Etete Family Formally Announces Loss of Broadcast Journalist, Appreciates Sympathisers
The death has been painfully announced of Mrs. Ozekizibe Etete of Agudama-Epie in Yenagoa Local Local Government of Bayelsa State. She was aged 48.
Mrs. Etete who had a health challenge, died April 3, 2025 soon after treatment at the Diete Koki Memorial Hospital, Opolo-Epie in Yenagoa, a statement by her marital and paternal families stated.
The statement jointly issued on behalf of Etete Family by Chief Sonvie Etete and Mr. Izibealua Epiri of Okoravi Family, added that the protracted ailment had been diligently managed by she and her spouse before the sudden demise.
Untill her death, Mrs. Ozekizibe was controller of news, editor and head of reportorial crew at the Bayelsa State-owned Niger Delta Television (NDTV).
Earlier, she was a newscaster in Epie language translation of the station’s telecast, and later a correspondent at Nigeria’s Senate and Bayelsa Government House, Abuja, where she also covered major national events.
Mrs. Ozekizibe Etete, Nee Epiri of Agudama-Epie, and Otoro family of Onopa, began work as executive officer at the then Bayelsa State College of Education (BYCAS), Agudama-Epie, and later transferred to the NDTV on its take off, to pursue her broadcasting dream.
She had professional qualifications in journalism, and a Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Mass Communication from Nassarawa State University Keffi (NSUK), besides training workshops, which honed her flare for the profession.
Ozekizibe served many social organisations, notably as secretary, and chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) NDTV Chapel; secretary Nigeria Women Journalists (NAWOJ) NDTV chapel; twice as secretary of Agudama-Epie Women Council; secretary, and financial secretary of Agbila Ubunene Women of Epie, respectively.
In enterpreneurship, she is co-propretress of Brilliant Group of Schools, Agudama-Epie, one of the foremost private schools in Yenagoa before creation of Bayelsa State.
A devout Christian, she was choir mistress and chorister in Greater Evangelism World Crusade, later in Redeemed Christian Church of God, Yenagoa and Abuja, respectively.
She is survived by her husband, Mr. Enideneze Etete, a journalist and strategic communication practitioner, five children, a granddaughter, and many relatives, the media statement stated.
Speaking while receiving sympathisers at his residence, the bereaved husband, Mr. Etete, said his late wife was a pillar of support to him and relatives, describing her as his best friend, sister and mother.
He lamented that he would ever miss her love and partnership in managing family affairs, especially the ongoing sponsorship of three of their children’s university education.
Enideneze who said the demise of his wife was devastating, thanked sympathisers for their condolence visits, and hinted that funeral arrangements will be made public in due course.
