Premature Departure of a Firm Believer in the Family

By Omon-Julius Onabu

By divine arrangement, he appeared destined to lead the life of a detribalised Nigerian. He was born in Surulere area of Lagos State into the family of late Pa Lambert Emenyonu and Mrs Philomena Emenyonu, both of whom hail from Umuogida Emeke Obibiezenna in Owerri North Local Government Area of Imo State.

Adibe was to spend much of his youthful years in Benin-City, the Edo State capital, where he had a variety of working experiences, including administrative duties, research development, and writing. However, his passion for journalism was obviously compelling. He eventually settled down to pursue a career in that trajectory.

After spending considerable time writing for The Week Magazine, where he oversaw events and features coverage in Edo and Delta states for the Lagos-based magazine, Adibe Emenyonu subsequently moved over to THISDAY Newspapers. In this regard, the kind intervention of Mr Simon Kolawole, a former editor in THISDAY and currently Chief Executive Officer at The Cable, a leading online publication in Nigeria, must be appreciated.

When, on July 14, 2001, the ever-smiling Adibe decided to walk down the aisle at Saint Paul Catholic Church, Airport Road, Benin-City, with his hearthrob, Mercy (Mrs Mercy Emenyonu), he graciously asked me to be his Bestman. I had then only been in Benin-City for a year following my transfer from THISDAY Newspapers head office in Lagos as the new Edo State correspondent of the newspaper. So,  that kick-started our relationship that has lingered until Adibe’s sudden transition into higher glory, with our respective families remaining close.

Adibe’s love for his family was visibly incensed by his commitment to quality education. Thus, he prioritised the training of all his children to the tertiary level, defying the huge financial burden that the undertaking would place on him and his understanding and courageous wife. Today, only one of their four children is still an undergraduate. The others have graduated. He stoically embraced the challenging lot of most professional media practitioners in the country as he strove to remain the breadwinner of his family against all odds.

 After his post-primary education at the Community Secondary School, Obibiezenna in Owerri, Adibe Emenyonu pursued a mass communication degree programme in the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) in Enugu State. He also obtained an HND in public administration from the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, in Anambra State.

 Until his shocking passing in Benin-City on Friday, October 17, 2025, Adibe was an active member of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ). It was, therefore, not surprising that the Festus Alenkhe-led executive committee of the Edo State Council of the NUJ had taken an active part in the events following his demise as well in preparations for his ultimate journey to the great beyond by his family and friends.

 It is noteworthy that despite his long years of living outside his own state, Adibe was never found wanting whenever issues concerning his hometown and Imo State needed attention. He did not lose sight of his cultural or ethnic obligations. At different times, he had served as an executive officer in various community and socio-cultural associations, including the Benin-City chapter of the Owerri Development Union (ODU), which he served as its chairman.

 He was a Christian till he breathed his last; and, the adherence to Christian principles of love for the family and others, unshakable faith in God Almighty, tolerance and forgiveness, remains a towering legacy that Adibe Austin Emenyonu has bequeathed to his family members, friends and professional associates.

 While the deep grief prompted by the earthly departure of our friend, colleague and brother could not be ignored or wished away, we are also conscious of the fact that Adibe’s aged mother (Madam PhilomenaEmenyonu), his wife and children as well as other members of his extended family are struck with even more profound pain of the loss.

 Nevertheless, we all must find consolation in Jesus’ assurance to Martha and Mary – indeed to all humanity – when he said in the Gospel of John 11:25-26, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me, even if he dies, will live. Everyone who lives and believes in me will never die – ever.”

 Adieu, my friend and courageous Nigerian pen-pusher! Farewell, Adibe Austin Emenyonu!

Painful Exit of a Resourceful Journalist

 Tony Osauzo

He was convivial and exchanged banters with colleagues this morning of Friday, October 16, 2025 at the premises of the Secretariat of the Edo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists(NUJ) in Benin City, popularly known as ‘Press Centre.’

No indication of ill-health was noticed in him, at least, in his appearance. He was his usual calm, quiet self.

The day wore on with bustling activities at the NUJ Centre and as usual, everyone went home at the close of work.

What followed was a devastating news in the early hours of Saturday, October 17, 2025. Information filtered out that Mr. Adibe Augustine Emenyonu, the Correspondent of THISDAY Newspaper in Edo State, has passed on!

Shock, disbelief, pain, wailing, filled the air, as family members, colleagues and friends tried to verify the information, which had within minutes, spread to the length and breadth of the country like a harmattan fire. It was indeed confirmed that, death, the inevitable end of all mortals, had suddenly taken Mr. Emenyonu away from his family, colleagues and friends.

Born on January 22nd, 1963, Mr. Adibe Augustine Emenyonu attended Community Secondary School in Obibiezenna in Owerri North Local Government Area of Imo State. He later proceeded to the University of Nigeria Nsukka, UNN, where he studied Mass Communication.

He cut his teeth in Journalism at the Benin-based Nigerian Observer, one of the early Newspapers establishment that has produced doyens in the Newspaper Publishing industry across the country.

He had a stint with the defunct Parfinder weekly Newspaper before joining Newsweek Magazine. He also worked with the Source Magazine from where he joined THISDAY Newspapers.

In fact, the Correspondents’ Chapel of the NUJ, Edo State Council, mourns with deep sorrow the passing of this  our esteemed colleague, who was a committed journalist, a dependable friend, and a dedicated member of our Chapel.

Adibe was more than a professional; he embodied the true spirit of journalism—courageous, calm, principled, and consistently devoted to the pursuit of truth.

 His work ethic, humility, and passion for storytelling left a mark on everyone who had the privilege of working with him.

Within the Chapel, Austin was known for his gentle disposition, his readiness to support colleagues, and his unwavering loyalty to the collective mission of strengthening the journalism profession.

He carried himself with dignity, never seeking the spotlight, yet always delivering excellence.

His passing is a profound loss, not only to his family and media organisation, but to the entire journalism community in Edo State.

We grieve a colleague who served with honour, and we celebrate a life that inspired many.

Besides, he was good community man who cherished the communal spirit and joined forces with other members to serve and ensure the development of his community.

His legacy of dedication, professionalism and kindness will remain etched in our hearts.

Adibe, as your remains are committed to mother, we join family members, colleagues and friends to pray to God Almighty to repose your soul.

Adieu, Adibe Augustine Emenyonu!