The Ijaw Publishers’ Forum (IPF) has commiserated with renowned Niger Delta broadcaster, Chief Victor Ayabotu, over the demise of his daughter Frances Funlayefa Ayabotu, aged 30.
In a condolence message issued on Monday and signed by its National Spokesman, Comrade Ezekiel Kagbala, the forum described the loss as painful and deeply unfortunate, stressing that no parent should endure the trauma of burying a child.
The IPF, a body of media professionals of Ijaw extraction, expressed shock at the sad development and extended heartfelt sympathies to Ayabotu, his family and loved ones.
“On behalf of the Ijaw Publishers’ Forum, we sympathise with our brother, colleague and veteran broadcaster, Chief Victor Ayabotu, over the untimely demise of his beloved daughter Miss Frances Funlayefa Ayabotu,” the statement read.
It added: “The death of a child is a wound that never truly heals. We can only imagine the depth of grief this tragedy has brought upon the Ayabotu family. We pray that Almighty God grants him, his wife and the entire family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”
The forum described Ayabotu as a respected voice in the Niger Delta media landscape whose contributions to broadcasting and public enlightenment have inspired many young journalists across the region.
“Chief Ayabotu has remained a pillar in the profession; a man who used the airwaves to educate, inform and advocate for the Ijaw nation. At this difficult moment, we stand with him not just as colleagues, but as family,” the IPF stated.
The group further urged friends, associates and members of the public to rally round the bereaved family with prayers and support, noting that moments of grief demand collective compassion.
The forum reaffirmed its solidarity with the family, praying that the soul of the departed rest in peace and that God grants the Ayabotu family divine consolation.
