Tributes have been pouring in for Mr Ray Ugochukwu, a media giant, versatile unionist, and brilliant journalist who died on Thursday, June 1, 2023.
His sudden death has thrown the maritime industry which is yet to recover from the deaths of Barrister Margaret Onyema-Orakwusi, Otunba Kunle Folarin, and Mrs Ngozi Obikili in recent times into mourning again.
Condolence messages have been pouring in from different quarters including the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Maritime Reporters’ Association of Nigeria (MARAN), Maritime Journalists Association of Nigeria (MAJAN), and the Shipping Correspondents Association of Nigeria (SCAN).
According to a statement by Mr Adeleye Ajayi, and Tunde Olalere the Chairman and Secretary, NUJ Lagos Chapter respectively, the death of Mr Ugochukwu is a big shock to the union.
“With heavy hearts, we mourn the death of a media giant, a versatile Unionist and a brilliant journalist, Mr Ray Ugochukwu who passed on on Thursday.
The death of Ray came as a big shock to the union.
We are going to miss his courageous attributes and mentorship.
He was also one of the pillars of the Lagos Council of NUJ and served the union meritoriously in his capacities as the Chairman, Seminar Committee; and as a Member, Committee on Milestone Recognition of Media Icons In Nigeria.
He spent most of his lifetime in ensuring the advancement of Maritime Reporting as well as the welfare of Journalists” the statement reads.
Similarly, the Maritime Journalists’ Association Of Nigeria (MAJAN) which he was a serving president in a statement to announce his death described his sudden passing as shocking.
According to a statement by Jerry Aguigbo, MAJAN’s Secretary, he described Ugochukwu fondly referred to as President Emeritus as a brilliant and versatile journalist.
“Mr Ugochukwu, ‘Oga Ray’ or ‘PE’, as he was fondly called, was a brilliant and versatile journalist, an experienced unionist, a dedicated and hard-working Journalist who has contributed immeasurably to the growth of journalism, particularly Maritime Journalism.
He also traversed many newsrooms; from Daily Times of Nigeria, Vanguard Newspapers, Business Day, et al.
Mr. Ray Ugochukwu, the President of the Maritime Journalists’ Association of Nigeria (MAJAN), a three-term former president of Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN), was also a senior member of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Lagos Chapter and has also served the NUJ LAGOS State Council meritoriously in various capacities: as the Chairman, Seminar Committee; and as a Member, Committee on Milestone Recognition of Media Icons In Nigeria, amongst others.
We enjoin all, particularly the maritime fraternity to remember the family in their prayers at this very trying time.
Further announcements would be made in due course as the association liaises with the family on further developments.
May his gentle soul rest in the bosom of the Lord” the statement reads.
On its part, MARAN, which Ray Ugochukwu was a past president described his death as shocking and unexpected.
According to a statement by the Vice President of the association, Mr Gboyega Oni, Mr Ugochukwu was a seasoned and leading figure in the maritime industry.
“The Maritime Reporters’ Association of Nigeria (MARAN) has described the passage of its former President, Mr. Ray Ugochuckwu as shocking and unexpected.
The death of Mr. Ray Ugochukwu came to us rudely and unexpectedly. It is a big loss to us in MARAN. Despite the fact that he was no longer a member of the association, the deceased was always available to give counsel to the association which he held in high esteem. We are going to miss his fatherly figure.
We mourn with his immediate family – wife and children, and the entire family of Ugochukwu. It is our prayers that God who knows better than us will console them and be their helper at this critical time.
May his kind and gentle soul find rest in the bosom of his creator” the statement reads.
Not left out, the Shipping Correspondents Association of Nigeria (SCAN) also penned a moving tribute to Mr. Ugochukwu.
“The Executive Committee and entire members of the Shipping Correspondents Association of Nigeria (SCAN) are sorely pained at the sudden passing yesterday of Mr. Ray Ugochukwu during a brief illness.
A seasoned journalist, household name, and seasoned administrator within the maritime journalists’ segment, we received the news of his death with unbelief, hoping it would be countered in minutes. It never was.
We commiserate with his immediate family, the Maritime Journalists’ Association of Nigeria (MAJAN), where he was president until his death, the entire maritime journalists, and the Nigeria Union of Journalists at large on this sad occurrence.
We pray God to console all the bereaved, especially his immediate family and MAJAN members, and grant his soul mercy and eternal rest. Amen” a statement by Tony Nwachukwu, the Secretary of the association reads.
It would be recalled that Mr. Ray Ugochuckwu, a seasoned and leading figure in the maritime media, died on Thursday, June 1, 2023, after a brief illness in his hometown in Imo State.
