Bassey Akra, chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Akwa Ibom State Council of NUJ, confirmed Mr Odey’s death to PREMIUM TIMES on Wednesday.
Patrick Odey, the Akwa Ibom State correspondent of The PUNCH newspaper, has died.
He was a member of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council.
Bassey Akra, chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel, confirmed Mr Odey’s death to PREMIUM TIMES on Wednesday.
“Odey is no more now; he died yesterday morning,” Mr Akra said. “He had some health challenges.”
“Mr Odey was a hardworking journalist, very humble and a thoroughbred professional. He did his job with diligence, was a good mixer, peaceful, and had no issues with anybody,” the chairman said.
Mr Odey’s death was also announced by Daniel Etokidem, a media aide to Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State, in a Facebook post on Tuesday.
Mr Etokidem said he last saw the journalist on 27 August at the Government House Press Centre in Uyo during the state government’s monthly press briefing.
“We greeted and exchanged pleasantries as always. Today, you are no more.
“Just like that?
“Farewell, Mr Patrick Odey,” he wrote.
Another journalist, Uwem Kerns, also mourned Mr Odey in a Facebook post.
“Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure. You are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure,” Mr Kerns wrote, describing Mr Odey as “a beautiful soul” who would never be forgotten.
He ended the tribute with the words: “Adieu, our beloved Odeh!”
Mr Odey was a familiar face at government, public, and private events in Akwa Ibom, where he covered the state for The PUNCH.
His death has drawn tributes from journalists across the state.
The bereaved family is yet to announce burial arrangements.
