It was a time of sober reflection as the remains of veteran journalist, late Ray Ugochukwu was committed to the mother earth on Friday July 14, 2023 at the family compound in Umuopara, Umuozu Ngugo, Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State.
Ugochuckwu died peacefully in his village on May 31, 2023 at the age of 64.
In his sermon at the funeral service of the deceased at the St Luke’s Anglican Church, Ngugo, in Ikeduru Local Government Area, the officiating minister, Reverend Canon Levi Onyemaobi prayed that God gives the late journalist his perfect peace and rest from all exertions of this life.
“May Almighty God our Father in Heaven who lifts all who die in the Lord receive our father Mr. Raymond Nlemchuckwu Ugochukwu in thy dwelling,” he prayed.
The officiating minister also prayed to God to grant his wife, children brother and all fatherly care and comfort.
Onyemaobi commended Ugochuckwu’s lifestyle of commitment to God even in the Anglican Communion and urged all and sundry to emulate this quality.
In his tribute, his son, Prosper Ugochukwu, said; “Raymond was always a delight. Even at home with his siblings, nephews and nieces, he was not the type to hold grudges or engage in prolonged conflicts with others.
“He has a quiet disposition and preferred to handle his affairs in a composed and dignified manner.
“He would always advise me that money was not everything. He would often stress the importance of establishing connections and considering money as a secondary factor.”
The General Manager Corporate and Strategic Communications, Mrs. J.A. Moltok said: “As the President of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN), during which he was a bonafide staff of the Vanguard Newspaper, Ray Ugochukwu was very committed to the tenets and ethics of his profession which earned him great respect in the industry.”
At the burial rites were the representatives of the Maritime Journalists Association of Nigeria (MAJAN), Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) while the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) sent its goodwill message.
He was a three terms president of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN), President of the Maritime Journalists Association of Nigeria (MAJAN), member, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), former, chairman, Daily Times NUJ Chapel and co-author of the Maritime Under Democracy.
The late Ray Ugochukwu is survived by a beautiful wife, two children and brothers.
Photo: Late Mr. Ray Ugochukwu.
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