‘Positions Are Temporary, Impact Endures’ — Grace Ike Urges Journalists to Sustain Bonds of Friendship and Solidarity
Chioma Vivian James
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council has honoured the memory of one of its former leaders and veteran journalists, Comrade Patrick Osadebamwen, with a solemn memorial service, while pledging continued support for the three children he left behind.
The memorial, held on Monday evening, brought together journalists, colleagues, friends and associates who paid tribute to the late former Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council and reflected on his contributions to journalism and the development of the Union.
In her tribute, the Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, described Patrick’s death as, first and foremost, a painful loss to his immediate family, while urging members of the journalism community to remember and celebrate the contributions he made during his lifetime.
She called on journalists to reflect on his years of service to the profession and his contribution to the affairs of the NUJ, stressing that the true measure of leadership lies not merely in the positions occupied but in the impact left behind.
“Positions are temporary, professional engagements come and go, and ultimately, what remains is the impact we make on the people and institutions we encounter,” Ike said.
She also urged members of the Union to look out for one another, cultivate genuine friendships and strengthen the bonds that hold the journalism community together, even when professional disagreements or changes in leadership occur.
The Council recalled Osadebamwen’s long and distinguished career in the media, which included engagements with Union Newspaper, Core TV, The Nigerian Tribune and Kaftan TV. He also served as Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, where he contributed to the affairs and development of the Union.
According to Ike, leadership within the NUJ comes with its own demands and challenges, but Osadebamwen made his mark through his participation in the affairs of the Council and his service to the journalism profession.
The memorial, she said, was therefore not only an occasion to mourn but also an opportunity to recognise his place in the history of the FCT Council and the wider journalism profession.
NUJ Reaffirms Commitment to Bereaved Family
The NUJ FCT Council also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the late journalist’s family, particularly his three children.
Ike said the Council had remained in contact with the family since receiving news of his passing and would continue to demonstrate solidarity with them during the difficult period.
She stressed that the responsibility of the Union does not end with professional engagements, noting that journalists must also stand together in times of grief and need.
The Council expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, and the FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmed Mohammed Sanusi, for their prompt assistance in evacuating Osadebamwen’s remains.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Okokon Iniedu, was also acknowledged for representing the Inspector-General of Police and conveying his condolences to the bereaved family and the journalism community.
A Legacy Beyond Leadership
The memorial also provided an opportunity for colleagues to reflect on the transient nature of leadership and the enduring value of human relationships.
Ike encouraged members to preserve genuine friendships, support one another and avoid allowing professional differences to permanently divide colleagues.
She noted that offices and positions eventually change hands, but the relationships built and the positive contributions made to people and institutions can endure long after an individual has left office.
The President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Comrade Alhassan Yahaya, represented by the NUJ National Secretary, Comrade Achike Chude, joined other speakers in paying tribute to the late former chairman.
Chude eulogised Osadebamwen and prayed for strength and comfort for his family, while also praying for the peaceful repose of his soul.
The NUJ FCT Council extended its condolences to Osadebamwen’s family, friends, colleagues and associates, while reaffirming its commitment to standing with the family and preserving the memory of a journalist whose years of service formed part of the history of the Council.
For those who knew him and worked with him, the memorial served as a poignant reminder that while positions may be temporary, the impact of a life devoted to service can endure.
