The Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria has mourned the passing of Uyai Ekpu, the wife of a former Chief Executive Officer of Newswatch Magazine, Ray Ekpu.

The renowned journalist and columnist, Ekpu, had earlier announced the death of his wife in a statement on Wednesday.

Uyai, aged 73, died on April 21, 2024, following a brief illness.

Condoling Ekpu, NPAN in a Thursday letter addressed to the bereaved and signed by the association’s president, Kabiru Yusuf, noted newspaper proprietors received the news of Uyai’s death with great shock.

NPAN described the deceased as a quintessential management and training specialist and a seasoned administrator, whose passage had created a deep void in the nation’s socio-development landscape.

Yusuf said, “Though she is no more, we are consoled by the enviable legacies she left as a professional, the value she held as a bridge builder, and her exemplary disposition for community service.”

“On behalf of the Executive Council of our esteemed association, we commiserate with you and your entire family. We pray that the Almighty God will console and uphold every one of you.”

Uyai was a senior staff of the Centre for Management Development and retired in 2011 as an acting Director, Management Education and Training Department.

In the statement announcing the passage of his wife, Ekpu said Uyai epitomised the virtues of family, community service, and inclusivity, noting her life was characterised by deep-rooted compassion and devotion to God.

Uyai is survived by her husband, Ekpu, and three children: Elu Ray Mbakwe, Mfoniso Ray Ekpu, and Edikan Ray Osho.

According to the husband, details regarding the funeral arrangements for the deceased would be communicated in due course.