By Solomon OKPO
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Basin Development Authority (NDBDA), Prince Ebitimi Amgbare, has described the late Isaac Ombe, his Special Assistant on Media, as a seasoned journalist of rare integrity whose dedication to truth and professionalism left an enduring mark on the media industry.
Prince Amgbare spoke on Monday at the Authority’s headquarters in Port Harcourt when the registered trustees of the Association of Niger Delta Online Publishers (ANDOP) paid him a condolence visit over the demise of Ombe.
The delegation was led by ANDOP President and Publisher of TNN Newspaper, Mr. Ofonime Umanah, alongside the Protem Secretary, Mr. Celestine Ogolo, and Protem Treasurer, Mr. Lawson Hayford.
Expressing deep sorrow over the sudden loss, the NDBDA boss said Ombe’s death was not only a personal loss but a major blow to the journalism profession in the Niger Delta.
He noted that the late media aide was widely respected for his unwavering commitment to ethical journalism and passion for truth.
Prince Amgbare also commended the Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, for his intervention following the fatal accident, praising the governor for approving ₦10 million each for the families of the deceased and shouldering the medical bills of other victims. According to him, the gesture reflected responsive leadership and compassion at a critical moment of grief.
Earlier, Mr. Umanah said the journalism community was deeply saddened by Ombe’s untimely death, describing him as a brother, friend and dependable colleague in the pen profession. In a written tribute, he recalled Ombe as a jovial and committed journalist whose contributions to media practice in Bayelsa State and the wider Niger Delta would not be forgotten.
“We cannot question God over this loss. He alone knows why it happened. May God accept his soul,” Umanah wrote.
While commiserating with the NDBDA management, the ANDOP President commended Prince Amgbare for his emerging vision and development-driven approach, noting that the Authority was being strategically repositioned for greater impact. He expressed the association’s readiness to collaborate with the NDBDA to enhance media visibility by projecting the Authority’s activities and achievements.
Umanah further briefed the Managing Director on the objectives of ANDOP, explaining that the association is committed to mentoring practitioners and strengthening online publishing in order to build public confidence in journalism across the Niger Delta.
Meanwhile, the family of the late Isaac Ombe has announced that his burial will take place on February 20 at his hometown, Tuomo, in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State.
Ombe was widely known for his professionalism, camaraderie and passion for truth. He worked with several reputable media organisations, including The Nation, National Mirror, The Comet, News Express and The Verbatim. Before joining the NDBDA, he served as an executive member of the Federated Correspondents’ Chapel of the Bayelsa State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
He died in a tragic road accident on January 30 along the Toru-Orua axis of the Sagbama–Ekeremor Road in Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, while travelling to the burial of the state’s late Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.
As tributes continue to pour in, colleagues say Ombe will be remembered for his principled journalism, humility and unwavering commitment to the truth.
The Evangelist News
