The remains of a onetime chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Enugu State Council, was on Friday, Ossy Ogboso, were laid to rest at his hometown, Umuabi in Udi Council Area of the state.

The late Ogboso, who was the emeritus state chairman of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, died on June 24 after a brief illness at 59.

Delivering a sermon, a pastor at the Deeper Life Bible Church, Victor Eze, called on Christians to embrace God’s salvation which he emphasized was the only way to heaven.

Mr Eze advised the living to abstain from sin and avoid God’s wrath, adding that wealth acquired without the knowledge of Christ was vanity.

The cleric cautioned the living to be vigilant and focused as Christ would come at any time and would like to meet His people spotless.

In a tribute, the immediate past Chairman of NUJ, Sam Udekwe, described the late Ogboso as a “remarkable leader, dedicated journalist, man of the people, beacon of integrity, and tireless advocate of press freedom.”

According to Mr Udekwe, the late Ogboso’s commitment to truth and justice shone brightly throughout his tenure as the then chairman of NUJ and inspired those around to uphold principles of responsible journalism.

Mr Udekwe noted that the late Ogboso’s leadership style was marked by compassion and inclusivity as he nurtured young journalists who were equally guided with wisdom and patience that snowballed to professionalism and ethical reporting.

On her part, the South-East Zonal Manager and former chairperson NAWOJ, Maureen Atuonwu, said that Mr Ogboso ‘s death was a painful loss to her and the entire journalism profession.

She noted that the late Ogboso, as a former NUJ chairman, secured the long-awaited Certificate of Occupancy of the NUJ building, attracted partners who contributed to the various developments at the Press Centre which earned him the title, “Onwa of NUJ.”

Ms Atuonwu said that Mr Ogboso was a man of his words who fought tirelessly for peace in the union and prayed for the repose of his soul.

Also, a former chairman of NUJ, Rex Arum, who stayed with the late Ogboso for long when he had health challenge, described the deceased as an “achiever, strong and good friend who mentored many journalists.’’

Speaking on behalf of his family, the deceased brother, Shedrack Ogboso, said that the former chairman served God and humanity, adding that he left a vacuum that could never be filled and legacy that would forever be cherished.

He thanked the NUJ for being there for the family during his brother’s sickness.

The former chairman’s body was earlier brought to the NUJ Press Centre Enugu for a brief stopover where the Council chairman, Obinna Ogbuka and other journalists in Enugu and other states received him.

Stakeholders at the burial include a former NUJ Vice President, Zone D, Usa Uzaka, a one-time Deputy Director News, Radio Nigeria Enugu and Chairperson Emeritus of NAWOJ, Miriam Menkiti.

Others were a former Chairman of NUJ Ebonyi State and Managing Director of Ebonyi State Broadcasting Corporation, Tony Nwizi and a former NUJ Secretary, Dame Ifeoma Amuta among others. Ogboso is survived by a wife, two sons and brothers.

(NAN)