Former President Goodluck Jonathan has expressed deep shock over the passing of Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who died after collapsing in his Yenagoa office.
Jonathan described the late deputy governor as a devoted public servant, true patriot, and loyal steward, recalling his unwavering passion and hard work.
“From his service as Commissioner, to the Senate, and later as Deputy Governor, Senator Ewhrudjakpo was known for his depth, insightful grasp of governance, eloquence, and warm sense of humour,” Jonathan stated.
The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) also mourned his loss, noting in a statement that he was a dedicated and visionary public servant whose exemplary values would remain indelible.
Similarly, former Bayelsa Governor Seriake Dickson paid tribute, describing Ewhrudjakpo as a rare blend of competence, intellect, loyalty, and selflessness. Dickson highlighted the late deputy governor’s emotional stability, maturity, and principled character, calling him “irreplaceable” and “formidable in intellect and learning.”
The tributes collectively honored Ewhrudjakpo as a leader whose profound impact and committed service left a lasting mark on Bayelsa State and Nigeria.
Dele Fashomi, seasoned journalist and communication teacher, is a holder of Master of Arts degree in Communication and Language Arts from the University of Ibadan in 1992/93.
Earlier, he had bagged a Bachelor degree from the same university in 1984, after which he proceeded to the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Lagos, in 1990, for a postgraduate diploma in Journalism.
He had done many courses in communication, including the EU-BBC Editing Course in 2002.
Mr. Fashomi combines effectively the practice, research and teaching of communication. And to date, he has published two academic works in communication: Issues in Communication Technology and Policy (2010) and Economic and Social Issues in Advertising and PR (2013).
He had his first break in the Nigerian media in Concord Newspapers in 1990 and today, he has over two and half decades experience earned in several newspapers.
He has been part of many start-ups, such as The Republic (1987), The Comet (1999), The Anchor 2001 – 2002; Sun Newspapers (2003); Westerner newsmagazine (2005 – 2010) as Editor; National Life (2011) as Sunday Editor, and Newswatch Newspapers (2012- 2016) as Daily Editor.
Dele Fashomi is now the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Newstide247.com newspaper online, which he started in July 2015. He is also into biography writing, with many books in his trail, some of which he wrote alone and one he co- authored with his mentor, Mr Dare Babarinsa, entitled: Olabiyi Durojaiye – DARE TO BE DiFFERENT. He also guided and collaborated with Pa Olatunji Odusanya in writing his autobiography – AGAINST ALL ODDS. There are many other books in the works under his pen.
