Tributes have been pouring in for Chuks Azuka Nwanne, the late General Manager of Abuja/Northern Operations of The Guardian, who passed away on October 3 after a long illness. Nwanne was a renowned journalist and authority on Nigerian entertainment, arts, culture, and tourism. He began his career as a freelance contributor to The Guardian in 2006 before joining the newspaper in 2008 as an entertainment reporter. His dedication and passion for his craft have left a lasting impression on his colleagues and friends.
Colleagues and friends have been sharing their fond memories of Nwanne, describing him as a talented, warm-hearted, and dedicated journalist. John Nwaehike, one of Nwanne's colleagues, recalled his serious approach to work, saying he treated his job "as a religion." Michael Egbejule, a publicist, praised Nwanne's gentle nature and his role in nurturing his writing career at The Guardian. Egbejule also fondly remembered Nwanne's inspiring story on the life of Sir Victor Uwaifo, also known as 'Guitar Boy.'
The news of Nwanne's death has sent shockwaves through the journalism community, with many expressing their grief and sadness. Prisca Duru, an arts and culture writer, described Nwanne's death as a painful loss, while Bodunrin Akintayo, a culture and arts reporter, prayed that Nwanne's memory would remain blessed. The Director-General of the National Film and Video Censors Board, Dr. Shaibu Husseini, also paid tribute to Nwanne, describing him as "Vatican" and expressing his devastation at his passing.
Nwanne's colleagues at The Guardian have been sharing their tributes on social media, with Templer Olaiya, News Editor, describing him as a brother and a cherished memory. Kamal Tayo Oropo, Assistant Editor-in-Chief of the News Agency of Nigeria, recalled Nwanne's steady rise in his profession and described him as a gifted journalist who was passionate about his craft. Oropo also remembered their shared experiences and conversations, saying his departure feels painfully premature.
Another former colleague, Taiwo Hassan, fondly remembered Nwanne's energetic and cheerful personality, which left a lasting impression on those around him. Hassan recalled meeting Nwanne years ago in Lagos, when he was searching for accommodation, and Nwanne's warmth and generosity. He also praised Nwanne's acumen and brilliance in covering entertainment and tourism at The Guardian.
Nwanne's career spanned over a decade, during which he rose through the ranks to become General Manager, Abuja/Northern Operations. He held a Higher National Diploma in Mass Communication from the Institute of Management and Technology and a master's degree in Communication Studies from Lagos State University. Nwanne also attended several professional training programs and conferences in Nigeria and abroad.
Beyond his journalism career, Nwanne was the founder and creative director of the Ogbunike Cave, a project that showcased his creativity and passion for the arts. His legacy continues to inspire his colleagues and friends, who will miss his smiling face and jovial personality. Nwanne is survived by his family, including his wife and children, and his memory will be cherished by those who knew him.
Key points
- Chuks Azuka Nwanne, the late General Manager of Abuja/Northern Operations of The Guardian, has been remembered by his colleagues and friends for his dedication, passion, and talent as a journalist.
- Nwanne's career spanned over a decade, during which he covered entertainment, arts, culture, and tourism, and rose through the ranks to become General Manager.
- Tributes have been pouring in for Nwanne, describing him as a talented, warm-hearted, and dedicated journalist who left a lasting impression on those around him.
