By SAM ADZEGEH, Abuja –
President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed his deep condolences over the sudden demise of Mr. John Chiahemen, a veteran journalist.
Chiahemen, who had worked with the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) and also served as Bureau Chief for Reuters in Nigeria, died in a hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa yesterday at the age of 72.
In a condolence letter signed by Garba Shehu, his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, and dated August 10, 2022, President Buhari said he was “saddened to learn of the death of John Chiahemen” and “extends deep condolences to his family, friends and colleagues, including everyone in the various media organizations where he worked.”
The President recalled that the veteran newsman was “well respected for his brilliant contributions and editorial role of covering news about Africa from a business and development perspective, beyond the narrow stereotypes of disaster and poverty.”
The President expressed hopes that the remarkable legacies left behind by Mr. Chiahemen, who he described as “one of Nigeria’s most accomplished journalists”, will continue to inspire current and upcoming members of the fourth estate of the realm.
The President also prayed for the peaceful repose of the soul of the deceased and comfort for those in mourning.
In another condolence message, Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom , also expressed deep sorrow over Mr. Chiahemen’s demise.
Ortom, in the condolence message signed by Nathaniel Ikyur, his Chief Press Secretary, described the passage of the
international journalist, “who had been contributing to the development of the society especially on the global peace initiative,” as a huge loss to Nigeria.
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 the Nigerian politics.
He noted the exploits, courage and resilience of the late journalist in modern media engagement both in Nigeria and other African countries where he had worked with distinction.
The Governor lamented that Benue State and Nigeria has lost a patriot and a thorough bred media practioner and urged the bereaved family to take solace in the fact that late Chiahemen left positive footprints in the sands of time.
In yet another condolence letter, a Tiv Traditional title holder, Prof. Terhemba Shija, the Zege Kwaghfan u Tiv, also extended his condolences to the family of the late journalist. Shija, who described the departed veteran journalist as “a brother and colleague”,
He recalled that Chiahemen was a thorough and conscientious media professional who was committed to the highest ethics of journalistic best practices. He prayed God to give the bereaved family the fortitude to bear the loss.
Chiahemen also worked briefly with Abubakar Atiku’s media company, Gotel as its first managing director in 2015.
Late Chiahemen hailed from Mbadede in Vandeikya local government area of Benue State.
He is survived by a wife, three children, a grand child and many relation, including Tom Chiahemen, another veteran journalist and publisher of NATIONAL ACCORD newspaper, and Mark Chiahemen of Lemon Graphics (Computer Graphics Designs and Printers), Abuja.
IThe family, in a statement on Wednesday said “Iit is with great sorrow and great peace we share that our patriarch, former Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and former Thompson Reuters journalist, John Neji Chiahemen, has returned home to rest.
“He fought a valiant long battle with motor neuron disease (ALS) and he was selfless to his last breath. He died peacefully in Johannesburg, South Africa surrounded by his family. John is survived by his wife Winnie “Chizi” Chiahemen; daughters: Ide Wise (UK) Fanen Chiahemen (Canada), and Mimi Chiahemen (US); grandson, Finley Hemen Kanyin Wise (UK); son-in-law, Ben Wise (UK).He is also survived by brothers and sisters, including Tom Chiahemen, Abuja-based Media & PR Consultant and Publisher, NATIONAL ACCORD Newspaper and larger family in Nigeria and Kenya
“.He will be greatly missed.”
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