NUJ Popular Suya Vendor, Bala Dies, Journalists React
The Iyaganku Press Centre of the Nigeria Union of Journalists has been thrown into mourning following the demise of Bala, a popular Suya Vendor, whose spot has for long time become a must to visit in the Millennium Press Centre.
Bala, the longest-serving tenant of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Oyo State Council has been selling Suya (roasted stick meat) at the Center for almost 40years. He died in the early hours of Saturday during a brief illness and was buried same day according to Islamic rites.
The news of the death of Bala came to many journalists as shock as he was last seen active at the Suya spot on Christmas day, this however elicited reactions from members of the pen pushing profession and callers at his Suya spot.
The state council in a release titled : “Oyo NUJ Mourns Bala, Condoles Family”, after a visit to the Sabo residence of the deceased, led by the Chairman, Alhaji Ademola Babalola and members of his Executive , described Bala as a hardworking and kindhearted individual, while offering sympathies to the family and prayed God to strengthen all those he left behind.
Reacting, Chairman NUJ Tribune Chapel, Sam Nwaoko, who lacked words to lavish on his demise, prayed for the repose of his soul. “May the Almighty God forgive his shortcomings and grant him a space in His kingdom. Sad!”
Also registering his condolence on the Union platform, Former Secretary of the council, Asiwaju ST Abiodun felt down casted “O ma se oooo!. May Allah repose his soul and forgive his shortcomings. “he prayed
Former Chairperson, Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ, OYO State Chapter, Mrs. Adekitan Adeagbo’s reaction portrayed that of shock and condoled the journalist family for the loss. “Haaaa,Bala!! What a loss! May his soul rest peacefully. To Oyo NUJ, please accept my heartfelt condolences.”
The news did not go well with with a multi-talented journalist, Dapo Falade as he exclaimed in Yoruba “Aaaaaah!!! Bala kẹ?”
Former Secretary of the union, Comrade Rotimi Babalola’s disposition was that of prayer seeking a better place for him in the land beyond “May Almighty Allah grant him eternal rest.”
Former Vice President, Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ, Mrs. Morenike Tony-Esan also toed the spiritual lane as she simply reacted with two Arabic words “Aljana fidhaus”
Meanwhile, a the three-day Fidau prayer is schedule to take place on Monday, December 30, at his Sabo residence at 8:00AM.
