The Lying in state.
By Ita Williams, Calabar
A valedictory service was held on Friday at the Ernest Etim Bassey Press Centre, Calabar to honour the life and works of Comrade Jeremiah Ishel Ashiple, a renowned journalist who recently passed away.
Colleagues and family members gathered to pay their last respect and bid farewell to a man remembered as “a talented and amiable Journalist”.
Among those who spoke during the lying in state service was, the Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, Cross River State Council, Comrade Archibong Bassey
She expressed his admiration for Ashiple, saying , “I was encouraged to join this profession when I heard of your prowess as a journalist. Your milestone achievements inspired me. As you begin your final journey today, we pray that the Almighty receives your soul and grant you eternal rest.”
Representing the Commissioner of Information at valedictory service, the Permanent Secretary of the State Ministry of Information, Comrade Sam Egbala, shared his personal connection with Ashiple.
Egbala who is a member of the Nigeria Guild of Editors, noted, “Jerry was the best man at my wedding. His wife knows this well. It pains me that instead of celebrating our retirement, we are mourning his untimely demise. God knows best for all of us who have gathered here to honour Jerry.
“On behalf of the Commissioner, I want to enjoin the family of our departed colleague to take solace that our late Comrade Jeremiah lived a fulfilled life and has gone to be with his Creator”
Another close friend and colleague, Comrade Lawrence Mpama, described Ashiple as a talented and amiable journalist.
He said, “Jerry was a man of his words and a talented journalist. I lack words to fully express his impact, but I want us to find solace in the fact that Jerry is now resting with the Lord.”
The body of the late journalist has been transported to his ancestral home in Yala Local Government Area for burial.
A significant number of journalists attended the valedictory service to bid a final farewell to Comrade Ashiple.
