The Nigeria Union of Journalists, Federal Capital Territory Council, has launched a trust fund to support the education and welfare of the three children of its former chairman, the late Patrick Osadebamwen.
The initiative was announced on Monday at a Night of Tribute organised by the council in honour of the veteran journalist, who died at his residence.
The event, held at the NUJ FCT Council Secretariat, Utako, Abuja, attracted members of Osadebamwen’s family, former chairmen of the council, journalists, professional colleagues, friends and other associates.
Speaking at the event, the NUJ FCT Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike, said the trust fund was part of the council’s commitment to supporting Osadebamwen’s family following his death.
Ike said the death of the former chairman provided an opportunity for journalists to reflect on his professional career, leadership and contributions to the journalism community.
She said journalists spent much of their careers documenting the stories of others, but Osadebamwen’s death had brought the profession together to reflect on the life and career of one of its own.
“Osadebamwen had a considerable professional career, having worked with Union Newspaper, Core TV, The Nigerian Tribune and Kaftan TV. He also served as Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council,” she said.
The NUJ chairman said Osadebamwen’s tenure as council chairman came with responsibilities and challenges, adding that his contributions to the union remained part of the history of the council and the journalism profession.
Ike noted that his death also underscored the temporary nature of professional positions and the enduring value of the contributions individuals make to institutions and the people they serve.
She reaffirmed the council’s commitment to supporting the families of deceased members, describing the gesture as an expression of solidarity within the journalism profession.
According to her, the council had remained in contact with Osadebamwen’s family since his death, with particular attention to the welfare of his three children.
“It is in this spirit that the Council has remained engaged with Patrick’s family since we received the news of his passing. We are particularly mindful of the three children he left behind and the responsibility that now rests on the family and those around them,” she said.
Ike also acknowledged the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, and the FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmed Mohammed Sanusi, for their assistance in evacuating Osadebamwen’s remains.
She also commended the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Okokon Iniedu, for representing the IGP and conveying his condolences to the family and the union.
Addressing the bereaved family, Ike said, “Patrick has taken his place in history. Our responsibility now is to ensure that his contributions are remembered with dignity, while also supporting those he has left behind.”
Speaking on behalf of the NUJ National President, Achike Chude urged journalists and Nigerians to embrace tolerance, forgiveness and reconciliation.
Chude said while death was inevitable, no one knew when or how it would come, urging people to resolve their differences and show love while they were still alive.
“Every single person knows that all of us will go one day or the other. What we do not know is when and how it is going to happen,” he said.
Former chairmen of the council also urged journalists to use Osadebamwen’s death as an opportunity to strengthen relationships and promote reconciliation within the union.
They cautioned members against allowing disagreements to permanently damage professional and personal relationships.
Former President of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, Comrade Evelyn Oyilo, described Osadebamwen as a friend who, despite his strong personality, was willing to seek peace whenever disagreements arose.
She called on journalists to embrace forgiveness, love and unity.
Similarly, the National President of NAWOJ, Comrade Aisha Ibrahim Kwaya-Bura, represented by the FCT Chairperson, Bassey Ita Ikpang, urged journalists to support one another despite their differences.
Ikpang appealed to members to respond with kindness whenever colleagues sought assistance.
“I want to implore every one of us to speak out and up and seek help. And to every other person, please, when somebody calls you or talks to you, try to embrace that person. Embrace the person with love,” she said.
The immediate past President of NAWOJ, Comrade Ladi Bala, urged former leaders of the council to avoid taking disagreements and grievances to social media.
Bala called for reconciliation and constructive engagement among members in the interest of the union.
Also speaking, veteran journalist and Executive Director of Men Against Rape, Dr Lemmy Ughegbe, urged members to set aside their differences and begin a process of reconciliation in honour of Osadebamwen.
Ughegbe said he would have preferred to be invited to celebrate Osadebamwen’s birthday rather than gather to mourn his death, describing the occasion as a painful moment for his colleagues and friends.
He said the death should serve as a reminder to journalists to reflect on their relationships and work towards greater understanding and unity.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, also paid tribute to the late journalist and assured his family of the support of the Nigeria Police Force.
The IGP, represented by CSP Habib, said Disu had indicated his willingness to support the children through the trust fund established for their education and welfare.
Habib appealed to individuals and members of the NUJ to contribute to the fund, stressing the need to provide the children with the support required to continue their education and secure their future.
“It touches me personally to see these young children because if I had lost my father or mother at a tender age, I do not know if I would have been able to get to where I am today.
“So, as parents, individually, let us do all we can to support these children, both as individuals and as an organisation,” he said.