Nigerian editors have been thrown into mourning following the death of the Deputy President of Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), Malam Saidu Umar Tudun-Wada, in an auto crash.
Tudun-Wada died on Sunday, 30th June, 2019 in car crash on his way from Abuja to Kano.
The ace journalist who was buried on Sunday was in the car with his wife, driver and daughter when the accident occurred.
President Muhammadu Buhari, President of the Guild Funke Egbemode and General Secretary, Mrs Mary Atolagbe, have condoled with the family and colleagues of the deceased.
“Wada was the immediate past Managing Director of Kano State Radio Corporation and one time Principal Editor at the CTV, now Abubakar Rimi Television (ARTV).
“He was a broadcaster with Voice of America, freelance correspondent with Hausa English Services of Deutshe-Welle and also editor Concern Magazine,” she said.
Wada served as Special Assistant, Media and Publicity to former Gov. Rabiu Kwankwaso of Kano state.
As a committed family man and broadcast journalist per excellence, he was elected as the Deputy President of the Guild during its last biennial convention in May.
“The Guild wishes to condole with the family of Wada especially his wife Aisha who was a former Deputy President of the NGE, the management and staff of Radio Kano.
“Wada would be greatly missed by his family, professional colleagues and friends across the globe.
“We pray that Almighty Allah console his family and grant them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
“May the should of Wada find Aljanna fiddous. Amen.”.
President Buhari expressed sadness over the death.
In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, in Abuja on Sunday, Buhari described the late journalist as a gentleman and thoroughbred professional, who lived up to the standards of professionalism in his career.
“Journalism is service to humanity because it serves as a watchdog of society by holding leaders accountable for their actions.
“I am proud that the late Tudun-Wada played his role very well, with an unblemished career record.
“Let me use this opportunity to extend my sincere condolences to the Guild of Editors, Kano State Government and family of Tudun-Wada. May Allah grant them fortitude to bear the loss, and reward the deceased with aljanna,’’ the president said.
