President Goodluck Jonathan said he received with shock, the sad news of the untimely death of Mr. Dimgba Igwe, Vice Chairman of the Sun Newspapers.
The President on behalf of himself, his family and the Federal Government of Nigeria, extends heartfelt commiserations to the publishers of the Sun newspapers, the Nigerian Guild of Editors, and all friends and associates of Mr. Igwe, for whom his unexpected death must be exceedingly painful.
President Jonathan believes that the late Mr. Igwe will always be remembered as a hardworking and dependable professional, who, through his various writings as columnist, author and public speaker, demonstrated a special ability to convey the truth and his convictions in lucid, compelling prose, and in a style that was shorn of cant and foppery.
As they mourn him, the President enjoins Mr. Igwe’s family, friends and associates to be consoled by the knowledge that he put his God-given abilities to the best possible use in a very purposeful life that was wholly devoted to the defence of truth and the public interest, as well as the promotion of the highest standards of his chosen profession of journalism.
According to Presidential Media Adviser, Dr. Reuben Abati, President Jonathan prays that God Almighty will grant them the fortitude to bear the loss of the very forthright journalist and media administrator, and also grant his soul, peaceful repose.
In the same vein, President of the Senate, Senator David Mark has expressed shock at the news of the sudden death of Igwe, describing his demise as tragic.
Senator Mark in a condolence message to the immediate family of the deceased said, it was sadden and touching that Dr. Igwe has passed to the great beyond.
He consoled the management and staff of The Sun Newspaper for the great loss and prayed God to give the family of the late Dimgba Igwe the fortitude to bear the loss.
According to him, “The news of Dr. Dimgba Igwe death came as a surprise to me. He was a fine gentleman, dedicated and God fearing. We shall miss him.”
The Senate President however charged the family, management and staff of The Sun Newspaper to take heart and remain guided by the fact that the deceased died as a patriotic, fulfilled Nigerian.
Also, Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun has expressed deep shock at the news of Dimgba Igwe’s demise in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mrs Olufunmilayo Wakama.
Amosun said he is saddened by the news of the sudden death of the veteran journalist, describing it as a big loss to journalism in particular and the media industry in general.
“Dimgba Igwe was a cerebral and fearless Journalist, prolific writer and renowned media administrator, who was well respected in his profession. I recall the last time I saw him and Mike Awoyinfa, when they came to interview me. I feel so sad that such a thoroughbred journalist, who still had so much to give to the journalism profession and indeed the development of our country died in his prime,” the governor said.
Amosun commiserated with the family of the deceased, management and staff of The Sun Publishing Company Limited, and the media industry in Nigeria on the demise of the front line journalist.
He prayed to the almighty God to grant his soul eternal rest and give the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.