By Sylvia Kodilichukwu, Enugu
Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, has expressed deep grief over the death of music icon, ‘Gentleman’ Mike Ejeagha, saying the legend had created a void that would be too difficult to fill.
Mbah described Ejeagha as an unassuming and easygoing personality, whose fanbase spread across international boundaries.
Recall that the news of the passing on of the ‘Gwo gwo gwo ngwo’ crooner at 95 filtered into the public space Friday evening.
Reacting to the sad development, the Governor, who had celebrated the folklorist during his lifetime by reconstructing the popular Obinagu Road and the adjoining Chief Mike Ejeagha Crescent leading directly to his residence in Abakpa Nike, Enugu –a long-time wish of the icon left unfulfilled by successive administrations in the state –and by renaming Obinagu Road as Chief Mike Ejeagha Road in his honour, assured that his government would further immortalise the legend in death.
Taking to his verified social media handles, @PNMbah, the Governor paid a heartfelt tribute to the Enugu-born musician.
“I’m profoundly saddened by the death of music icon, Gentleman Mike Ejeagha.
“Mike Ejeagha was a legend, a cultural ambassador and a revered son of Enugu State.
“He was one of the finest musicians of his generation with an easygoing personality and humility that belied his towering celebrity status.
“I will always cherish fond memories of the time spent in his company – the warmth and wisdom he radiated; the joy he found in the ordinary.
“This is a loss not only for his immediate family; it’s a big loss for Enugu State, the entire music community, and the country as well.
“Ejeagha’s immense talent and genius lay in how he took simple indigenous folktales and turned them into unforgettable songs that resonate across cultures.
“Ejeagha’s fan-base transcended boundaries. He was easily one of the most recognizable voices in music.
“His death leaves a huge void that will be difficult to fill. But the legacies he has left behind will last a lifetime.
“On behalf of the Enugu State government, I offer heartfelt condolences to the Ejeagha family, and assure them of our support.
“As a government, we would ensure that his memory is duly immortalized.
“Above all, I pray that his family experiences the comforting grace of God’s love, and the fortitude to bear the loss,” Gov. Mbah wrote.
Meanwhile, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Enugu State chapter, has elected a new executive council (Exco) to paddle its affairs for the next three years.
It will be recalled that the election was cancelled three months ago and a caretaker committee appointed, but on Saturday, June 7, 2025, the election was eventually held.
Comrade Obinna Ogbuka of Radio Nigeria was elected as Chairman to replace Comrade Sam Udekwe of Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS), the outgone chairman who pulled out of the race before the rescheduled election.
Also elected was Comrade Chinedu Adonu of Vanguard Newspaper who defeated Regis Anukwuoji of Business Day.
Others include Suleiman Onyeama of Enugu State Ministry of Information as Secretary while Fred Nnaji of ESBS emerged as the Assistant Secretary.
The position of Treasurer went to Stephanie Ude of Federal Information and Sandra Ukeje of Solid FM clinched the position of Financial Secretary, as well as Florence Ani who emerged as the Auditor.
In his acceptance speech, the new chairman, Comrade Ogbuka, who was Chairman of Radio Nigeria chapel, said that a new era has emerged.
“With my emergence as the Chairman of NUJ, Enugu Council, a new administration has emerged,” he said adding that the Exco will serve all members.
“We are going to serve the interest of all members. We are here to serve every member of the NUJ. We shall ensure that we move NUJ to a greater height. The welfare of members is our priority. I seek the cooperation and support of all for us to perform,” he declared .
Ogbuka said that they have come to speak with one voice and thanked the electoral committee for conducting a credible and acceptable election.
