By Sunday Iduh
Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has expressed sadness over the demise of a foremost Nigerian-born South African based veteran journalist, Mr John Chiahemen.
Chiahemen, who was once the Bureau Chief of Reuters for Nigeria and Editor of Reuters Africa died on Tuesday at the age of 72 in a South African hospital.
Nathaniel Ikyur, Chief Press Secretary to the governor, in a statement on Wednesday said his principal described the death of the international journalist, who had been contributing to the development of the society, especially on global peace initiative as a huge loss to Nigeria.
According to the statement, Governor 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 Nigerian politics.
The statement further stated that the governor acknowledged the exploits, courage and resilience of Mr Chiahemen in the modern media engagement both in Nigeria and other African countries where he had worked with distinction.
It stated that Chiahemen also worked briefly with Abubakar Atiku’s media company, Gotel as its first Managing Director in 2015.
“Governor Ortom lamented that Benue State and Nigeria has lost a patriot and a thorough bred media practitioner.
“The Governor urged the bereaved family to take solace in the fact that late Chiahemen left positive footprints in the sands of time, adding that he was a very resourceful journalist, who worked for peace and upliftment of the society. He lived an exemplary life worthy of emulation,” the statement read.
Late Chiahemen hailed from from Mbadede, Vandeikya Local Government Area of Benue State.
He left behind a wife, three children, one grand child and many relations, among which is Tom Chiahemen, also a veteran journalist and publisher of NATIONAL ACCORD newspaper.
