Ben Ezechime, Enugu
The Nsukka Journalists Forum (NJF), an association of media practitioners from the Nsukka cultural zone of Enugu State, has expressed deep shock over the passing of Senator Okechukwu Ezea (Ideke), who represented Enugu North Senatorial District until his death.
In a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Benson Ezugwu, and Secretary, Felix Abugu, the Forum described the senator’s death as “the most shocking and saddening news in recent time.”
They noted that Senator Ezea was a strong ally of the NJF and a firm voice for the Nsukka zone in the 10th Senate.
“We recall that only last month, on October 2, 2025, Senator Ezea—represented by Hon. Ikechukwu Ezeugwu—served as Chief Guest of Honour at the 2025 NJF Annual Convention in Nsukka,” the statement read.
“His message of hope and promise of greater legislative activism gave no hint of his imminent journey to the Great Beyond.”
The Forum hailed the late senator as “a man who ran a good race for God and his people,” adding that he was “an Nsukka torchbearer through and through.”
They recalled his longstanding commitment to the upliftment of the Nsukka people, reflected in the vision behind his successful Ideke Shipping Lines and the themes of his political campaigns from 2007 until his eventual victory in 2023.
“The late Ezea worked tirelessly to elevate the status of the Nsukka person in Nigeria’s sociopolitical and economic spheres,” NJF said.
“Today, the land and people of Nsukka are no longer pushovers, and Ideke did not fight in vain.”
The group noted that his death leaves a significant vacuum in Nsukka’s leadership.
“A great man; a rare gem; a patriotic Nigerian who fought all his life for justice, equity and fairness for his people,” the statement added.
The Forum prayed for the repose of his soul and asked God to grant his family the strength to bear the irreplaceable loss.
