The New Nigerian Newspapers Ltd has been thrown into mourning over the demise of its Managing Director, Alhaji Tukur Abdukrahman.
Tukur, 57 died at a private specialist hospital in Abuja, after spending few days at the hospital.
A statement signed by the company’s Online Editor, Jacob Onjewu Dickson informed that the news of his passing away was announced on Thursday night.
The Production Manager of the company, Alhaji Yusuf Kontagora said that the news was devastating.
“I am still in shock after receiving the sad news. We are still confused as to the next line of action,” he said.
In his own reaction, the Online Editor, Jacob Onjewu Dickson described the late MD as a kind hearted leader, who would be missed dearly by all staff of the organisation.
“He was so kind and hearted and loved by all staff of the organisation. He was more than a boss, he was a close friend who always gave me listening ears,” he added.
For the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), New Nigerian Chapel, Mr. Benedict Sunday, he described the loss as a colossal one, which will not only shake the organization, but journalism as a whole in Nigeria.
Family sources informed that Mr Abdulrahman died at a Speciality Clinic in Asokoro, Abuja on Thursday night after spending a few days in the hospital.
An indigene of Daura Katsina State, he did his secondary education at Government College Kaduna, before proceeding to Bayero University Kano for tertiary education.
He edited Gaskiya Ta Fi Kwabo, a vernacular publication of New Nigerian, before his appointment as editor of New Nigerian and was later appointed Managing Director of the company.
He is survived by a wife and five children.
Family sources said that his burial would take place in his home town Daura on Friday, after Juma’a prayers in Daura, at Waziri Daura House by 4pm on Friday May 18, 2018.
Reacting, the Senator representing Kaduna Central, Senator Shehu Sani, said “the death of Mallam Tukur Abdulrrahaman, MD New Nigerian Newspaper is a great loss to Journalism, the media industry and the people of Kaduna.”
According to him, late Tukur “was a humble, hardworking and thorough bred professional.”
“He died in active service, trying hard to uphold and revamp one of the legacies of late Premier of Northern Nigeria. He will be remembered for his dedication and resilience,” said Senator Sani.
