Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Basin Development Authority (NDBDA), Prince Ebitimi Amgbare, has paid glowing tribute to his late Special Assistant on Media, Isaac Ombe, describing him as a seasoned journalist whose professionalism, integrity and passion for truth left an enduring mark on the media landscape.
Amgbare spoke on Monday in Port Harcourt while receiving the leadership of the Association of Niger Delta Online Publishers (ANDOP), who paid him a condolence visit at the Authority’s headquarters following the death of Ombe.
The NDBDA boss expressed deep sorrow over the sudden loss, noting that Ombe was not only a trusted aide but also a journalist of rare dedication whose contributions would be sorely missed.
“Ombe’s commitment to journalism and his passion for truth were exemplary. His sudden passing is a painful loss to the NDBDA, the media profession and the Niger Delta at large,” Amgbare said.
He also commended Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, for what he described as timely and compassionate intervention following the fatal accident. According to him, the governor approved the sum of N10 million each for the families of the deceased and took responsibility for the medical bills of those injured in the incident.
Earlier, the protem President of ANDOP, Mr. Ofonime Umanah, said the journalism community was deeply saddened by Ombe’s untimely death, describing him as a brother, friend and dependable colleague.
In an emotional tribute, Umanah who had in his entourage the protem Secretary of ANDOP, Celestine Ogolo, and the Treasurer, Sir Lawson Hayford, recalled Ombe as a cheerful and committed professional whose presence enriched the media industry in Bayelsa State and the wider Niger Delta.
“The news of the death of Ombe was shocking to all of us in the media industry, especially those who worked closely with him in Bayelsa and across the Niger Delta. He was a jolly good fellow and a true professional,” he said.
Umanah, who is also Publisher of TNN Newspaper, praised Prince Amgbare for his emerging vision and development strides at the NDBDA, expressing ANDOP’s readiness to partner with the Authority to amplify its activities and development impact through responsible media engagement.
He further outlined the objectives of ANDOP, noting that the association is committed to mentoring practitioners and strengthening professionalism in online journalism to build public confidence in the media across the region.
Ombe’s family has announced that his burial will take place on February 20 in his hometown, Tuomo, in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State.
A respected journalist, Ombe worked with several reputable media organisations, including The Nation, National Mirror, The Comet, News Express and The Verbatim.
He was also a former executive member of the Federated Correspondents’ Chapel of the Bayelsa State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) before his appointment at the NDBDA.
He died in a tragic road accident on January 30 while travelling to Toru-Orua, Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, for the burial of the state’s late Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.
As tributes continue to pour in, Ombe is being remembered as a journalist of conscience, camaraderie and uncommon dedication—whose legacy of professionalism will endure beyond his years.
