Press Release: The former Director of Information in Imo State Government House is Dead

BY: Fidel Ahanonu

Former Chairman of NUJ,Imo state Council,Chief Fidel Onyeneke has expressed shock over the death of Mr GNC Duru,a former

 Director of Information in Government House,Owerri. In a statement issued in Owerri,Chief Onyeneke described Mr Duru as a liberally- minded Information Officer who related excellently well with Journalists in Imo state as they carried out their professional duties. He said that late Duru was very responsive to issues concerning the well being and enhancement of media practitioners that came accross him.''Duru was very friendly to all,and interacted jovially with everybody irrespective of class and status'' Onyeneke stated.
The former NUJ boss recalled the numerous ways Mr Duru assisted the Union and Journalists to enjoy good rapport with the government in power when he served in Government House,Owerri. Chief Onyeneke said that his death was a huge loss to the media and information sector. He urged the Duru family to bear the loss with fortitude. Chief Onyeneke who served as Nationa Trustee of NUJ reitterated the urgent need to set up a solid Foundation that would provide the neccessary support and financial assistance to Media workers when they retire from active service. The NUJ Leader also regretted the situation where Journalists and other media persnnel who retired fron government service were not paid their Pensions and gratiuties,thereby forcing them to die in penury. Onyeneke urged government authorities to ensure prompt payment of these benefits to the rtd Media practitioners,to enable them live well.