Azubuike Onowu, a senior Editor with the News Agency of Nigeria, has died.
Onowu, who hailed from Obosi, Anambra, died in Abuja on Thursday at
the age of 52.
“Onowu Obosi” or “Chief,” as he was fondly called by friends and
colleagues, joined NAN on December 1, 1989 and rose through the ranks to become a Quality Control Editor until his death.
He was head of the agency’s Kogi State office from 2002 to 2004.
The late Onowu showed outstanding performance in the course of his duties, particularly when he was covering the solid minerals and petroleum and energy beats.
He received many awards for his performance and commendation for
dedication to duty during his coverage of the ADC plane crash of
October 29, 2006.
Onowu studied at the College of Arts and Science, Oko, Anambra from 1978 to 1980 and later graduated as one of the best students at the Federal Polytechnic, also in Oko with an HND Upper Credit in 1988.
Many colleagues and friends who thronged his home expressed sympathy that Onowu left the service of the nation too early.
Condolence registers opened at his home and office in Abuja had
entries such as: “The High Chief, adieu! You were a shining example” and “It takes another 100 years to see or meet a rare gem like you Sir. Good night.”
Others were: “My heart bleeds each time I remember you’ve gone. You were a nice man. May your gentle soul rest in the bosom of the Most High. Amen.”
“What a great loss! Rest in peace my boss” and “My oga, you’ll remain forever in our memory for being a nice person when you were alive.”
The Acting Managing Director of NAN, Jide Adebayo, led management and other staff members of the agency to pay a condolence visit to the family of the late veteran.
Onowu is survived by a widow and children.
NAN.
