By Edidiong Obot
The news of the passing of Comrade Charles Etimette struck us — and indeed, the entire Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council — like a bolt from the blue. It was one of those moments that leave the heart heavy and the mind wandering through a maze of disbelief.
On that fateful day, May 5, 2025, we lost not just a colleague, but a mentor, a friend and a boss whose footprints will forever remain etched in the sands of time.
I still vividly remember my first meeting with him when he resumed duty after his annual leave. He took it upon himself to mentor and guide me, offering not just professional advice but genuine care. He brought life and laughter to the newsroom; editorial staff always looked forward to production days because of his warmth and infectious enthusiasm.
As Feature Editor, Etimette was a wellspring of creativity — always delivering stories that were not only insightful but deeply human. His office, often bustling with colleagues, became what many fondly called a “Pool of Bethesda” — a place where staff found guidance, comfort and even refreshment.
He never lacked water in his freezer, always eager to serve others without complaint. When teased about colleagues finishing all his bottled water, he would simply smile and say, “If that’s all I can do for people, why would I complain?” So, upon his retirement, staff jokingly asked, “Who will serve us water again?” That simple question captures the essence of the man we knew — selfless, kind and ever considerate.
Etimette was a rare breed — a journalist of impeccable integrity, a leader with vision and a man whose life was marked by unwavering passion for truth, fairness and professionalism. He was not one who merely worked for the union; he lived for it. His contributions to the growth and unity of the NUJ, especially within the Pioneer Chapel, were remarkable and enduring.
Before his retirement, he had distinguished himself as one of the finest in the profession. He combined journalistic excellence with administrative competence, ensuring that every assignment he handled bore the hallmark of thoroughness and integrity. To him, journalism was not merely a job; it was a sacred duty — a calling to inform, enlighten and hold power accountable.
Within the NUJ family, he was ever present — lending his voice, experience and wisdom to every cause that promoted unity and professionalism. Whether at congress meetings, press activities or community engagements, Etimette remained a steady voice of reason. His devotion was never forced or flamboyant; it was genuine, consistent and rooted in his deep love for the profession and his colleagues.
To those who worked closely with him, Etimette was more than a boss — he was a teacher, a counsellor and a father figure. He guided younger journalists with patience, offering words of wisdom drawn from years of experience and humility. Many who passed through his tutelage would attest that he taught them not only how to write compelling stories but also how to live with discipline, integrity and respect for others.
He led with quiet strength. His humility was disarming, his discipline inspiring and his kindness unforgettable. He was the kind of leader who corrected without embarrassing, who guided without imposing and who celebrated others more than himself. In every sense, he embodied the ideals of a true professional — calm under pressure, fair in judgment and firm in principles.
The suddenness of his passing still feels surreal. The tragic event that claimed his life on May 5, 2025 robbed us of a shining light — a man whose presence brought warmth and balance to every space he occupied. Yet even in death, Etimette continues to remind us of one timeless truth: life is not measured by its length but by its impact.
And impact, indeed, he made — across generations, across newsrooms and across the NUJ family. The stories he wrote, the lives he touched and the values he upheld will continue to echo long after his burial at his hometown, Ifa Ikot Okpon, Mbiabong Etoi, in Uyo Local Government Area, on Friday, October 31, 2025.
The Pioneer Chapel, while mourning his passing, celebrates the fullness of his journey — a life dedicated to service, driven by compassion and crowned with the respect and admiration of all who knew him. His legacy is not inscribed in monuments or medals but in the hearts of those privileged to have called him Boss, Colleague or Friend.
As we prepare to bid him farewell, we do so with gratitude — gratitude for his years of service to the union, gratitude for the wisdom he shared and gratitude for the example he set. Etimette may have left this earthly newsroom but his story will continue to be told for generations within the NUJ family.
To his family, we extend our deepest sympathies and prayers. May the comfort of knowing how deeply he was loved by his colleagues and the entire NUJ community bring you strength in this difficult moment.
And to our departed comrade, we say:
Rest well, great Boss. Your work here is done, your light continues to shine and your memory remains immortal.
The sands of time may carry many names but only a few leave indelible imprints. Comrade Charles Etimette is one of those few.
A life well lived. Purposeful. Inspiring. Impactful.
Farewell, Boss. You came, you served and you conquered.
Discussion about this post