-Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) —From Michael EKOKORUHE:
The remains of the veteran journalist and media practitioner, James Odafe Othihiwa, has been laid to rest as friends and family members eulogized him at Owhodokpokpo – Igbide community , Isoko South local government area of Delta State.
Speaking to newsmen after the interment at the family compound, Sir Ayodele Oghogho Othihiwa, one time candidate House of Representatives, Isoko federal constituency, under the platform of the People’s Democratic Party said, Odafe Othihiwa lived a fulfilled life for 77 years and thanked God for the good legacies he left behind.
Sir Oghogho Othihiwa described the media veteran as a role model who attained height of the profession as news editor of the Nigeria Observer from 1977 to 1981, former general manager Daily Times and at one time the general manager African Independent Television.
He maintained that Odafe Othihiwa was a great man that groomed family members and friends to become journalist like himself and was generous; saying his legacies will live after him in Isoko nation, Lagos state and entire Nigeria.
Sir Oghogho Othihiwa emphasized that Odafe Othihiwa was a journalist per excellent who retired and set up personal newspaper company in Lagos but could not sustained it. He stated that Odafe Othihiwa became a reference point as a media consultant for long period before his death.
Also speaking, Mr. Dele Eloho Othihiwa, senior son of Odafe Othihiwa, described his father’s death worthy of celebration even as he did a lot to all the children who will continue to remember him. He said, “My father was dogged and wants everything done as scheduled without getting tired”.
The president of Isoko Development union, Chief Iduh Amadhe, represented by Mr. Dan Odhomor described James Odafe Othihiwa as a true patriot of Isoko Nation. Amadhe stated that Othihiwa was the first to publish on Isoko ethnic nationality to the world, adding that his contribution in the history of Isoko nation will be remembered.
Mr. Alex Ovie, a frontline Isoko journalist also described James Othihiwa as a man that taught and mentored him in journalism. Saying “I thanked God for the life he lived, being inspiration to the younger generation”.
In attendance was hon. ferguson Onwo, member Delta State house of Assembly representing Isoko South constituency 2, Barrister Chief Mike Edegware, secretary Delta State board of internal revenue, Sir Mathias Eto, former commissioner public complaints commission Delta State, Mr. John Oraka, former Editor Daily Times, members of Nigeria Union of Journalist Isoko correspondent chapel, clergymen, cross section of Igbide community youths and women, friends and well wishers.
