Wednesday April 15, 2026
www.thenewsdesk.ng
Death has occurred of a caring husband and father; an astute academic, professional journalist; social trail blazer and a jolly good friend – Dr. Godwin Aniekan Benson at the age of 52.
A statement by the family indicates that Late Dr. Godwin Benson passed unto eternal glory at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, after a brief illness.
The statement signed by the deceased son, Mr. Utibe-Abasi Godwin Benson in conjunction with the Central Planning Committee of the funeral, noted that Late Dr. Godwin Benson passed on in active service as News Editor: Akwa Ibom Newspaper Corporation – publishers of The Pioneer group of newspapers as well as a ranking member of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ.
The statement adds that Late Dr. Godwin Benson 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 at various times, as well as Secretary of Ukanafun Elders Forum – a position he also held until his demise.
According to the statement, the deceased attended Central School, Ikot Akpa Nkuk; Western Annang Secondary Commercial School (WASCO) – both in Ukanfun Local Government Area and the erstwhile Federal School of Arts and Science, Aba, Abia State for his primary and secondary schools certificates as well as the Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua and the University of Uyo for his National Diploma, Bachelor of Arts and Masters degrees respectively, before proceeding to the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, for the climax award of Doctor of Philosophy, Ph.D in Communication Studies in July ‘2025.
Funeral arrangements for his final rites of passage will commence on Monday April 20, 2026 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 Center, Information Drive, Off IBB Avenue, Uyo on Thursday April 23, 2026 at 4 PM.
The remains of Late Dr. Godwin Benson shall 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, 2026 at 10 AM.
The events shall be rounded off with a memorial and thanksgiving service at Qua Iboe Church, Ikot Akpa Nkuk, Ukanafun Local Government Area on Sunday April 26, 2026 at 10 AM.
He is survived by a wife, three children, an aged mother, siblings, relatives, colleagues and friends, among whom are:
* Mrs. Victoria Godwin Benson – Wife
* Mr. Utibe-Abasi Godwin Benson – Son
* Miss Edidiong-Abasi Godwin Benson – Daughter
* Miss Aniebiet-Abasi Godwin Benson – Daughter
The statement invites friends, well- wishers and the general public to attend the events.
