By Chesa Chesa
The death of Felix Onigbinde, a photojournalist with the Nigerian Tribune newspaper deployed to the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja, has thrown colleagues and friends into mourning.
Chairman of the State House Press Corps, Emmanuel Anule announced the death in a message to colleagues on Saturday, expressing sadness over the loss of the journalist, whom he described as a colleague, brother and friend.
“Please, accept my sincere condolences,” Anule said in his message in which he urged colleagues to pray for the peaceful repose of the deceased’s soul and for comfort for the family he left behind.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, also expressed grief over Onigbinde’s death, describing him as a dedicated and award-winning photojournalist.
In a condolence statement issued on Saturday, the Council’s Secretary, Comrade Jide Oyekunle, said the journalist’s death was particularly heartbreaking, noting that his passing had created a painful void among colleagues, friends and the wider journalism community.
The Council extended its condolences to the management and staff of the Nigerian Tribune, the Photojournalists Association of Nigeria (PJAN), his colleagues, friends and professional associates.
Onigbinde reportedly fell into a coma last week and was admitted to Garki General Hospital, Abuja, before his death.
He began his journalism career with Daily Trust newspaper before joining the Nigerian Tribune, where he worked until his demise.
He hailed from Ife Modakeke in Ife East Local Government Area of Osun State and is survived by his wife and two children.
Meanwhile, emotional tributes have been pouring in from late Onigbinde’s colleagues and acquaintances as they recall his professionalism, dedication to the job and family as well as his kindness and patience in his everyday endeavours.
