Nigerian Guild of Editors mourns veteran journalist, Odafe Othihiwa  

Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has expressed shock at the death of veteran journalist and Editor, Sir Odafe Othihiwa at the age of 77.

A statement by the Guild’s President,  Funke Egbemode, and General Secretary, Mary Atolagbe, said that the trail-blazing journalist was reputed to be the first African reporter to interview former US President Jimmy Carter in 1978 and prayed that God would grant the family, colleagues and friends the fortitude to bear the loss.

The statement, in full, reads:

The entire members of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) received with shock news of the demise of veteran journalist and Editor, Sir Odafe Othihiwa, who was aged 77.

Sir Othihiwa was a former News Editor of the Nigerian Observer from 1977 to 1981. He also served as Group General Manager of the Daily Times and African Independent Television (AIT).

He was a journalist of over five decades of professional standing, who also worked with the defunct Daily Expressnewspaper.

Sir Odafe Othihiwa was a reporter par excellence, reputed to be the first African reporter to interview former US President Jimmy Carter in 1978.

The former Daily Times and AIT General Manager, was born in OwodokpoIgbide, Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State. He attended Protestant Teacher Training College, Yaba Lagos and taught for 10 years before his foray into the journalism profession.

In 1982, Othihiwa was honoured with the award of the Knighthood Order of St. Augustine by the Head of the World Anglican Communion.

Our heartfelt condolences are hereby extended to the entire members of the Othihiwa family, his professional colleagues and associates in the media, friends and the Delta State Government.

We pray the Almighty God to give the entire Othihiwa family the fortitude to bear this loss and grant his soul eternal rest. Amen.

Funke Egbemode                                                        Mary Atolagbe

President                                                                     General Secretary