Abuja NUJ loses another member weeks after ex-chairman’s death

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council has announced the death of one of its senior members, Mike Odiakose, after an illness.

A statement by the Secretary of the Council, Jide Oyekunle, said Mr Odiakose died in the early hours of Thursday in Abuja.

The death comes a few weeks after a former chairman of the council, Patrick Osadebamwen, died.

Mr Odiakose practised with the Nigerian Observer, Nigerian Pilot and Daily Asset newspapers.

The statement said, “The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, has received with sadness the death of another senior member of the Council, Comrade Mike Odiakose, who passed away earlier today, Thursday 17,2026 after an illness.

“Odiakose was a respected journalist and senior member of the NUJ FCT Council who dedicated his career to ethical journalism, particularly in reporting political events in the country.

“Until his death, Odiakose worked with the Nigerian Observer, Nigerian Pilot and Daily Asset newspapers, where he made tremendous contributions to the journalism profession.

“He hailed from Umunede in Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta State and is survived by his wife and four children.

“His death is a painful loss to the profession, coming at a time when the Council is still mourning the passing of its former Chairman. His departure has left a void that will be deeply felt by his colleagues, friends and loved ones.

“The NUJ FCT Council extends its heartfelt condolences to the Odiakose family, colleagues, friends and associates. We pray that God will grant the family the strength and fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.

“The Council will communicate further details regarding funeral arrangements as they become available.

“May the soul of Comrade Mike Odiakose rest in perfect peace.”

Tributes

Meanwhile, tributes have been pouring in from Mr Odiakose’s colleagues since his passing.

Abraham Omachoko: “Jesus Christ!!!!! What sad news! What a world we live in. So sad. May his soul rest in perfect peace. May God Almighty grant his family, colleagues and friends the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss

Toba Elerewe: “Oh my God, Mike? What is all these deaths? What happened to him? What is happening to us? Mike, may your soul rest in peace forever. Very, very sad. My condolences to the NUJ as a professional body and colleagues.”

Akinjide Babalola: “Mike. V sad news so soon after Patrick’s passing.”

Timothy Golu: “What happened again? Oh my God! Mike Odiakose, may your hardworking soul rest in peace with the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Davidwest Okpoko: “We are all now living our lives in minutes. May your gentle soul rest in peace, Mike.”

Nath Atumeyi Odaudu: “Like Patrick, another gentleman bows. I recall the great guy I worked with then at the Nigerian Pilot Newspaper and Newsworld Magazine. May God comfort his family members.”

Mudashiru Atanda: “Haa again? RIP Odiakose.”

Ngige Nwachukwu: “What a world! Rest in peace, brother and friend.

Tsa Godwin: “What’s this evil tsunami, for goodness sake.”

Austin Elemue: “What is happening to our colleagues. God take control.”

Emma Ulayi: “Rest in Peace!”

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Dennis Mernyi: “Death again! This is already too much. Journalists are going in quick succession. Osadebamwen Patrick has just been committed to the grave. My friend and in-law is following in this quick turn. Why, Father God? We can’t ask you many questions. You know better. Comfort his family. Comfort us all. Rest on, comrade Mike – the struggling man – the hardworking journalist.”

John Alechenu: “Our heartfelt condolences. May the good Lord grant those he left behind the fortitude to bear his loss.”

Isioma Madike: “So sad. My condolences to those he left behind.”