By: Odieh Ramon, Yenagoa.

As journalists continue to mourn the loss of their own, Isaac Ombe, the Managing Director/CEO of the Niger Delta Basin Development Authority (NDBDA), Prince Ebitimi Amgbare, has paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Isaac Ombe, who, until his demise, was his special assistant on media, describing him as a veteran journalist of impeccable integrity.

Prince Amgbare expressed his deep pains over the sudden death of Ombe when the registered trustees of the Association of Niger Delta Online Publishers, ANDOP, led by the President, Ofonime Umanah, Protem Secretary, Celestine Ogolo, and Protem Treasurer, Lawson Hayford, paid him a condolence visit at the Authority’s headquarters in Port Harcourt on Monday.

The Managing Director/CEO commended Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State for his support of the families of the deceased with the sum of ten million naira each and taking up all medical bills of victims of the fatal accident, saying, “Ombe’s dedication to journalism and his passion for truth would be greatly missed.”

Earlier, the President of the Association of Niger Delta Online Publishers, Mr. Ofonime Umanah, said the journalism community was saddened by the untimely death of their colleague, saying that Ombe was a brother, friend, and worthy partner in the pen profession.

In his tribute, the Publisher of TNN Newspaper/President, Association of Niger Delta Online Publishers(ANDOP), Mr. Umanah wrote: “Dear Ombe, The news of your death was shocking to us in the media industry, especially those of us who knew and practiced with you in those days in Bayelsa and in the Niger Delta. You were a jolly good fellow.

“We can not question God over this. He alone knows why you had to go now. If he had not allowed it, it would not have happened. May the good God accept your soul. Nua o. Bye.”

While commending the MD/CEO for his new vision and development strides to strategically position the authority for meaningful impact and productivity, Mr. Umanah expressed the willingness of the Association to collaborate with NDBDA to bring more media visibility by highlighting the positive impact so far made in a short while.

Mr. Umanah also briefed the Managing Director on the objectives of his association, which, according to him, was poised to mentor and improve online publishing with a view to instilling confidence in the practice of journalism in the Niger Delta region.

Meanwhile, Ombe’s family has announced that his interment will take place on February 20 in his hometown, Tuomo, in the Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State.

Ombe was known for his passion for truth, professionalism, and camaraderie. He had distinguished himself through his work with reputable media outfits such as The Nation, National Mirror, The Comet, News Express, and The Verbatim. Before joining the NDBDA, Ombe was a former executive member of the Federated Correspondents’ Chapel of the Bayelsa State Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ)

Ombe lost his life in a tragic road accident on his way to the burial ceremony of Bayelsa State’s late Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, on January 30 at the Toru-Orua axis of the Sagbama/Ekeremor Road in Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

The NDBDA boss’s tribute to Ombe reflects the impact he had on those around him. The journalism community continues to mourn the loss of this dedicated and passionate journalist, who will be remembered for his commitment to truth and professionalism.