Delta State State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan has expressed deep shock on the tragic and unfortunate death of celebrated columnist and Vice Chairman of The Sun Group of Newspapers, Pastor Dimba Igwe.
In a statement signed by Felix Ofou, his Press Secretary, the governor said the death was a big blow to the media, fans and readers of the late journalist as well as lovers of truth worldwide.
Dr Uduaghan also recalled with nostalgia the late Dimgba Igwe’s elevated piece on Delta and his bold effort at transforming ?the state, noting that the article published in the Daily Sun among others, opened the flood gate for the many awards bestowed on him this year.
“Dimba Igwe’s Sideview column in the Daily Sun is well respected and has a large following. So when he wrote about our modest efforts at transforming Delta State many people took note. I believe that article and others written by those who attended the Nigerian Guild of Editors Conference (NGE) in Asaba last year set the tone for the awards we have received in the last one year” he said.
The Governor however expressed regrets that death struck too soon, particularly at a time when his contributions would have been greatly needed, both as a journalist and pastor, adding that the loss was a personal one as well as a collective one to Delta State.
“I take this loss as personal. It is also a loss to Delta since the wife is from our state. He was a dependable partner and we were looking forward to more fruitful relationship before death struck.
??I sympathise with the immediate family, the board, management and staff of The Sun Group and the media for this painful loss. I share in their moments of grief,” he enthused.
Uduaghan prayed God to grant the deceased family, The Sun Group, the media as well as his fans the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss.
Also, National Leader, All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, has described as shocking and unbelievable the tragic death of veteran journalist, Dimgba Igwe of The Sun Newspapers.
?The tribe of great journalists in Nigeria has again been depleted by this sudden and most heartbreaking death.
?It is indeed a sad day for the Nigerian media and all those that were associated with Dimgba. He was a thorough-bred journalist and writer, who remained steadfast and lifted The Sun newspapers to a position of reckoning,? Tinubu said.
Tinubu described the circumstances of Dimgba?s passing away as painful and avoidable. He also added that the loss saddened him deeply.
?I knew Dimgba personally and respected his professional contributions to building our country,? Tinubu said. ?I recall vividly my several encounters with him. I remember Dimgba and Mike Awoyinfa chasing me down and interviewing me for close to three hours on the book they were writing on Lagos state and the post-military era development. It was an enjoyable experience. He will be dearly missed.
?My condolences go out to his wife and family and all relatives. I pray God will grant them strength for this period and peace in abundance.?
