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… reminisced on his career journey and contributions to the media space
NDIFREKE JACOB, UYO.
It was Buddha who said, “Even death is not to be feared by one who has lived wisely”. Clearly, this statement by Buddha can best be used to describe the personality of late Comrade Nnamso Umoren.
Wednesday evening, 3rd March, friends, colleagues in the Journalism profession, family and well wishers converged at Sheergrace arena, Uyo to relish good memories, share experiences and pay tributes to the late media icon.
Different speakers and colleagues poured out their hearts and encomium on the rarity of late Umoren’s personality. They described him as an amazon, extraordinaire writer, dogmatic Journalist of no mean repute, humble and focused man who rose against all odds and laid a mark for himself in both public service and media industry.
Tributes were received from Mr Ray Ekpu, Mrs Ekaette Ekpo, Prof. Des Wilson, Mr Anietie Usen, Mr Ubong Akpan, Mr Ekerette Udoh, Prof. Mbuk Mboho, among others.
Earlier, Mr Anietie Usen shared a heart warming memory of the late veterans life and time while working as a Journalist and writer. He noted that late Umoren lived and fulfilled his life by certifying, contacting and holding a great character in all he did.
Prof. Nkereuwem Udoka, a professor of the department of Communication Arts, University of Uyo while paying tributes stressed that Late Umoren did not allow his humble beginning to form a barrier to his success, rather he showed courage and determination and that catapulted him from being in the teleprinter news room to news reporter in The Chronicle Newspaper and then to an editor.
”His reports were investigative and thorough. Despite the mouth watering offers at the time, he resisted and worked in the public interest. Crossing from the Newspaper industry to the public service, Nnamso was not selfish with his intellect, he impacted and touched many lives. He was a person we should have honoured in his lifetime. I hope moving forward, there’ll be a paradigm shift in the way we honour people. He contributed in setting and teaching people speech writing and speaking.” Prof. Udoka added
Mr Sam Uko, former staff of Mobile Producing Nigeria and one-time Chairman of NIPR, Akwa Ibom State, also described the late media icon as someone who knew what he wanted, where he needed to go and how to go about it.
He added, ”at the NIPR, he was one of the idea banks and resourceful person in the body. He was very committed and lived well while giving a part of himself to the society.”
For Mr Effiong Abia and one-time member of the Traditional Rulers Council, “the life of late Umoren was a text filled with great lessons of humility, courage and intelligence. He believed every stumbling block can be converted into a stepping stone.”
On his part, Comrade Patrick Albert, Immediate Past Chairman of NUJ, in his tribute, reminisced on his experience, life and times while working with late Elder Umoren as an Industrial Attachment Student, he described his time as a mentee under late Umoren as eventful and tasking as he (Umoren) did everything possible to shape him into a better writer.
He added, “His actions were intentionally driven. He gave me full value of mentorship. Late Umoren opened my eyes to the basics of Journalism, particularly as a speech writer and reporter.”
In his tribute, Mr Paul Bassey, a sport writer who eulogized late Umoren, described him as a cerebrally well exposed, self-made man who carved an excellent niche for himself in the media industry.
Ally and long-time career partner of Late Umoren, Mr Ukpong Essien-Udom shared his long-age career journey with the deceased icon which according to him spans over 2 decades. He described the wordsmith as a passionate and soft-hearted person who was committed and ready to offer advice for the growth of the profession all round.
Also,Chairman of NUJ, Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Amos Etuk, flanked by members of the State Working Committee in his tribute described him as a teacher, father and leader who contributed largely to the growth of the union in the state.
On his part, Mr Ekikere Umoh, who represented the State Deputy Governor, Mr Moses Ekpo shared glowing memories, maintained that late Umoren was a thorough professional and great hand who will be greatly missed in the state.
While sharing his work experience with late Umoren when he served a CPS, Mr Ekerette Udoh, Chief Press Secretary to Akwa Ibom State Governor, said Nnamso used his capacity to create a building block for others to leverage on.
Celebrating the media icon, Engr. Patrick Ekpotu, former Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State ably represented by Mr Nkeneke Akpan Efo, noted ”late Umoren played a major role in the heights we attained by causing a mental reorientation and he was a man whose word of reason could shake the world.
“He showed resourcefulness and meticulous charm in his duty post. All through my time with him, he wasn’t smoothened by sudden vanity.” He said.
Comrade Ini Ememobong, hinted that Nnamso Umoren challenged status quo and always believed that there was more,
“His commitment to the work of the church was enviable. He personalised Christ and his days were useful, dutiful and peaceful while he lived on earth. I will miss the needed push from Elder Umoren.”
The Akwa Ibom Info Helmsman commended the organizers and the deceased family for putting up such an event to honour the Veteran and for particularly making his end beautiful.
Sam Akpe, a member of the Tributes Night Planning Committee and friends of Elder Nnamso Umoren, while paying homage to the late media amazon described him as a perfect depiction of a man who rose from a no beginning to a sophisticated living.
Attendees at the tributes include,
Mr Samuel Ubong Akpan, Mrs Comfort Umana – DG of Redemption FM, Mr Utibe Ukim – DG of Excel FM, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Comr. Ini Ememobong, Mr Eddy Ekpeyong, Mr Anietie Usen, Dr. Udeme Nnanna (Author of Audacious Journalism), among other veterans in the media industry.
Responding on behalf of the family, Barr. Bassey Ebong expressed gratitude to the media industry for the show of love and honour accorded the late media veterans.
The event was also crowned with music interlude by Exalted Accapella and book review of the late Umoren’s book ”From canoe boy to Permanent Secretary” by Pastor Anietie Ukpe.
