By Amakoh Kelechi
Colleagues and friends have been mourning the sudden death of former Thisday Foreign and Diplomatic Editor, Paul Ohia on October 22.
Ohia was found dead in his official car, a white Kia Optima along Marine Road, Apapa, Lago.
Although he was still a staff of Thisday as the time of his death, Ohia may have resigned his appointment and heading for the new The Union Newspaper where he was to assume the post of Editor, online, diplomacy/foreign.
He was also the Nigeria Correspondent for Press Trust of India and author of Citizen Ambassadors of Nigeria
In the tributes on his facebook page his colleagues who recalled their interactions with him, expressed shock at the news of his death and commended his commitment to professional excellence.
The first to post her tribute on his face book page was: Funmi Peter-Omale who had this to say:
“Just got the sad news …Death leaves sadness no one can heal. But love leaves memories no one can steal … The price to pay for having someone special like you, touch other lives; is the sadness we feel when they’re gone. You were a true gentleman and may God comfort your family.”
Recounting his experience with Paul, Asaju Tunde wrote:
“I met Paul while I was Head, Public Affairs of the British High Commission in Abuja. We made several trips to This Day and Paul was always jovial yet reserved. We hit it off almost immediately and I would call him whenever we needed to work on a story. He was always a wonderful person to deal with and would reason with you on issues. This is a great loss to Management of This Day, but it is a monumental loss to the Journalism profession. May God grant his family, friends and colleagues the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss. Adieu Paulo.”
Madunagu Emeka in his tribute to Ohia, said :
“What a painful loss! Paul was a hardworking journalist who knew his art. May God comfort the family he left behind and grant his soul Rest in Hope of the Resurrection in Jesus Christ Name. Amen”
Betty Abah
“So, so sad!! Unbelievable. RIP, Paul Ohia!”
Augustine Osayande: “Sir working with just for three days was great. That was the beginning of our friendship, even after I left Thisday the friendship continue, you facilitated my joining CAJ News Agency. You were a teacher, a senior brother and a professional confidant. RIP Editor”
Imam Dalhatu Imam : “And Paul Ohia is no more. If our society is one that honours deserving persons, Paul would have been designated the best Foreign/Diplomatic Correspondent we have ever produced. Adieu my friend, good bye my colleague.”
Steve C. Onumaegbu: “Paulo, as I write, I am trying hard yet to no avail to hold back the surging tears: needless to tell it that the news of your sudden departure left the rest of us as your friends not just dumb-founded but with unprecedented rude shock. Only God knows! Go well & rest in perfect peace with God.”
Funmi Oguns: “Oga Paul, you were gentle and unassuming, I still remember the times in the office when you will come and sit on my desk close to me and share one or two jokes. It’s really sad to learn that you are gone just like that, but God knows best. Continue to rest in the bosom of the Lord, until we meet to part to more. RIP.”
Bukola Okeniyi-Olatunji: “I can’t begin to say how sorry I am to hear about your passing Paul. May your gentle soul rest in perfect peace. May the good Lord take care of all your loved ones IJN. Amen.”
Subomi Macaulay: “Paul you were a friend and a TOP Journalist. You will be missed. When we talked in December I did not know this would be the last time I would see you.”
In her letter addressed to Paul Ohia, Ebere Nwiro reeled the time they shared as friends.
Excerpts from the letter:
“There are people who come into your life and touch it immediately. I have had many friends throughout my life but many have come and gone as time passed but for U my friend Paul….it was very different.
“Although we had not seen each other in a while you were a truly special friend to me. You were always asking me how I was doing and had a sincere interest in my life and that of my girls.
“You were a devoted friend, a devoted brother, a devoted husband, a devoted father, a devoted employee and a devoted Shadowee
“May you rest in peace”
According to reports, Ohia was confirmed dead at Lagoon Hospital in Apapa. Although, the hospital said an autopsy would determine the actual cause of death, the medical doctor on duty said the deceased might have died of cardiac arrest.
Ohia, a native of Nbawsi in Abia state was a core humanist who believed in justice and equality. He took life so simple that he believed acquiring property or pursuing wealth is a sheer waste of time.
HIS LAST WORDS ON FACEBOOK
“Whenever Nigerians start collective noise making against an issue, it is usually a no-brainer. They did same and chased away a minister who knew best about power. If Oduah is made to resign, the depressing feelings one got at airports will return just as darkness returned after Nnaji’s exit.” OCT 19
HIS LAST WORDS ON TWITTER: @PaulOhia OCT 6
“Why is Patrick Obahiagbon not writing his usual vocabularies on twitter?” OCT 6
His Twitter Description:
“I am the editor, online, diplomacy/foreign of The Union and Nigeria Correspondent for Press Trust of India. I authored Citizen Ambassadors of Nigeria.”
