Ex-NAN Editor, Omoifo, dies at 65 in Benin

Mr John Isimemen Omoifo, a former Editor with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) has died in Benin at the age of 65.

A statement signed by the deceased’s son, Isi Omoifo Jnr., on Monday in Benin, said burial arrangements will begin on Thursday, Dec. 17, with a Service of Songs at his residence at No. 6, Presidential Way, Ogheghe,‎ Off Sapele Road Bypass in Benin.

“He will be buried on Friday, 18th Dec. after a Lying-in-State at the same venue, while a Thanksgiving Service will take place on Sunday, 20th Dec. at The Redeemed Christian Church of God (Favour Assembly Parish), Agbontaen St., Ogheghe, Benin City,’’ the statement added.

The late Omoifo is survived by his wife, Cordelia and three sons: Isi Jnr, Onotie and Ehimare.

The veteran journalist, Communication Consultant and author studied Mass Communication at the University of Lagos and graduated in 1975.
He started his journalism career at the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) Benin in 1977 and rose to the position of Senior Editor, before joining NAN as Desk Editor in 1982.

He was an Assistant Editor with the African ‎Guardian Magazine between 1988 and 1989.

He was appointed Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Edo between 1992 and 1993‎ and was Speech Writer to The Military Administrator of Edo between 1993 and 1994.

Having edited The Trend Newspaper, a Benin-based tabloid between 1998 and 1999, Omoifo was again appointed Speech Writer to the Executive Governor of Edo between 1999 and 2007.

In 2007, he was appointed Head of Admin and Personnel, Okada Group of Companies and Executive Director, Crown Oil Limited‎.

In 2008, Omoifo was engaged as Script writer for Happy days Forum, a Benin-based broadcast outfit.

A prolific poet and essayist, Omoifo wa‎s Chairman of Edo/Delta States Chapter of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), 1994 to 1995, and also served as its Protem Chairman between 2006 and 2007.

He is the author of Got Steam and other Poems (1993), Published Essays, Motherland 2006 and several unpublished works. (NAN)