The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council, has paid a condolence visit to Dr. Hilary Obi Ibegbulem, Principal Secretary to former Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, following the passing of his father, Pa Gilbert Okafor Ibegbulem.
The visit took place ahead of the burial ceremony of the late Elder Ibegbulem, who passed on in July 2025 at the age of 89.
He will be laid to rest on Friday, October 10, 2025, after a funeral service at Ute-Okpu Grammar School in Ika North-East Local Government Area of Delta State.
The Delta NUJ delegation was led by the Council’s Vice Chairman, Comrade Felix Ekwu, who represented the State Chairman, Comrade Churchill Oyowe, during the visit.
Accompanying him were the Acting State Secretary, Comrade (Mrs.) Josephine Omodior; State Treasurer, Comrade Caro Ubini; State Financial Secretary, Comrade Polycarp Orosevwotu; State Auditor, Comrade Celestine Aforkoba; and Chairperson of NAWOJ, Comrade Sonia Unobunjo.
Others on the delegation included Comrade Christian Eze, Chairman of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Delta Chapter; Elder Emmanuel Ekebe (Ex-Officio I); Comrade Florence Nwabuonwu, Chairman, State Information Chapel; Comrade Kenneth Obieh, Chairman, Information Chapel of the Council (ICC); as well as Comrades Kenneth Orusi and Efecha Collins.
Speaking on behalf of the State Chairman, Comrade Ekwu expressed the Union’s heartfelt sympathy to Dr. Ibegbulem and his family, describing the late Pa Gilbert Okafor Ibegbulem as “a great man, philanthropist, and statesman who lived a life dedicated to humanity.”
He urged the bereaved family to find comfort in the remarkable legacy their father left behind, remarking that “the Lion can only beget a Lion.”
Responding, Dr. Hilary Obi Ibegbulem thanked the NUJ Delta Council for their show of solidarity and love, describing his late father as a disciplined and devoted family man who ensured all his seven children attained academic and professional excellence.
He assured that the family would honour their patriarch with a befitting burial that reflects his values and life of service, while extending an invitation to the NUJ Delta Council to join in celebrating the life and times of the late Elder Gilbert Okafor Ibegbulem.
