The West Africa Broadcast and Media Academy (WABMA) has paid tribute to its executive director, ace broadcaster, Nkemjika Attoh, who passed away on Wednesday, October 25,
Jika Attoh reportedly died in a hospital in Enugu, the capital of Enugu State after falling ill.
A statement signed by WABMA Registrar, Joseph Obari, described the death of Attoh as a colossal loss.
The statement quoted the Chairman of the academy, Kevin Ejiofor, as saying: “This is a huge loss to us at WABMA where Jika spent the last years of his life deepening media professionalism.
“It is a loss we share with the entire media landscape in Nigeria where this news has sent shockwaves. Our prayers accompany our dear friend and colleague as he journeys on to the great beyond.”
It added: “Attoh’s failing health in the past one year did not deter him from pursuing his passion of enhancing development journalism in Nigeria until the very last weeks of his life.
“He was the firebrand professional anchor of Africa Independent Television’s flagship breakfast, KAAKAKI and news anchor at Channels Television, Lagos.
“Attoh later became a journalism trainer for the BBC World Service Trust (BBC Media Action) and a consultant media trainer for Enable in Nigeria.
“His media leadership included his roles as the managing director of Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS); broadcast manager and trainer at Lagoni Media, member of board of directors of West Africa Democracy Radio, Dakar, Senegal and the genius behind the establishment of BLAZE FM, Awka and COSMOS FM, Enugu”.
Friends, colleagues, and fans have taken to various platforms to mourn him.