Isiyaku Ahmed
An Assistant Director of Information and Public Relations at the State House, Peter Chukwuemeka Onwubuariri, has died in Kano after a protracted illness.
Onwubuariri died on Monday after spending about one month receiving treatment at the Kano Cancer Hospital, his wife, Catherine Ezinna Onwubuariri, confirmed.
The deceased, a former staff member of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), was described by colleagues as an astute, dedicated, and committed public servant who made significant contributions to public communication.
His remains were released on Tuesday from the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH) and transported to Owerri, Imo State, for burial.
At AKTH, the body was formally handed over by Sanusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa, spokesperson to Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, to Oche Echeija Egwa, Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations at the State House.
Egwa received the remains on behalf of Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by Kano State Governor’s press secretary, Mustapha Muhammad, Governor Yusuf expressed deep sorrow over the death.
Governor Yusuf described Onwubuariri as a committed information professional who contributed meaningfully to public communication at the Presidential Villa.
“This is a painful moment for his family, colleagues and the entire information and public relations community,” the statement said.
Yusuf extended his condolences to Mrs. Onwubuariri, the immediate family, colleagues at the State House and the Federal Government.
He prayed to Almighty God to forgive the deceased’s shortcomings, grant him eternal rest and give his family the strength to bear the loss.
Similarly, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kano State Council, expressed deep sorrow over the death of Onwubuariri.
In a statement signed by the Council Secretary, Hauwa Zahradeen, the NUJ Chairman extended heartfelt condolences to Mrs. Catherine Ezinna Onwubuariri, the deceased’s immediate family, colleagues, the public relations community and the wider journalism profession.
The union also commended Governor Yusuf for sponsoring the late director’s medical expenses during his illness.
The NUJ Kano Council prayed for the eternal repose of the deceased and comfort for his family during the difficult period.
