By: Patrick Obia And Sylvia Felix.
The Association of Cross River Online Journalists (ACROJ) has paid a condolence visit to the family of late veteran journalist, Oqua Itu, in Calabar.
Late Oqua Itu, who was known for his charismatic abilities to mentor and inspire young journalists within and outside Cross River, passed away few weeks ago.
The Chairman of ACROJ, Comrade Darlington Edem, in a comforting message said the lost of Mr. Oqua is a big miss to the journalism world especially in Cross River State where he guided many to profess in the profession.
Mr. Edem noted that his association is saddened by his demise especially now that his wealth of experience is needed the most but, however are comforted by the legacies he left behind.
“I can only imagine the devastation me and those who make his acquaintances have experienced on receiving this terrible news.
“We know that Oqua Itu will be sorely missed, not only for his knowledge and abilities but also for the kind of person he was and the way in which he encouraged his staff and colleagues. I have worked closely with him on some corporate action and related issues recently, and can also testify to his sincerity, abilities, knowledge and professionalism.”
The Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of EpistleNews, Comrade Amawu, Cletus, urged the family not to mourn rather, they should celebrate his call to glory. Hence, there’s no better time to die, but dieing in the Lord. According to him, “Oqua Itu, has lived his course, fought a good fight, and won his early race and deserve his rest in glory of the Creator.”
Speaking on behalf of the family, the son, Mr. Charles Itu Oqua, expressed gratitude to ACROJ’s gesture adding that, the condolence visit is apt by the online journalists in the State.
He noted that though he is not a media practitioner but his father made him to love the job of the Fourth Estate of the Realm.
“I will sorely miss him. When I was in secondary school, my biggest ambition was how to drink beer with my father. Very funny right? We had many of those times. We’ve done trips together we even shared some friends. When they come to see him, they’ll see me too and he will be like wow! And we’ll both laugh. We had good times I must say.”