Nigeria Mourns the Loss of Civil War Nurse Regina Okeke and Journalist Alhaji Yakubu Mohammed
The Nigerian healthcare and media communities are in mourning following the deaths of two distinguished figures. Regina Okeke, a veteran nurse who served during the Nigerian Civil War and later rose to prominence in the pharmaceutical industry, has passed away at the age of 88. Her death comes shortly after the passing of Alhaji Yakubu Mohammed, a pioneering journalist and co-founder of Newswatch Magazine.
Regina Okeke: A Life of Service and Dedication
Regina Okeke was born in 1937 and received her early education at Holy Rosary School in Port Harcourt. She pursued nursing and midwifery studies at the Huntington and Whittington Hospitals in the United Kingdom during the 1960s, becoming part of Nigeria's post-independence healthcare workforce.
Upon returning to Nigeria during the civil war, she served as a Nursing Sister, providing critical medical care under emergency conditions. This period was marked by severe supply shortages and acute manpower deficits, making her contributions particularly valuable.
After the war, Okeke transitioned to the pharmaceutical industry, where she built an exceptional career with Brian Munro Limited. She rose through the ranks to become an area manager before her retirement, demonstrating remarkable professional growth.
Family member Chuka Okeke announced her death on Saturday, January 24, describing her life as "defined by faith, service and discipline." She is scheduled for burial on January 28 at her country home in Umuogbulafor-Uzoakwa, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State.
Alhaji Yakubu Mohammed: Journalism Pioneer
Just weeks before Okeke's passing, Nigeria lost another influential figure. Alhaji Yakubu Mohammed, veteran journalist and co-founder of Newswatch Magazine, died at an undisclosed age. His death was announced in a statement by Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, who extended condolences to the family and the Nigerian Union of Journalists.
Ismaila Isah, the governor's spokesperson, described Mohammed as "not only the pioneer of modern investigative journalism in the country, but also a proud son of the North Central state." Hailing from Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State, his contributions extended beyond media into public service.
Governor Ododo's Tribute to Mohammed
Governor Ododo praised Mohammed as belonging to "the generation of journalists who shaped the professionalism, courage and integrity of Nigerian journalism." He credited Mohammed with having "redesigned public discourse" and "strengthened accountability in Nigeria's democracy."
The governor recalled the establishment of Newswatch Magazine in the 1980s, which Mohammed co-founded with veteran journalists Dele Giwa, Ray Ekpu, and Dan Agbese. This development marked a turning point in Nigerian journalism, setting new standards for investigative reporting and editorial excellence.
Ododo also highlighted Mohammed's public service contributions, particularly his tenure as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria, and his efforts toward the growth and development of Kogi State.
Broader Context of Loss
These deaths occur against a backdrop of other recent losses in Nigeria's political sphere. The Kogi State government recently announced the death of three prominent chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC), though circumstances surrounding their deaths remain unclear according to Commissioner for Information and Communication Kingsley Fanwo.
The passing of Regina Okeke and Alhaji Yakubu Mohammed represents significant losses for Nigeria's healthcare and media sectors respectively. Both figures exemplified dedication to their professions and made substantial contributions during critical periods in Nigeria's development.
As the nation mourns these distinguished individuals, their legacies continue to inspire current and future generations in healthcare, journalism, and public service across Nigeria.
