PUNCH REPORTER PATRICK ODEY LAID TO REST IN CROSS RIVER

The Akwa Ibom State Correspondent of The PUNCH, Patrick Odey, has been laid to rest in Mbube, Ogoja Local Government Area of Cross River State.

Odey, aged 62, was buried on Saturday following a funeral attended by family members, colleagues, journalists and other well-wishers. He is survived by his wife, six children and grandchildren.

A representative of PUNCH Nigeria Limited, Emem Julius, conveyed condolences from the organisation’s board, management and staff, describing Odey as a valued member of the PUNCH family whose contributions to journalism would be remembered.

Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno also expressed condolences to the family, describing Odey’s death as a loss to his family and the state.

The Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists in Akwa Ibom, Bassey Anthony, described Odey as a humble colleague who promoted excellence in journalism.

Other speakers at the funeral, including representatives of the University of Uyo branch of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, also paid tribute to the late journalist and prayed for his family.