By Amaechi Agbo
The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN FCT chapter have opened a condolence register in honour of their member, late Hyacinth Umeh even as tributes pour in.
Aged 51, Umeh passed on last Thursday as a result of complications after kidney dialysis, a week after his birthday.
Already, many sympathisers including friends and colleagues have reached out to the leadership of the association in the nation’s capital in the last few days.
FCT SWAN Chairman, Comrade Ndubueze Chidoka, who expressed shock after the news of Hyacinth’s death was made known to him, said his dedication to duty and resilience at all times will be missed.
“I can’t still believe that our dear colleague Hyacinth is no more. Yes, he was sick but showed great signs of recovery before he passed on.
“His death is something that is like a rude shock to me. We rallied for funds and were still rallying for more money from colleagues and friends to enable him take further treatment before the news of his demise came to us.
“We pray that God grants us and members of his family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss,” he said.
Immediate past SWAN Chairman in Abuja, Comrade Kayode Adeniyi, under whose tenure Hyacinth served as an exco member said, “I actually lack words to express how I feel. I was with him in the hospital while he was sick, only God knows why he allowed him to leave us now.
“He was committed to any course he believed in. May his soul continue to rest in peace.”
Meanwhile, a condolence register has been opened at the FCT Council office of the Nigeria Union of Journalist (NUJ).
Umeh was until his death a staff member of Plus TV Africa. He also worked at Silver Bird Television and DAAR Communications PLC (African Independent Television AIT and Raypower fm).
The date of his burial will be released by his family in due course.
