The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council has expressed deep shock over the death of its member and former Secretary of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), FCT Chapter, Prophetess Ogonnaya Regina Umeham.

Prophetess Umeham passed away on Friday after a prolonged illness.

She was a former staff member of Daily Times Newspapers and, until her death, served as the News Editor of Weekenders Magazine.

This devastating news comes while the council is still grieving the loss of another member, the late Rafat Idris.

In a statement issued on Saturday by the Secretary of the Council, Comrade Jide Oyekunle, the NUJ expressed its sorrow over this tragic and unfortunate loss.

The statement reads:
*“The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council joins the family, friends, colleagues, and associates of Prophetess Ogonnaya Umeham in mourning the sudden passing of this vibrant journalist, whose health sadly deteriorated in recent months.

“This loss is particularly painful and devastating for us, coming just hours after the passing of another colleague, Rafat Idris.

“Prophetess Umeham, a former NAWOJ Secretary, who passed away on Friday morning after a protracted illness, worked with several reputable media organizations, including Daily Times Newspapers. Until her passing, she was the News Editor of Weekenders Magazine in Abuja.

“She also served as the Secretary of the Credentials Committee for the Delegates Conference of NAWOJ held in Kano, where Comrade Gbenga Onayiga was the Chairman.”*

The family of Prophetess Umeham will announce her burial arrangements in due course.

Properties estimated in millions of naira have been destroyed following a fire incident at the popular Araromi spare parts market located at Agodi-Gate in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The fire reportedly ignited around 2 a.m. on Saturday and continues to burn, with firefighters actively working to bring it under control.

Confirming the incident to PUNCH, the General Manager of Oyo State Fire Services, Akinyemi Akinyinka, said: “We are battling with a serious inferno at Agodi-Gate. Help us to call water tanker owners to assist us. We are still here battling with the situation.”

The origin of the fire is still unknown, and investigations are currently underway.

In a related incident, a devastating fire on Friday resulted in the tragic loss of a husband, wife, and their grandson in the Ori-Eru, Idikan area of Ibadan, affecting a two-story building at 3:46 a.m.

Earlier this week, another fire caused significant damage in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, on Sunday morning, destroying three shops, although the timely response of the state fire services prevented further loss by saving 13 additional shops.

Additionally, last Friday, a fire broke out at a parish of the Christ Apostolic Church in Ibadan during a vigil,g reportedly trapping several worshippers inside.

This incident occurred around 9:30 p.m. at Wisdom Estate, Road 1G, Olohunda Road, in the Lagelu Local Government Area.

Prophetess Naomi Silekunola Ogunwusi, the estranged queen of the Ooni of Ife, slumped while in police detention amid investigations into the tragic stampede at a children’s funfair in Ibadan.

She was quickly taken to the Police Hospital in Eleyele for treatment.

According to Punch, she was brought in alongside broadcaster Oriyomi Hamzat, who co-hosted the ill-fated event.

A senior staff member of the police hospital confirmed the development.

“Both of them are currently at the hospital. They brought them in today. But I can’t give you further details because it is a sensitive matter and the police have barricaded the whole hospital,” the hospital worker said.

The funfair, intended for 5,000 children, saw a turnout of over 7,500, leading to a deadly rush that claimed the lives of 35 children and injured several others.

Many of the injured were taken to hospitals, where some remain under care.

The police have arrested eight people, and the Inspector General of Police has now taken charge of the investigation.

Meanwhile, Agidigbo FM, one of the organizers, has been shut down.

In response to the tragedy, the Oyo State Government has ordered stricter safety rules for public events, especially those involving children.

Governor Seyi Makinde canceled his December 25 birthday celebration to honour the victims, calling the event a painful and preventable loss.

Families of the victims and the entire community are still in shock as the probe continues.