The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council has expressed shock over the death of ace sport writter and Chairman of Peoples Daily Chapel of NUJ FCT Council Alber Akota describing it as a great loss to the union and journalism profession.
In a statement released Sunday in Abuja, jointly signed by Comrades Osaretin Osadebamwen and Ochiaka Ugwu, Chairman and Secretary of Council respectively, it noted that council received the news of the death of the ace sportswriter with rude shock.
It stated that the late Akota was not only a strong member of the council, who never missed any council’s activities, but a committed comrade who was always desirous to lend a helping hand to colleagues whenever the need arises.
According to the statement, “The former Sport Editor would be remembered for his invaluable contributions to the growth of the journalism profession, and NUJ as umbrella body of all practicing journalists.
“It is a sad and grieving moment for the NUJ family and Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) in particular. It is more worrying that he died when his services were most needed by the council and his medium, Peoples Daily.
“Akota was a dedicated newsman, an exemplary, unpretentious and hard-working Journalist, who discharged his duties with diligence, devotion and integrity.
“Akota was modest, calm and gentle during his lifetime and would be greatly missed by his colleagues and fans.
“Make no mistake about it, the council had lost an industrious and active member to the cold hands of death. It was more painful that he died when his services were mostly needed”.
It would be recalled that Akota died at the early hours of Saturday March 16 after a protracted illness and was survived by his wife and three children.