By Amos Odhe, Yenagoa
Journalists in Bayelsa State at the weekend mourned the death of veteran broadcaster, Mr. Benaebi Eselemo.
Eselemo died on December 15, 2023, after a prolonged illness. He died at the age of 76 years.
Eselemo worked with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) in Benin City, Edo State for 27 years, between 1976 and 2003, and was later moved to Bayelsa State as manager, News between 2003 and 2009.
He also worked with the Federal Polytechnic, Ekeowe as Public Relations Officer in 2010.
Eselemo, popularly known as ‘Cycle,’ won laurels and accolades from his contributions to journalism in Edo, Bayelsa, Niger Delta and Nigeria at large. He won the NUJ award as Best Reporter of NTA Benin in 1995, Nigeria Media Merit Award Benin City,1997, Merit Media Award,Benin City,1999 among others.
The chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, Bayelsa State chapter, Comrade Samuel Mammangi and secretary, Comrade Ogio Ipigansi expressed shock over the demise of Benaibi Eselemo, describing the loss as a big blow to mordern day broadcasting in the state.
Comrade Numonengi, in the codolence message, said the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Jounalists (NUJ), Bayelsa State Council and the entire Journalist family in the State received the Sad news of the demise of Mr. Benaebi Jonathan Eselemo whose death Occured on the 15th of December, 2023.
According to the statement, “His death is a big blow to us but even More so to you the immediate family as he departed at a time that the childhen and other family members, still need his fatherly love and wise counsel”.
“Late Benaebi Eselemo was a journalist per excellent who ply his trade with the Nigeria Television Authen (NTA) . He will be greatly missed by all journalists and any one who came in contact with him.”
“We urge the family to be strong just as we pray that the Almighty God grants the family the stengtit of character to bear this irredeemable Loss.May his gentle soul find nest in the bosom of the lord”.
