The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council, Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, and the Management of Peoples Daily Newspaper have expressed shock over the death of the Chairman of Peoples Daily Chapel of NUJ FCT Council describing it as a great loss to journalism profession.

In a statement released and jointly signed by Comrades Osaretin Osadebamwen and Ochiaka Ugwu, Chairman and Secretary, the NUJ Council  noted that council received the news of the death of the ace sportswriter with rude shock.

It stated that the late Akota was not only a strong member of the council, who never missed any council’s activities, but a committed comrade who was always desirous to lend a helping hand to colleagues whenever the need arises.

According to the statement, “The former Sport Editor would be remembered for his invaluable contributions to the growth of the journalism profession, and NUJ as umbrella body of all practicing journalists.

“It is a sad and grieving moment for the NUJ family and Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) in particular. It is more worrying that he died when his services were most needed by the council and his medium, Peoples Daily.

“Akota was a dedicated newsman, an exemplary, unpretentious and hard-working Journalist, who discharged his duties with diligence, devotion and integrity.

“Akota was modest, calm and gentle during his lifetime and would be greatly missed by his colleagues and fans" NUJ said.

The National leadership of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN)  commiserated with its Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter over the demise of its immediate past Secretary, Mr. Albert Akota.

SWAN President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, said he received the news of Albert's demise with shock while recalling their various interfaces as colleagues and members of SWAN Full Council.

The SWAN President  said the few times he met the Edo-born Albert, he had been impressed with his gentle approach in relating with people around him.

"Personally, I remembered how we were together during the 2023 SWAN National Triennial Congress in Omoku, Rivers state. And he was one of those who stayed calm all through being a Full Council member then.

"I have been so disturbed since I heard of his demise. If there is one thing I so desire, it is that every SWAN member in all parts of the country and beyond live healthy.

"Therefore, I want to use this opportunity to urge my respected colleagues to always find time and take care themselves from the kind of foods we eat to regular health checks and necessary medications," he said.

The number one Sports Writer then prayed God to give Albert's wife, children, other relations, many other loved ones and colleagues the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

The management of Peoples in announcing the death of  the Sports Editor said Albert, 47, died after an intermitent struggle with a medical condition which he did not survive from. 

They said his body has been deposited at the Maitama General Hospital in Abuja while the family makes consultations and arrangements to give him a befitting burial at a date to be announced. 

Peoples Daily said late Albert hails from Edo State and was a very diligent Sports writer and editor who gave his professional best at all times. 

"He will be remembered for his honesty, trustworthiness, uprightness, dedication and team spirit". 

"Whether in prosperity or in adversity, Albert was known to have always kept his head with a lot of optimism that success will surely come the way of those who are positive" the organization concluded in a release singed by Dr Hammeed Bello, its Chief Operating Officer.