Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, has expressed regrets at the sudden and unexpected passing away of Mr. Ndagene Akwu, a former President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) describing the death as “very shocking”.

In a reaction by Mr Felix Ofou, Press Secretary to the Governor, it noted that the death which occurred at the weekend, was a monumental loss to the journalism profession and the nation at large, while also acknowledging that Ndagene’s tenure as NUJ President was very successful.

Uduaghan recalled the bold and exemplary role played by the late NUJ boss in bringing about peace in the once divided council of the union in the state, noting that Ndagene restored pride in the journalism profession in Delta.

He therefore expressed deep pain at the sudden exit of the deceased whose experience and knowledge would have been invaluable in resolving some of the crises in the country as well as contributing to national growth.

The governor prayed God to grant Ndagene ‘s immediate family, the people and Government of Rivers State, NUJ and the entire country the fortitude to bear the loss.

Ndagene Akwu, the former president of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), according to the Rivers Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), who confirmed his death said that Akwu died on June 19 in Port Harcourt.

He reportedly slumped and died at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, near the Rivers State capital, shortly after he arrived from Abuja.

The state chairman of the Union, Mr Opaka Dokubo, said the state council of the union received the news with great shock.

Akwu served as the national president of the union from 2006 to 2009 and was until his death a Senior Editor with the Rivers State Television.

His sudden death has however thrown the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) into mourning.