23rd April, 2015
Samson Uwala
Lecturers and students of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, NIJ, Lagos could not hold back their tears recently when they paid tribute to their late colleague and teacher, Christopher Ugochukwu Ogbodo, who slumped and died on 13 March.
P.M.NEWS Campus Square gathered that the late broadcast lecturer whose death was caused by high blood pressure was eulogised by those who had personal encounters with him, as well as those with whom he had been working in the Monotechnic.
Speaking during a tribute session held in his honour at the institution’s Ogba Campus, the Provost, Gbemiga Ogunleye, described Mr. Chris, as the deceased was fondly referred to, as a really good person, adding that although he never really knew him in person, the testimonies he had heard about him was enough to describe the kind of life he led.
“And this is a lesson for those of us who are still alive, that we should live our lives in a good and proper way. May his soul rest in peace,” he added.
The Deputy Provost, Jide Johnson, whom the late lecturer deputised for, said: “I knew him to be a gentle man, kind-hearted and good listener. When he joined us in NIJ, I knew he was a good man because things were moving fine, he neither complained nor grumbled over duties given to him.
“I even introduced him to the new provost, when he resumed, that he was someone that will make my job easier and that he will be the acting Head of Department, Mass Communication. He was that reliable and diligent. We shall all miss him.”
In his own tribute, Femi Oribamise, who shared the same office with the late Ogbodo, said: “I and the late Mr. Chris of beloved memory shared many things together. We went to the same school (UNILAG), got job at NIJ same time, shared same office, shared food and many other things. However, what I know is that death is the end of mankind, may his soul rest in perfect peace.”
Deputy Registrar, Patricia Kalesanwo, also described the late lecturer as a helper, brother and friend, who helped students whenever they were in distress. “So how will I forget him?” she asked rhetorically.
A former student, Olubunmi Adeyera, spoke of how Chris helped him pay the balance of his tuition fees without asking for a refund.
“We appreciate you, Mr. Chris,” the former Mr. NIJ pageant winner added.
During the tribute session, a parody of a life well spent was displayed by some students, as well as songs in honour of the former lecturer.
A commemorative football match was also played between the staff and students, which the staff won as well as a candle light procession within the school premises.