The Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku and the leadership of the State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, have mourned Comrade Austine Adibe Emenyonu, the ThisDay newspaper Correspondent in the State.

DAILY POST reports that Emenyonu, a Senior Journalist with ThisDay newspaper passed away on October 17, 2025 in Benin City.

In their separate condolence messages, they described the journalist’s death as shocking and an immense loss to the immediate family and the media profession.

Governor Okpebholo, in his statement, said he was deeply saddened by the news of the demise of a valued member of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ Edo State Council, Adibe Emenyonu.

Okpebholo said the death is not just an immense loss to the immediate family and media organisation, but to the entire Edo State media community and the State at large.

He extended his condolences to the immediate family of the deceased, the management and staff of Thisday Newspaper, and the entire Edo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ.

“I received with shock and sadness the news of the passing of a dedicated and respected journalist, Adibe Emenyonu, who until his death, served as the Edo State Correspondent for Thisday Newspaper in Benin City.

“In this moment of grief, we are united in celebrating a life well-spent in the service of truth and society. The late Adibe Emenyonu will be remembered for his commitment to ethical journalism and dedication to duty.

“This is a truly painful moment for all of us. He was known for professionalism, thoroughness, dedication and his contributions to holding government accountable and informing the public were invaluable,” Okpebholo said.

He prayed to God to grant the soul of the departed eternal rest and grant his family, friends and colleagues the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

On his part, the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku expressed sadness at the sudden passing of Emenyonu who over the years has been dedicated to reportage of activities in the state.

Agbebaku, who condoled with the leadership of the state Council of NUJ led by Dr Festus Alenkhe, members of the union, This Day Newspaper group and the family of the departed journalist, also urged them to take solace in the life of service, dedication and selflessness of Mr Adibe Emenyonu.

He also prayed for the repose of the soul of the departed, and for God to comfort the bereaved family in this trying period.

Earlier, the Edo State Council of NUJ, expressed deep sorrow of the sudden passing of the deceased.

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Dr Festus Alenkhe and Secretary, Comrade Andy Egbon, the union said the late Adibe Emenyonu was full of life on the said date of his death as he was spotted at the Press Centre, Benin City, with his colleagues, interacting freely.

The union said it was shocking to however receive the news of his passing on the night of Friday, October 17, 2025.

Also mourning the journalist are members of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Edo State Council of NUJ, where he was a member.

A statement signed by Comrade Patrick Ochoga and Comrade Patrick Ahanor, chairman and secretary, respectively, described the departed colleague as a highly respected journalist and a steadfast member of the chapel.
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The chapel said the deceased was not only a colleague but a mentor and friend to many within the media community, describing him as always calm, humble, and diligent in his work.
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‎”His demise is a huge loss to the journalism family, ThisDay Newspaper, and the larger society he served through truthful reportage and responsible journalism.

“Adibe distinguished himself through his professionalism, dedication, and commitment to ethical and balanced reporting. His contributions to the growth of journalism in Edo State and beyond will remain indelible in our hearts and in the annals of the profession”, it added.
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The chapel extended its heartfelt condolences to Emenyonu’s immediate family and all who were touched by his life and work.
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It also prayed to God to grant his family the strength to bear the irreparable loss and grant the soul of “our dear colleague eternal rest”.