HURIWA urges Ugwuanyi to immortalise legendary broadcaster, Paddy Eke

Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), has urged Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi to name the Faculty of Mass Communication of the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT) after the late legendary broadcaster, Chief Patrick Eke (Paddy Eke).

In its letter of condolences to broadcasters all over the country, especially to the governor and people of Enugu State, the group said: “We have learnt of the passage of one of the most iconic broadcasters and journalists East of the Niger, the Enugu State-born former professional broadcaster, Chief Patrick Eke. We, the entire members of the media-oriented human rights body, are by this public statement extending our condolences and solidarity to the governor of Enugu State and the people of Enugu and indeed the South-East of Nigeria over the demise of a great man who glamourised broadcasting and deployed his immense media talents to promote harmony, national peace and to champion respect for constituted authority.

“HURIWA recalls with nostalgia that Chief Eke started his professional career in broadcasting in 1966 with Eastern Nigeria Broadcasting Service (ENBS). He was a prominent voice during the Biafran war when he broadcast to the sound of bombs detonating dangerously close by. That was from 1967-1970.

“HURIWA notes also that this iconic journalist rose through the ranks to become Controller of Programmes when Eastern broadcasting was reborn and became Anambra Broadcasting Service in 1985. In recognition of his contribution to the growth and development of Enugu State in general and the broadcast media in particular, he was made Justice of Peace of the Federal Republic of Nigeria – a worthy achievement – in 1998.

“HURIWA recalls that the late broadcaster was a contemporary of the equally iconic broadcaster and film star, Chief Pete Edochie. There is imperative need for the Enugu State government to consider honouring the beautiful memories of their great son. This honour will also spur on hundreds of other broadcasters and journalists of Enugu State and South-East to also dedicate their professional careers to the service and advancement of humanity and the nation.

“HURIWA recalls that recently, the Anambra State governor honoured their own version of iconic broadcaster, Chief Edochie, who is a contemporary of Chief Eke now of blessed memory.

“Knowing Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi as a man of the people, we believe that his administration will do the needful to immortalise their legendary son, the late Chief Eke. The government and people of Enugu State will forever be remembered by generations yet unborn for doing so much to create memorabilia and build institutions to immortalise and engrave the good names of her heroes past. ”