Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria(NPAN) condoles with Ray Ekpu over wife’s death

The late Uyai Ekpu, the wife of former Newswatch Magazine CEO Ray Ekpu, has been deeply lamented by the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria.

The well-known columnist and journalist Ekpu had earlier disclosed his wife’s passing in a statement on Wednesday.

On April 21, 2024, Uyai, at 73 years old, passed away after a brief illness.

In a letter of condolence to Ekpu, NPAN’s president, Kabiru Yusuf, wrote to the bereaved on Thursday. He said newspaper owners were shocked to learn of Uyai’s passing.

According to NPAN, the deceased was a seasoned administrator and a definitive management and training professional, whose passing had left a significant gap in the socio-development scene of the country.

Yusuf said, “Though she is no more, we are consoled by the enviable legacies she left as a professional, the value she held as a bridge builder, and her exemplary disposition for community service.”

“On behalf of the Executive Council of our esteemed association, we commiserate with you and your entire family. We pray that the Almighty God will console and uphold every one of you.”

As acting Director of the Management Education and Training Department, Uyai departed in 2011 after serving as a senior employee of the Center for Management Development.

Ekpu noted in the statement announcing his wife’s passing that Uyai was a living example of the values of inclusivity, community service, and family. Her life was marked by a deep commitment to God and compassion.

Elu Ray Mbakwe, Mfoniso Ray Ekpu, Edikan Ray Osho, and Elu Ray Mbakwe are Uyai’s three surviving children, together with her husband Ekpu.

The husband stated that information about the deceased’s funeral plans would be shared when it was appropriate.