By Godwin Agia, Jalingo
The Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, has condoled with the family of veteran journalist Ben Adaji and the Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ, Taraba Chapter, following the reporter’s death on Saturday.
Adaji died at 67 around 4 pm at his country home in Abo-Ojikpadala, Imane District, Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State.
In a condolence message signed by Special Adviser on Media and Digital Communications, Emmanuel Bello, the governor described the loss as a huge blow to Taraba’s media community and the journalism profession at large.
Kefas said Adaji was a forthright journalist who stayed true to professional ethics throughout his decades in the newsroom.
“The loss is a great one for his immediate family and the entire media community of the state. Adaji was a forthright journalist who stayed true to the tenets of the profession,” he said.
Governor Kefas noted that Adaji played a critical role in defending free speech in Taraba, especially during military regimes when his bold reporting often put him at odds with authority.
Until his death, Adaji served as Taraba correspondent for Al Jazeera Nigeria Newspaper, after stints with The News Magazine, The Nation, and National Trial.
Late Adaji also chaired the Taraba State Correspondents’ Chapel of NUJ, where he was widely respected for mentoring young journalists and promoting ethical reporting.
Beyond journalism, Adaji held the traditional title of Abujah of Oda Ojiji Imane in Olamaboro LGA, Kogi State. His reign was noted for cultural preservation and community development.
Paying further tribute, Governor Kefas recalled the late journalist’s courage and described him as ‘a hero of democracy and a great example of journalistic excellence’ whose legacy will inspire reporters in the state.
The governor prayed for the repose of Adaji’s soul and urged the media community to uphold the values of truth, integrity, and professionalism that defined his career.
