The remains of a retired Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) broadcaster, Malachy Ufot, will be buried on Friday, his son announced.
Ufot was kidnapped by kidnappers on October 15, 2023, but was released on October 24, 2023 after falling unconscious in captivity. He died the next day in a hospital in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
He was 68 years old.
Ufot joined the Enugu Zonal Office of FRCN, also known as Radio Nigeria, in 1979 as an Efik translator on the shortwave band.
He was transferred to Akwa Ibom State in 2005 where he oversaw the establishment of Radio Nigeria, Atlantic Atlantic 104.5 FM, Uyo. He served as the station’s pioneer general manager.
His son, Victor Ufot, a journalist, told Newslodge that the successes recorded by Atlantic FM in Uyo earned his father the trust of the management of the corporation.
Ufot was later transferred to Bayelsa State where he oversaw the establishment of Creek 106.5 FM, Yenagoa. He also served as the radio station’s pioneer general manager until he retired from Radio Nigeria service in 2014.
Before joining the Radio Nigeria service, Mr. Ufot had a brief stint in the education sector where he taught in two secondary schools including Secondary School and Ikot Essen in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State .
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The late Mr Ufot hails from Ikot Abia Enin in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area.
“Throughout his life, Mr. Ufot was known for his humility and generosity. He was always willing to lend a hand and support those in need. “His contributions to society earned him numerous accolades and recognition both within Nigeria,” his son said in a statement.
According to Victor, a vigil mass will be held on Thursday, while the remains of his late father will be buried on Friday at his compound in Ikot Abia Enin.