Enconiums have continued to pour in torrentially following the news of Ben Adaji’s demise. Apart from how the veteran journalist passed on, many recalled their last moments with him.
“I saw him a few days ago,” one of the sympathisers cried out. She recalled he was in high spirits, especially with his efforts to get into partisan politics.
Colleagues from the past also remember the egregious reporter who held, particularly, the Taraba state government to account.
Adaji had taken Taraba state to be his second home. He never left the state throughout his reporting career. He happily moved from medium to medium as their Taraba state correspondent.
He was a field officer of the profession, always going beyond the press releases to dig deeper into development. This obviously made him a torn in the flesh of powerful people.
The journalism world will remember him for his acerbic reports and his somewhat aggressive interview styles. He never shied away from asking the questions many would not ask. He was an iconoclast of sorts.
Many also remember his kindness, describing him as a man who went out of his ways to please people. Colleagues recall his generous ways, which included financial support and a penchant for fighting other people’s battles.
Adaji was a common denominator for decades in the world of reporting in Taraba. He became intertwined with political developments in the state. His opinions were respected as he had participated in some of the political dramas of the state.
It is, however, in the sphere of friendship Ben Adaji excelled above anything else. He was not perfect, but Adaji was loyal to friendship and upheld the decency that goes with it.
Meanwhile, Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, has expressed deep sadness over the demise of Chief Ben Adaji.
Adaji, a household name in Taraba State, passed on Saturday in his country home of Kogi state at 67.
Eulogising Chief Ben Adaji, Kefas said the loss is a great one for his immediate family and the entire media community of the state.
He described Adaji as a forthright journalist who stayed true to the tenets of the profession.
The Governor further noted that the Adaji played a critical role in upholding free speech in the state through his bold reporting and adherence to professionalism.
Adaji passed away around 4pm on Saturday at his country home in Abo- Ojikpadala in Imane District in Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi state.
Adaji, until his unfortunate demise, worked with TheNEWS/TEMPO/PM NEWS, The Nation, and National Trail.
He is the current Correspondent of Aljazira Nigeria Newspaper in Taraba state before the sad development.
Kefas observed that the late veteran journalist was also once the chairman of the Taraba State Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ).
Adaji held the revered traditional title of Abujah of Oda Ojiji Imane in the Imane community of Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State.
His reign was widely recognized for his efforts in promoting cultural heritage and community development.
Following his commitment to the journalism profession, he built a distinguished career for several decades.
The late Adaji earned a reputation for ethical reporting, professional integrity, and mentoring young journalists.
Kefas paid tribute for the courage the late journalist always exhibited in dealing with power. He recalled his many altercations with authority during the military eras.
Consequently, Kefas described the late Adaji as a hero of democracy and a great example of journalistic excellence.
Emmanuel Bello is Special Assistant, Media and Digital Communications, to Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State