Death Snatches Veteran Journalist Anietie Ben Akpan as Niger Delta Online Publishers Mourn Colleague
By The Evangelist, Uyo.
The Association of Niger Delta Online Publishers (ANDOP) has expressed profound grief over the death of one of its members, veteran journalist and publisher of the Calabar-based The Pillar Today, Mr. Anietie Ben Akpan, describing his passing as a painful loss to the media profession and the association. Akpan died on August 2 after a period of illness.
In a joint statement issued on Tuesday by the Founding President of ANDOP, Mr. Ofonime Umanah, and the association’s Secretary, Mr. Celestine Ogolo, members said they were devastated by the news of Akpan’s demise. They noted that although he had been battling health challenges, he remained optimistic and cheerful during their conversations with him.
The association described the late journalist as a seasoned professional who was deeply committed to advancing ethical and credible online journalism in the Niger Delta. According to the statement, Akpan demonstrated remarkable enthusiasm and willingness to contribute to the association’s vision of reshaping digital publishing across the region, making him a valuable partner in its developmental aspirations.
“Our hearts are broken by the loss of our friend, colleague and brother,” the statement read. “Hearing of his death has destabilised us. We wished it never happened. We have lost a true professional, a dependable partner in progress and one of the voices we believed would help drive positive change in online publishing. His death is indeed too painful for us to bear.”
ANDOP extended its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, praying God to grant them strength and comfort in their moment of grief. The association also pledged to stand by the family throughout the period of mourning, while praying for the peaceful repose of the late Anietie Ben Akpan, whose contributions to journalism and online publishing will be fondly remembered.
