There was praises galore as the former chairman of Nigeria Union Journalists (NUJ), Rivers State Council and media icon, Late Elder Paul Chinedu Alozie embarked on his journey to the great  beyond to join  his ancestors.
That was at the weekend when his remains were lowered into mother earth at Umunwaorgu  family compound  in his country  home, Umuebie village in the Ancient  Eberi Dike Omuo Kingdom, Omuma  Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Dignitaries including traditional rulers,  politicians, top government officials, media  executives, religious leaders, women and youth groups from all walks of life graced the funeral to pay Late Paul Alozie  their last respect.
A galaxy of colleagues, religious affiliates and well-wishers eulogised  the sterling virtues of the media icon.
Speaking, the Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Dr Austin  George represented by Godwin  Wordu,  applauded the late Paul Alozie on his contributions to the  development and growth of the  journalism  profession in the state.
The commissioner expressed the view that something tangible should be done to support the  deceased’s family, pointing out that the information and  communications ministry would  do everything possible  to assist the family  while the NUJ should also think of what to  do at its level.
In his oration, the General Manager of Rivers State Broadcasting Corporation, where Paul worked until his demise, Mr Sampson Fiberesima represented by Barrister Richard Golding Hart, a director in the corporation, expressed regret over the demise of one of their outstanding colleagues, saying they were worse hit by the sudden  incident which he described as a  great loss.
Mr Opaka Dokubo while standing in for the National President of the NUJ, Abdulwaheed Odusile said: “Paul was a core journalist who devoted his life only to the profession. His death is a big loss to NUJ and journalists.
“He grew from the job to be considered an Icon and mentor but it was painful when we received the news of his death. Paul was one to be proud of by journalists and  the family. If you have Paul, you have a sound person”, he stressed.
The chairman,  Rivers State NUJ Council,  Mr Omoni Ayo Tamuno said: “We lost someone  who did his job excellently” and  recalled how  he benefited from Late Paul’s benevolence and  magnanimity during his election.
In his  exhortation, the Bishop  of Christ Ascension Church Nigeria, Abuja Area Headquarter,  Friday E.N. Ani admonished  mankind to make  good use of any day he is alive because  as he  puts it, “death can strike at anytime”,  adding “your life will be measured by the number of problems you  solved and the ones you created, every second of the day brings one close to the grave”.

Shedie OKpara