Journalism heavyweight Uche Ezechukwu dies three weeks after predicting his death

When Uche Ezechukwu, one of the heavyweights of contemporary Nigerian journalism, wrote about death on February 2, 2021, little did his loved ones know that he had foreseen his own passage.

In what turned out to be his last Facebook post, Onukwube – as he was fondly called – had written shortly after the death of former Minister of Information, Prince Tony Momoh:

“The trumpet is sounding so loudly and soo frequently. And our comrades are heeding the call. In that Gana Street office alone, Sam Nda, Tony Momoh, etc. When will it be my turn? Only God knows. None can evade or avoid its call.

Oh God keep us ready at all times

May God bless his soul.”

Yesterday, Friday, February 26, 2021, the seasoned journalist from Amesi, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, answered the final call after a protracted illness.

Ezechukwu was the best graduating Communication Studies/Modern Languages student in the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) (1974 – 1979). He was President of the Modern Languages Association and founded Wasp, a monthly campus social magazine – thus showing early signs that journalism was his real calling.

His excellent result at graduation earned him the recognition of the then governor of Kano State, the late Alhaji Abubakar Rimi, who offered him his first job in the media.

From there he went on to build an enviable journalism career, which included being an Editorial Board member of The Sun and The Authority, in addition to overseeing the birth of many newspapers, among them LEADERSHIP.

He also made a name as a polyglot, an author and a columnist and was once a spokesman for President Muhammadu Buhari’s campaign in one of his previous attempts at the presidency.

An outpouring of grief and tributes has greeted the passing, in Abuja, of Ezechukwu, who was in his 70s.

According to one of his friends, Emeka Nwosu (Ph.D), “Uche Ezechukwu, popularly known as Onukwube, was a cerebral scholar with depth. One of his outstanding works published in 2008 is “The Land of the Risen Sun” in which he paid glowing tributes to the indomitable spirit of Ndigbo and their unparalleled contributions to national development.

“In the course of his glorious media career, he crossed many political bridges and forged strategic collaborations purposely for the advancement of the primary interests of Ndigbo.

“Above all, he was a voice of moderation who was never hesitant in telling his people the obvious truth as reflected in this passage in his book, “The Land of the Risen Sun”. He wrote and I quote: “But it is also important to note that Ndigbo should imbibe the lessons of humility, in the realization that prosperity that is not managed with humility and consideration for other less endowed people and groups usually attracts hostility and envy”.

“This observation, unarguably, goes to the root of the Igbo question in Nigeria. Onukwube, you are unforgettable. In the words of Longfellow, “the lives of great men remind us to make our lives sublime; departing, leave our footprints in the sands of time”. Onukwube, you left indelible legacies that will outlive you. Gaa ije nke oma.”

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