•”We’re shocked, heartbroken but can’t question the Almighty God who gives and takes life” – Group CEO
By Yahaya Umar, Abuja
Managing Editor, AljazirahNigeria Newspapers, Morgan Omodu, has died at the age of 52.
Omodu, died yesterday afternoon at the National Hospital, Abuja, where he was rushed to for an urgent medical attention earlier in the day.
Responding to the demise of the managing editor, the Group Chief Executive Officer, CEO, AljazirahNigeria Newspapers Limited, Dr. Etuk Bassey Williams said, “Mr Morgan was a dependable ally and beloved friend turned brother. A dedicated staff without blemish. Even on sick bed when he was previously admitted at the national hospital, he performed his official duties. I vividly remembered on several occasions when he said to me, CEO relax, God is in control”. Adieu, my brother.
In an emotion ladened statement announcing the death of Morgan Omodu, the company described the deceased as “indefatigable managing editor”.
The statement signed by Editor (Daily), Mallam Ibrahim Mohammed, the managing editor died after a “prolonged illness”.
“During his tenure, Mr Omodu played a pivotal role in elevating AljazirahNigeria to its current prominence among leading national publications.
Notably, he oversaw the transition of the paper from a weekly to a daily publication on November 1, 2021 — a milestone that marked a new era in its history”.
Reflecting on his time with the late managing editor, Mohammed described him as approachable yet uncompromising in professional standards.
“Having worked closely with him for about four years, I observed his open-door policy and his unwavering commitment to excellence,” the editor stated.
Pointing out that, “he never allowed sentiments to interfere with his work”.
The management and staff members of AljazirahNigeria Newspaper will greatly miss Mr Omodu’s leadership, dedication, and warmth, Mohammed said.
He added that details of the late managing editor’s burial arrangements will be announced in due course.
Younger brother of the deceased, Mr. Femi Omodu in a piece titled “Tribute to My Beloved Brother — My Daddy, My Pathway”, he said:
Words fail me as I try to come to terms with your passing, my dear brother the firstborn of our family, my father figure, my guide, and my greatest cheerleader. You were more than a brother to me; you were my daddy, my protector, and the one who opened the pathway to where I am today.
You stood tall for all of us, very firm, yet loving, strong but gentle. You believed in me when I doubted myself and supported me when others didn’t understand my dreams. You were the number one fan of Famous Band and the ever vocal Comrade Morgan, cheering us on with pride and passion.
Your presence was a source of strength, and your absence has created a void no one can fill. Yet, I take comfort in the beautiful memories, your laughter, your words of wisdom, and the legacy of love you left behind.
Rest on, my dear brother — my daddy, my hero, my pathway. Your light will continue to shine in our hearts forever.
The late Morgan Omodu was born on 21 September, 1973, he hailed from Akoko West Local Government Area of Ondo State.
He graduated from the University of Ilorin, where he was a staunch student union activist.
He was one of the “Ilorin 12” activists that gained media attention over their confrontation with instruction’s authorities.
He was a man of many sides. At one-time, he worked as an aide to former Ondo State Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko as well as Secretary to erstwhile Speaker, House of Representatives, Honourable Dimeji Bankole before he joined AljazirahNigeria where he worked until his death yesterday.
From Monday to the most part of Wednesday he carried on with his official tasks including the coordination of an upcoming six pages of special publication in AljazirahNigeria magazine.
