Anguish, Tears As Colleagues, Friends Bid Late Hycienth Farewell

Anguish, Tears As Colleagues, Friends Bid Late Hycienth Farewell

By Niyi Busari

Death they say, is part of life, but emotions did not allow those who paid late Hycienth Umeh the last respect to hold back the tears flowing down their cheeks.

In a sombre mood, friends, colleagues heaped encomiums on the late journalist, relaying his good deeds.

Speaking during the service of songs held at the NUJ Secretariat on Thursday in Abuja, the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare said he was grieved by his death.

Dare who was represented by the Director of Press, Mrs Blessing Lere Adams said the ministry would do something to immortalise late Hycienth Umeh adding that the Ministry and FCT SWAN will work together and come up with activity to immortalise the former Financial Secretary of SWAN FCT.

"Its indeed with deep grief that l receive the news about the exit of one of us, Mr Umeh who reports Youth and Sports activities. He was such a committed, selfless and gentle man. I can't forget Abuja 2018 Games, on his own with his crew using his car, he covered about all event centers giving exact stories as they occurred. Oh! may God comfort his family through this dark time of his passage. Praying God to rest his gentle soul in peaceful paradise in Jesus name. Adieu Umeh. Rest in Christ Jesus. Our hearts griefs. Lere-Adams, Director of Press, Ministry of Youth and Sports, said

The former Chairman of the Association, Kayode Adeniyi also heaped encomiums on the deceased saying Hycienth is an honest man, one who can be trusted when it comes to financial issue.

"He was the Financial Secretary when I was the Chairman of FCT SWAN, and I have never had issue with him when it comes to money. He was articulate, trustworthy and had the fear of God. A hard working man. May God gives his family the fortitude to bear the loss."

Olympian and Technical Director, Nigeria Taekwondo Federation, Eng. Chika Chukwumerije, former FCT SWAN Chairman, Victor Iroele and former National Secretary General of SWAN, Richard Jideaka and Robinson Okosun were some of dignitaries that graced the occasion.

Meanwhile, Chairman, FCT SWAN, Comrade Chidoka Ndubueze on behalf of SWAN handed N100,000 to the family of the deceased.

According to the family, late Hycienth Umeh will be buried on Saturday, 5th September, 2020.