The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) yesterday in Kano lost one of their own, Augustine Madu-West, Bureau Chief of National Mirror in Kano, who died in his sleep at 1:30 A.M.
Madu-West, 53, who died peacefully in his Kawaji residence, is a native of Nazi, Owerri in Imo state.
According to his wife, Patricia, Madu-West died at about 1:30 a.m. Thursday, “We were discussing in the Palour. At a point, he quietly complained of a slight pain in his chest, and within a space of 10 minutes, he passed on.”
Madu-West has managed diabetes and High Blood Pressure, HBP, for over 10 years.
Born on 3 December, 1960, Madu-West spent over twenty years practicing journalism.
He came to the limelight during his days at The Punch Newspapers where he rose to the position of Assistant Editor. He, however, had worked in other newspapers before then.
From The Punch, he set up a media consultancy outfit called The West-End.
He later joined Daily Independent, from where he moved to National Mirror where he was serving as a Bureau Chief until his death.
A socialite and groomed professional, Madu-West is mostly referred to as The Chief by his colleagues in Kano.
He was also Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Kano state chapter, and at one time, Deputy Chairman, NUJ, Kano chapter.
He is survived by a son, wife, three daughters and two grand-children.
As at the time of filling this report, his remains has been deposited at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital.
Condolence registers are open at his Kawaji Residence and Kano Press Centre located at the Farm Centre axis.
Kano state Government through the office of the Deputy Governor, Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje, described the late Madu-West as a peace-loving man and detribalized Nigerian.
“We receive the news of the death of Augustine Madu-West, Bureau Chief of National Mirror with a great shock. He is a friend to Kano state government and has done a lot through his profession to promote the ideology and principles of Governor Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso’s administration. We will miss him and we send our sincere condolence to members of his family and the leadership of Nigeria Union of Journalists,” Alhaji Salihu Bala, Director of Press to the Kano state Deputy Governor said in a statement.
Elder statesman, Alhaji Tanko Yakasai who had an interview with Madu-West, Wednesday evening, described his death as a great shock and huge loss to journalism in Nigeria.
“I feel sad over this tragic news. I was with him in my house on Wednesday when we had a brief chat. He was healthy and did not complain anything. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace,” Yakasai said.
The President of Nigeria Union of Journalists, Comrade Mohammed Garba, described Madu-West’s death as a big blow to the journalism profession.
“He is a professional to the core, a fearless journalist. He is peace-loving and has groomed many journalists. He is a bridge builder and a detribalized Nigerian. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace,” Garba stated.
The spokesman of the 3 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Captain Ikedichi Iweha described Madu-West as a friend of the Army, “I am yet to come to terms with this news of Oga Madu-West’s sudden death. Through his profession, he contributed to the return of peace in Kano. We miss him and to the family, we pray that God grants them the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”
Also, the Police Public Relations officer of Kano Police Command, Magaji Majia, who was at Madu-West’s residence Thursday morning on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Musa Daura, prayed to God to grant him eternal rest and wipe the tears away from members of his family and colleagues.
“The Nigerian Police Force receives this sad news with a shock. May God grant his soul eternal peace. I personally call him Uncle Madu-West, we will miss his valuable advice and gainful contributions,” Majia said.
In a Press Statement, Secretary of Kano State Correspondent Chapel, Malam Ibrahim Garba Shuaibu described Madu-West’s death as a great loss to the Chapel, “we regret to announce the passing away of our senior colleague, Chief Augustine Madu-West, Bureau Chief of National Mirror Newspaper. He died in his sleep at about 1.30am this morning. He is survived by his wife and four children. He was aged 53 years. Burial arrangements will be announced by his family. Condolence register has been opened at Correspondents’ chapel secretariat, NUJ Press centre. May his soul rest in peace.”
