Former Political Adviser to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, Prof. Rufa’i Ahmed Alkali, has lamented the rising deaths of journalists in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), describing the trend as a wake-up call for stakeholders to prioritise the welfare and healthcare of media professionals.

Alkali raised the concern while mourning the death of former Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, Comrade Patrick Oseretin Osadebamwen, describing his demise as a “painful loss” to the journalism profession and the country.

In a statement he personally signed, Prof. Alkali said the veteran journalist was “a trusted friend, a courageous professional” whose commitment to journalism ethics, press freedom and public service earned him the respect of colleagues and members of the wider society.

He said the late journalist belonged to a generation of media professionals who regarded journalism as a sacred calling dedicated to truth, public enlightenment, accountability and national development.

According to him, Osadebamwen made significant contributions to strengthening the NUJ and advancing the welfare of journalists during his tenure as chairman of the FCT Council.

Alkali, who said he had known and worked closely with Osadebamwen for many years, described him as a consummate media professional whose contributions to journalism and democratic governance would remain indelible.

His words: “His death is a painful loss not only to the journalism profession but also to our nation, which benefited immensely from his commitment to truth, accountability and public service. Patrick was a consummate media professional and a dependable personality, whose contributions to the growth of journalism and democratic governance will remain indelible in our national memory.

“I had the privilege of knowing and working closely with him over many years through our interactions in both public service and the media space. Patrick was more than a journalist to me; he was a trusted friend, a courageous professional and a man whose unwavering commitment to the ethics and ideals of journalism earned him the respect of colleagues, public officials and members of the wider society.

“He belonged to a generation of journalists who regarded the profession as a sacred calling dedicated to truth, public enlightenment, accountability and national development. His penetrating insights on national issues, his dedication to the welfare of journalists and his belief in constructive engagement made him a remarkable personality”.

Alkali, however, expressed concern over what he described as the “disturbing and increasing loss of journalists” in the FCT and across Nigeria.

“The media family in the FCT has suffered painful losses in recent years, and each death represents the departure of a repository of knowledge, experience and wisdom,” he said.

The APC chieftain urged stakeholders to view the development as a wake-up call, stressing the need for greater attention to the welfare, healthcare and overall well-being of journalists.
He said journalists who dedicate their lives to informing, educating and enlightening society deserved adequate support and care.

While describing Osadebamwen’s death as a major loss, Alkali urged colleagues and associates to celebrate his legacy of service, integrity, courage and professionalism.

He condoled with the deceased’s family, the NUJ FCT Council, members of the media industry, friends and associates, praying Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcomings and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus.