Press Release
The remains of a Nigerian news editor, Dr. Godwin Aniekan Benson from Ikot Akpa Nkuk in Ukanafun Local Government Area of Àkwa Ibom, will be buried on Saturday, April 25, 2026.
Benson passed into eternal glory at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, in December 2025 at the age of 52.
Professional/Political Careers
Until his sudden demise, he was in an active service as News Editor, Akwa Ibom Newspaper Corporation – publishers of The Pioneer newspapers as well as a ranking member of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
He had served as Secretary of Ukanafun Local Government Council and Special Assistant on Media and Strategy – Office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political and Legislative Affairs, as well as Secretary of Ukanafun Elders Council – a position he also held until his demise,” the statement sated.
Education
The deceased attended Central School, Ikot Akpa Nkuk; Western Annang Secondary Commercial School (WASCO) – both in Ukanafun Local Government Area and the erstwhile Federal School of Arts and Science, Aba, Abia State; the Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua for Ordinary National Diploma; the University of Uyo for Bachelor of Arts and Master’s degrees respectively, as well as the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, for Doctor of Philosophy, Ph.D in Communication Studies in July 2025.
A statement signed by the deceased’s son, Utibe-Abasi together with the Central Planning Committee, says that funeral arrangements will commence on Monday, April 20, with opening of mourning house and condolence visits by individuals and groups, followed by an evening of tributes in his honour at the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ Press Centre, Information Drive, Off IBB Avenue, Uyo on Thursday, April 23, at 4 p.m.
“The remains of Dr. Benson would be interred at his hometown – Ikot Akpa Nkuk, after a funeral service to be conducted by Qua Iboe Church, Ukanafun Area Conference at Western Annang Secondary Commercial School, WASCO, Ikot Akpa Nkuk, Ukanafun Local Government Area on Saturday, April 25, at 10 a.m.
“The events will be rounded off with a memorial and thanksgiving service at Qua Iboe Church, Ikot Akpa Nkuk, Ukanafun Local Government Area on Sunday, April 26, at 10 a.m,” the statement stated.
He is survived by a wife, Victoria, three children, aged mother, siblings, relatives, colleagues and friends, among others.
The statement, therefore, invites friends, well- wishers and the general public to attend the events.
