elevated investigative journalism to a high pedestal and brought his rich American Journalism experiences to bear in the Nigerian media practice.
The late Dele Giwa brought life into journalism in Nigeria and generation unborn will remember him as that intellectual, who redefined mass media practice and brought respect to the business of mass communication. But like they say, good things don’t last.
Same could be said of Comrade Victoria Apeanem Yin a Asher, the NUJ Chairman, Benue State Council, who passed on suddenly on 30th January and buried 12th February 2021 at Tse-Maave, Ugber-Tongov, Katsina-Ala.
Though cut short in her prime, she brought respect, prestige and elegance in her small way into broadcast Journalism.
She once said, “it is not just easy to pick up somebody and make him or her’ a journalist, she has to have the flair”.
A one-time National Vice-President of NUJ Comrade Joyce Bur Akuraga feels that broadcast journalism is a rewarding career the country. A good broadcast journalist like Victoria Yina Asher, Rachel Eki, Abu Onaji, David Orkuma could go as high as possible management, in industry and in the profession itself.
While grieving in the nostalgia over the demise of comrade Victoria she mentioned former journalists, who have made it -Alhaji Babatude Jose, Dan Ochima Agbese, Dele Giwa, Julius Achin, Tony Momoh, Tor-Mellabu, Mzeiyol John Shikoh, Joyce Bur Akuraga, James Jukwey, Professor Rasheed Abubakar, Simon Shango, Maria Ode, Godwin
Ikerave, Shangev De Adsongo Ed’Rumun Mningem, Jack Akya, Engr. Eugene Lazarus Ivase, Alex Mede, Rose Onjefu and many more, who set records right and straight.
While alive, Victoria Apeanem Yina Asher in between the 29 years of service, got her degrees in addition to a Diploma in Journalism from the International Institute of Journalism and Training at the famous FRCN Training School Oshodi, Lagos. These trainings sharpened her skills in the journalism profession when asked where journalists could make their mark, she answered “opportunity is the first thing, it takes one to be successful in the broadcast medium as prove in his or her mettle”.
During her service years, she could disclosed that then, if one gets it, hard work, integrity and knowledge as Fashion Iconoclast Kpum Gabbis Kpum added constitute the other core ingredients that mould a successful broadcast journalist.
Nevertheless, speakers at the NUJ Light House Makurdi during the valedictory session spoke glowingly of her Asher commitment to her profession and family that she would occupy a special place in paradise owing to the fact that she was after God’s heart.
Other speakers like the General Manager of The V oice Comrade Ben Agande, Chief Kudushima Acka, Hon. Ngunan Addingi, Chief Chris Isiguzo, lauded the quality initiatives of the departed chairman saying her courage, tenacity, savvy and professionalism were unrivalled.
Yet, another area of concern is the issue of standards within the profession, which Hon. Ngunan Addingi said ought to be improved upon.
The Governor of Benue State, Samue Ortom prayed God to grant the soul of NUJ Boss, Comrade Vick Apeanem Yima Asher rest in perfect peace and her family and colleagues, the fortitude to bear the monumental loss.
A parliamentarian Hon. Dr. Richard Gbande of the Federal House of Representatives lamented that, it is disheartening that the lord called her when her invaluable services to the nation and humanity were most needed.
Hon. Gbande then prayed Almighty God give The Fourth Estate of the Realm and Yina Asher family the grace to forge ahead with philosophical calmness.
The Director General Radio Benue Espei Ushe Uba, Veteran Law possible Ediba, Chief Mrs. Rebecca Apedzan, Ben Ebe, Hon. Alfred Agera Avalumun, Architect Fred Bula and Sly Yina thanked God for the bold bids of their own saying may she rest in perfect peace Aljana Fidua. Comrade Vickie Apeanem Yina Asher fought a good fight, finished the race, having kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for her the crown of righteousness which the Lord the righteous Judge would bestow unto her and all who loved His appearing.
Comrade Victoria Apeanem Yina Asher was born on the 18 October, 1973 to the family of Yina Yaakugh ofMbayion, Mbausu of Gboko, Benue State. She was the sixth in the family.
The ebullient boss of NUJ attended Holy Ghost Primary School Makurdi and Mount Carmel College Makurdi, where she was the head girl.
Encouraged by her elder sisters Chief Mrs. Benedictta N. Bula and Chief Mrs. Rebecca Apedzan attended Benue Polytechnic Ugbokolo and Benue State University Makurdi for certificate of proficiency, degree and post graduate degree.
An amiable and unassuming journalist, she is survived by her husband, Deacon Daniel Luper Asher’ and blessed with triplets and two survivals Sefa- Ter and Sughsha- Ter then the unfortunate took place.
Others includes: aged mother mummy Salem Yina, brothers, sisters, nephews, nieces and cousins.
Comrade Victoria Apeanem Yina Asher is a technocrat and bureaucrat with lots of both administrative and managerial acumen second to none.