Family announces demise of veteran journalist John Chiahemen
John Chiahemen, a former Reuters correspondent has died aged 72
By Kazeem Tunde -
Family Announces Demise Of John Chiahemen
It is with great sorrow and great peace we share that our patriarch, former Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and former Thompson Reuters journalist, John Neji Chiahemen, has returned home to rest.
He fought a valiant long battle with motor neuron disease (ALS) and he was selfless to his last breath. He died peacefully in Johannesburg, South Africa surrounded by his family.
John is survived by his wife Winnie “Chizi” Chiahemen; daughters: Ide Wise (UK) Fanen Chiahemen (Canada), and Mimi Chiahemen (US); grandson, Finley Hemen Kanyin Wise (UK); son-in-law, Ben Wise (UK).
He is also survived by brothers and sisters, including Tom Chiahemen, Abuja-based Media & PR Consultant and Publisher, NATIONAL ACCORD Newspaper and larger family in Nigeria and Kenya.
He will be greatly missed.
Source: Press informant
Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has expressed sadness over the demise of a foremost Nigerian-born South African based Journalist, Mr John Chiahemen.
Chiahemen who was the Bureau Chief of Reuters in Nigeria died at the age of 72 in a South African hospital.
He said the death of the international Journalist who had been contributing to the development of the society especially on global peace initiative is a huge loss to Nigeria.
Governor Ortom lamented that Mr. Chiahemen died at a time when his wealth of experience and expertise in conflict management was needed to navigate through the murky waters of the Nigerian politics.
He noted the exploits, courage and resilience of Mr. Chiahemen in the modern media engagement both in Nigeria and other African countries where he had worked with distinction.
Chiahemen also worked briefly with Abubakar Atiku’s media company, Gotel as its first managing director in 2015.
The Governor lamented that Benue State and Nigeria has lost a patriot and a thorough bred media practioner.
The Governor urged the bereaved family to take solace in the fact that late Chiahemen left positive footprints in the sand of time adding “he was a very resourceful Journalist who worked for peace and upliftment of the society. He lived an exemplary life worthy of emulation.”
Late Chiahemen left behind a wife, three children and one grand child and hails from Mbadede, Vandeikya local government area of Benue State.
Source: Idoma Voice