Maritime Journalists Mourn Ray Ugochukwu

…Eulogizes His Unique Leadership

BY GBOGBOWA GBOWA

With a very heavy heart but with gratitude for a life well spent, the body of the Nigerian maritime journalists mourn the shocking passing of their seasoned and beloved colleague and friend, Mr. Ray Ugochukwu.

In a joint signed statement, leadership of the various associations which compromise of Godfrey Bivbere, Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN); Timothy Okorocha, League of Maritime Editors (LOME);  Paul Ugbuokiri, Association of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria (AMJON);  Eugene Agha, Shipping Correspondents Association of Nigeria (SCAN);  Tunde Umar, Congress Of Nigerian Maritime Media Practitioners (CONMMEP); Dele Aderibegbe, Online Maritime Media Association of Nigeria (OMMAN); and Jerry Aguigbo, for Maritime Journalists Association of Nigeria (MAJAN) described his passing as abrupt and painful.

“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.

”Sincere, untangled and humble himself, 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.”

It continues: “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 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.”