Tears and tributes flowed in Mbube network, Ogoja Community Government Area of Cross River Status, on Saturday as the remains of The PUNCH Akwa Ibom Condition Correspondent, Patrick Odey, were laid to rest.
Odey, 62, who died newly, is survived by his wife, six children and grandchildren.
At the funeral offering, a regular of the instruction of PUNCH Nigeria Lesser, Emem Julius, Cross River Status Correspondent, delivered a condolence statement from the Board and Administration of the organisation.
He described Odey as a valued component of the PUNCH family whose commitment to journalism and contribution to the organisation would be remembered.
“On behalf of the Board, Direction and complete personnel of PUNCH Nigeria Restricted, we broaden our heartfelt condolences to this family on the passing of your beloved husband and father, Mr Patrick Odey, who served as our Akwa Ibom Status Correspondent,” he said.
The direction moreover prayed for strength and comfort for Odey’s family, colleagues and associates.
In his condolence announcement, Akwa Ibom Declare Governor, Umo Eno, described Odey’s death as a loss to both his family and the condition.
The governor, whose observe was read by his Senior Unusual Assistant on Analysis and Documentation, Essien Ndueso, said Odey contributed to telling the story of Akwa Ibom by method of his journalism.
“His contributions to journalism and our status will be remembered and will be greatly missed.
“On behalf of the Government and effective persons of Akwa Ibom Declare, I commiserate together with his family, the direction and workers of The Punch newspaper, the Nigerian Union of Journalists, Akwa Ibom Condition Council, and the complete media network, and pray that God Almighty grants everyone affected by this painful loss strength and fortitude to bear it,” the governor said.
Moreover speaking, the Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the NUJ, Akwa Ibom Condition, Bassey Anthony, described Odey as a peaceful and humble colleague who promoted excellence in journalism.
Anthony, who led other journalists from the chapel to the funeral, said it was the second time in two years that the chapel had buried one of its members, recalling the death of Vanguard Newspaper correspondent, Chioma Okonna, remain year.
He prayed for comfort for Odey’s family and protection for journalists.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Academic Workers Union of Universities, University of Uyo branch, Prof Opeyemi Olajide, accompanied by the ASUU Countrywide Financial Secretary, Prof Happiness Uduk, described Odey as a godly man whose life was worthy of celebration.
In his exhortation, Rev Offiong Eyo of Assemblies of God, Afaha Oku, urged Christians to live lives worthy of their eternal prize.
He described death as an key moment for Christians given that it marks the terminate of earthly life and the concept at which they secure their benefit from their Creator.
Eyo said Odey had devoted himself to serving God and prayed for comfort for his wife and children.
