With a very heavy but grateful heart, the joint Nigerian maritime journalists mourn the shocking passing of the seasoned and well-loved colleague and friend, Mr. Ray Ugochukwu.
His departure a few days ago, quite abrupt and alarming, has left a dismal void among us as friends and colleagues, and in the industry where he had plied his trade with insightful and development-minded publications and writings over the decades.
The maritime journalists in a joint press statement endorsed by presidents of the various media associations in the industry, described the Late Ugochuckwu as a sincere, untangled and humble person, saying that his abrupt passing was only an eloquent testimony to the truths in the rich philosophies of life coined in timeless proverbs, which he often lavishly released at the slightest prompting.
“Now, they have become painful reminders of how fleeting and how short our breath of life!
“A renowned journalist par excellence and distinguished administrator, Mr. Ugochukwu was a three-time president of the foremost maritime beat body, the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN), beside his sterling membership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lagos State chapter.
“Our hearts go to his bereaved wife and children particularly, and other friends and associates, including his immediate maritime beat family, the Maritime Journalists Association of Nigeria (MAJAN), where he was also the president until his passing.
“May God grant his soul eternal rest, and may his bereaved family, friends and associates find comfort in the sincere, untangled and humble life that he led,” the statement read.