John Chiahemen

President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed sadness over the death of a former Reuters Bureau Chief for Nigeria, John Chiahemen, extending deep condolences to his family, friends and colleagues, including everyone in the various media organizations where he worked.


The President, in a statement issued Wednesday by his spokesman, Mallam Garba Shehu, recalled that as a veteran newsman Chiahemen was respected for his brilliant contributions and editorial role of covering news about Africa from a business and development perspective, beyond the narrow stereotypes of disaster and poverty.


He expressed belief that the remarkable legacies left behind by one of Nigeria’s most accomplished journalists will continue to inspire current and upcoming members of the fourth estate of the realm.

In his reaction to the demise of the journalist, Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has expressed sadness over the demise of  veteran international  journalist,  describing his  death  as a huge loss to Nigeria.


He further lamented that  Chiahemen died at a time when his wealth of experience and expertise in conflict management was needed to navigate through the murky waters of the Nigerian politics.


The governor  noted that  the exploits, courage and resilience of  Chiahemen in the modern media engagement both in Nigeria and other African countries where he had worked with distinction.


Dailyledger.com.ng reports that Chiahemen also worked briefly with  Abubakar Atiku’s media company, Gotel as its first managing director in 2015.


The Governor lamented that Benue State and Nigeria has lost a patriot and a thorough bred media practitioner. He urged the bereaved family to take solace in the fact that late Chiahemen left positive footprints in the sand of time adding “he was a very resourceful journalist who worked for peace and upliftment of the society. He lived an exemplary life worthy of emulation."


The late Chiahemen left behind a wife, three children and one grand child and hails from Mbadede, Vandeikya local government area of Benue State.