Journalists in Bayelsa State on Monday mourned the death of veteran broadcaster, Mr. Benaobi Eselemo, 76.

Eselemo died on the 15^thof December, 2023.

The late Benaibi Eselemo died after a prolonged illness.

He started working with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) in Benin City, Edo State, where he put 27 years of meritorious service between 1976 and 2003.

He later moved to Bayelsa State as Manager, News, between 2003 and 2009.

He also worked with the Federal Polytechnic, Ekeowe as Public Relations Officer in 2010.

Eselemo popularly known as ‘Cycle’ won laurels and accolades for his contributions to journalism in Edo, Bayelsa, Niger Delta and Nigeria at large.

He won the NUJ award as Best Reporter of NTA Benin in 1995, Nigeria Media Merit Award Benin City, 1997, Merit Media Award, Benin City, 1999, among others.

The Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, Bayelsa State chapter, Comrade Samuel Mammangi and Secretary, Comrade Ogio Ipigansi, expressed grief over the demise of Eselemo, describing the loss as a big blow to mordern day broadcasting in the state.

Numonengi, in the condolence message, said the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Jounalists (NUJ), Bayelsa State Council and the entire Journalism family in the State received the Sad news of the demise of Eselemo whose death occurred on the 15^thof December, 2023.

According to the statement, “His death is a big blow to us but even More so to you the immediate family as he departed at a time that the children and other family members still need hisfatherly love and wise counsel.

“Late Benaebi Eselemo was a Journalist per Excellent who plied his trade with the Nigeria Television Authen (NTA). He will be greatly missed by all journalists and anyone who came in contact with him.

“We urge the family to be strong just as we pray that the Almighty God grants the family the strength of character to bear this irredeemable Loss. May his gentle soul find nest in the bosom of the lord”.