NUJ FCT Council mourns demise of veteran Journalist, Isiah Abraham

By Stanley Onyekwere

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council has mourned the death of a veteran, Elder Isaiah Abraham, who passed on Thursday, after a protracted illness.

In an e-signed statement from Secretary of Council, Jide Oyekunle issued Friday, the NUJ FCT Council noted that late  Isaiah was a dedicated senior member of the NUJ for several years, and played a pivotal role with his selfless contributions toward a vibrant Union.

 It added that the deceased had worked with defunct Concord Newspapers and the Daily Times of Nigeria (DTN) in Lagos before joining the New Nigerian Newspapers (NNN) in Kaduna as the Features Editor and eventually moved to the NNN, Abuja Bureau, as the Special Correspondent.

“The Nigeria Union of Journalists, FCT Council, extends its heartfelt condolences to the immediate family, management, and staff of Daily Times and New Nigerian Newspapers, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time.

“Focused and committed, the Late Elder Isaiah, during his active journalism practice, covers every beat assigned to him with passion given his vast experience on the job, particularly the Nigerian Population Commission (NPC) and political affairs, among others.

“Born on April 27, 1959, in Lokoja, hails from Emi-Bochi in Bassa Local Government Area of Kogi State. He was a two-time Nigeria Merit Award winner in demographic journalism and political matters.

“An alumnus of the Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ), the late Isaiah was known as a pacesetter and peace-loving veteran who believed in doing the right thing always for the younger ones to emulate. His wealth of experience and aura of intelligence in the profession and union cannot be overemphasised.

“Fondly called by his NNN colleagues as “Isaiah, The Son of Abraham,” he was not just a member of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council. Isaiah was a beacon of inspiration, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the cause of the union.

“His passion for investigative journalism inspired and fostered a sense of inspiration and encouragement for many young journalists”, the statement read in part.

It continued:”Sadly, Elder Isaiah could not wait to publish his two books on Amazon titled “The Garden of Vagabond” and “Housing and Demographic Problems in Nigeria,” which he had written.

“During his eventful lifetime, he interfaced with many destitute and homeless people living under the bridge within and around Abuja, the nation’s capital, as part of his research while writing the books.”

Further, the NUJ FCT Council said in honour of late  Isaiah, it will continue to uphold the values he championed and strive to carry forward the vision he had for the Union and the journalism profession.

It however, disclosed that the burial arrangements would be announced by his family in due course.