By Gloria Ikibah
The National Secretariat of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has mourned the death of Comrade Patrick Osadebamwen, a veteran journalist and former Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory Council.
In a condolence message signed by the National Chairperson of NAWOJ, Aishatu Ibrahim, and National Secretary, Wasilah Ladan, the association described Osadebamwen’s death as a painful loss to the journalism profession and the wider media community. 
NAWOJ said the late journalist devoted significant years of his life to journalism, unionism and the advancement of the welfare and interests of media professionals.
“Comrade Osadebamwen’s professional journey, which included service with reputable media organisations such as The Union Newspaper, Core TV, The Nigerian Tribune and Kaftan TV, as well as his leadership of the NUJ FCT Council, reflected his commitment to the journalism profession and the growth of the media community,” the statement read.
The women journalists said his death was particularly painful because journalism was more than a profession, describing it as a community united by a shared responsibility to inform society, defend truth and contribute to national development.
“For us in NAWOJ, his passing is particularly painful because the journalism profession is not merely a career; it is a community bound together by a shared commitment to informing society, defending truth and promoting a better nation.
“The death of every committed journalist therefore diminishes that community and leaves a void that will be difficult to fill,” it said.
NAWOJ extended its condolences to the NUJ FCT Council, Osadebamwen’s professional colleagues, friends and associates, with particular emphasis on his three children and the entire Osadebamwen family.
The association urged the bereaved family to draw strength from his contributions to journalism and the memories he left behind, while calling on members of the media community to stand by the family during the difficult period.
“At this moment of grief, we urge the bereaved family to take solace in the positive impact of his life and the memories he leaves behind.
“We also encourage our colleagues in the media community to stand firmly with the family and keep them in their prayers as they navigate this painful period,” NAWOJ said.
The association joined the NUJ and the wider Nigerian media community in mourning the former NUJ FCT chairman, and prayed for strength for his family and eternal rest for the deceased.
