Delta State State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan has expressed deep shock on the tragic and unfortunate death of celebrated columnist and Vice Chairman of The Sun Group of Newspapers, Pastor Dimba Igwe.

In a statement signed by Felix Ofou, his Press Secretary, the governor said the death was a big blow to the media, fans and read

ers of the late journalist as well as lovers of truth worldwide.

Dr Uduaghan also recalled with nostalgia the late Dimba Igwe’s elevated piece on Delta and his bold effort at transforming ‎the state, noting that the article published in the Daily Sun among others, opened the flood gate for the many awards bestowed on him this year.

“Dimba Igwe’s Sideview column in the Daily Sun is well respected and has a large following. So when he wrote about our modest efforts at transforming Delta State many people took note. I believe that article and others written by those who attended the Nigerian Guild of Editors Conference (NGE) in Asaba last year set the tone for the awards we have received in the last one year” he said.

The Governor however expressed regrets that death struck too soon, particularly at a time when his contributions would have been greatly needed, both as a journalist and pastor, adding that the loss was a personal one as well as a collective one to Delta State.

“I take this loss as personal. It is also a loss to Delta since the wife is from our state. He was a dependable partner and we were looking forward to more fruitful relationship before death struck.

“‎I sympathise with the immediate family, the board, management and staff of The Sun Group and the media for this painful loss. I share in their moments of grief,” he enthused.

Uduaghan prayed God to grant the deceased family, The Sun Group, the media as well as his fans the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss.

In the same vein, the Delta state Commissioner for Information, Chike Ogeah Esq, has expressed shock over the news of the sudden death of Mr. Dimgba Igwe.

The statement signed by Ogeah reads:

“It was with profound shock that the news of the sudden death of Mr. Dimgba Igwe, Deputy Chairman of the The Sun Publishing came to us in the Delta State Ministry of Information.

“As the best brains in the journalism profession in Nigeria, he was one the sterling team that berthed the Sun Group of Newspapers that redefined news reporting and laid the template for quality tabloid newspapers.

“As a columnist, he was a voice for the voiceless and ensured that public office holders were accountable. As an in-law of the state as his wife is a Deltan, we have suffered a personal loss with tragic demise.

“On behalf of the Delta State Ministry of Information and the media community in the state, we commiserate with the management and staff of the Sun Publishing Limited. We pray for the family of the departed veteran journalist in this very difficult time.

“We pay God to grant the soul of Mr. Dimgba Igwe, an ordained pastor, eternal peace.”