Asaba, Delta State — The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council, has paid a condolence visit to Dr. Hilary Obi Ibegbulem, Principal Secretary to former Delta State Governor Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, following the passing of his father, Pa Gilbert Onyemaechi Ibegbulem.
The visit, held at Dr. Ibegbulem’s residence, was led by the Vice Chairman of the NUJ Delta State Council, Comrade Felix Ekwu, who represented the State Chairman, Comrade Churchill Oyowe, who was unavoidably absent.
Other members of the NUJ delegation included the Acting State Secretary, Comrade (Mrs.) Josephine Omodior; State Treasurer, Comrade Caro Ubini; State Financial Secretary, Comrade Polycarp Orosevwotu; State Auditor, Comrade Celestine Aforkoba; and Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Comrade Sonia Unobunjo.
Also present were Comrade Christian Eze, Chairman of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Delta State Chapter; Elder Emmanuel Ekebe (Ex-Officio I); Comrade Florence Nwabuonwu (Chairman, State Information Chapel); Comrade Kenneth Obieh (Chairman, Information Chapel Complex); Comrade Kenneth Orusi; and Efecha Gold.
Union Describes Late Pa Ibegbulem as a Statesman and Philanthropist
Speaking on behalf of the Council Chairman, Comrade Felix Ekwu conveyed the Union’s heartfelt condolences to Dr. Ibegbulem and his family, describing the late Pa Gilbert Onyemaechi Ibegbulem as “a great man, a philanthropist, and a statesman who lived a life of service to humanity.”
He urged the family to find comfort in the good works and lasting legacies their father left behind. “The Lion can only beget a Lion,” Ekwu said, referring to the values and noble reputation that Dr. Ibegbulem continues to uphold in honour of his late father.
Dr. Ibegbulem: ‘My Father Was a Disciplined Family Man’
In his response, Dr. Hilary Obi Ibegbulem expressed deep gratitude to the NUJ Delta Council for their show of love, solidarity, and support during the family’s period of mourning.
He described his late father as a disciplined, principled, and devoted family man who made it his life’s mission to ensure that all his seven children became university graduates and successful professionals.
Dr. Ibegbulem noted that the family plans to honour their father with a befitting burial ceremony that reflects his life of humility, service, and generosity.
He also extended an invitation to the NUJ Delta Council to be part of the upcoming funeral rites, saying the family would be delighted to have them join in celebrating the life and times of Pa Gilbert Onyemaechi Ibegbulem.
The late Pa Gilbert Onyemaechi Ibegbulem was remembered as a community leader, education advocate, and devout Christian who touched many lives through his kindness and mentorship.
As the NUJ delegation departed, members expressed their continued prayers for God’s strength and comfort for the Ibegbulem family.
