The Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun has mourned with the family, friends and colleagues of late journalist, Gbenga Davies, on his demise.
The deceased, who was a brother to Metronews Nigeria publisher, Femi Davies, reportedly slumped on Friday night, in Abeokuta.
Lamenting his demise, Governor Abiodun, in a statement by his Executive Consultant on Media and Communication, Akogun Lanre Alfred, said, “Gbenga, who was fondly called Gbengene, by his loved ones, was not just as humane a journalist as he was a citizen of humanity, he was also a man whose heart beat for the common good.”
Governor Abiodun said: “Even though he is gone, his extraordinary, infectious, spirit ultimately endears him to all who saw in him and felt by him, a force for justice and towering compassion for the weak and voiceless.
Throughout his short, inspiring life, Gbenga impacted positively on the lives of others; he unfurled different aspects of his soul to all who were opportune to encounter and relate with him. He was confidant, mentor and friend to all.
“Gbenga’s demise, undoubtedly, manifests as a sore on the body of journalists in Ogun State and Nigeria in general.
“Governor Abiodun sends his deepest condolences to the Davies family, and he urges them to seek consolation in how fortunate we all are to have had him grace our time. May Almighty God heal the bereaved of their loss and grant the deceased peaceful repose. Amen.”
Burial arrangement for the deceased begins today (Wednesday ), August 14, at 11.00 am, when the body will leave General Hospital, Sokenu, Abeokuta. There will be a brief service of songs at the NUJ Secretariat, Iwe Iroyin House, Abeokuta, at 11.30 am. His remains will be buried at Kobape Cemetery by 12.30pm.
Gbenga had his secondary school education at Festac Grammar School, Lagos, and proceeded to the Ogun State Polytechnic (now Moshood Abiola Polytechnic) in Abeokuta, where he studied Accounting.
The deceased is survived by his wife, four children, brothers and an aged mother.