A pall of anguish and sadness, has enveloped the media profession once again with the death of versatile journalist, outstanding media personality, radical activist and humanist, Joe Nwankwo, who until his death was the Executive Director (Publication) of The Authority Newspapers.
Nwankwo, a daring reporter, who had also worked at various media houses in Nigeria, made his marks as on the judicial beat, covering some of the most intricate court cases at various times, which also led to his leading the National Associatio of Judicial Correspondents for many years.
A statement announcing his death, on Wednesday, read: “The Management and Staff of The AUTHORITY Newspapers announce the death of Chief (Sir) Joe Nwankwo, our Executive Director (Publications).
“He worked in several media houses including Daily Times, The Sun, Daily Independent, before becoming one of the founding Directors of The AUTHORITY. He rose through the ranks of journalism profession to the position of Executive Director, The Authority Newspapers.
The statement signed by Chuks Akunna, Executive Director (Business Development) said, Nwankwo, who died after a brief illness in Abuja, aged 50, is survived by his wife and three children, adding that burial arrangements will be announced by the family.
The sad incident, has since generated a lot of comments on the social media, with those, whose parts crossed with the deceased eulogising him for his qualities as a jovial character, but firm on principles.
An initial announcement by Chuks Ohuegbe, where he simple wrote – Joe Nwankwo with a dark background, had kept many guessing and praying against what they suspected, as Ohuegbe, apparently consumed with grief did not elaborate.
Another post by Kemy Yusufu, one of his colleagues in one of the newspapers he worked, on her own Facebook page, which cleared the doubt, has been generating a lot of comments, with virtually all the respondents bewailing the sad news.
Yusuf, wrote: “Can’t even express my sorrow over losing one of my best friends and few persons I can share even the baddest jokes with, Sir Joe Nwankwo. Your death is shocking and devastating. What a year! My dearest Joe, you fought a good fight. Can’t even describe how much I will miss you. May your beautiful soul rest in peace.”