Tears and tributes flowed in Mbube community, Ogoja Local Government Area of Cross River State, on Saturday as the remains of The PUNCH Akwa Ibom State Correspondent, Patrick Odey, were laid to rest.

Odey, 62, who died recently, is survived by his wife, six children and grandchildren.

At the funeral service, a representative of the management of PUNCH Nigeria Limited, Emem Julius, Cross River State Correspondent, delivered a condolence message from the Board and Management of the organisation.

He described Odey as a valued member of the PUNCH family whose commitment to journalism and contribution to the organisation would be remembered.

“On behalf of the Board, Management and entire staff of PUNCH Nigeria Limited, we extend our heartfelt condolences to this family on the passing of your beloved husband and father, Mr Patrick Odey, who served as our Akwa Ibom State Correspondent,” he said.

The management also prayed for strength and comfort for Odey’s family, colleagues and associates.

In his condolence message, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, described Odey’s death as a loss to both his family and the state.

The governor, whose message was read by his Senior Special Assistant on Research and Documentation, Essien Ndueso, said Odey contributed to telling the story of Akwa Ibom through his journalism.

“His contributions to journalism and our state will be remembered and will be greatly missed.

“On behalf of the Government and good people of Akwa Ibom State, I commiserate with his family, the management and staff of The Punch newspaper, the Nigerian Union of Journalists, Akwa Ibom State Council, and the entire media community, and pray that God Almighty grants everyone affected by this painful loss strength and fortitude to bear it,” the governor said.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the NUJ, Akwa Ibom State, Bassey Anthony, described Odey as a peaceful and humble colleague who promoted excellence in journalism.

Anthony, who led other journalists from the chapel to the funeral, said it was the second time in two years that the chapel had buried one of its members, recalling the death of Vanguard Newspaper correspondent, Chioma Okonna, last year.

He prayed for comfort for Odey’s family and protection for journalists.

Similarly, the Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, University of Uyo branch, Prof Opeyemi Olajide, accompanied by the ASUU National Financial Secretary, Prof Happiness Uduk, described Odey as a godly man whose life was worthy of celebration.

In his exhortation, Rev Offiong Eyo of Assemblies of God, Afaha Oku, urged Christians to live lives worthy of their eternal reward.

He described death as an important moment for Christians because it marks the end of earthly life and the point at which they receive their reward from their Creator.

Eyo said Odey had devoted himself to serving God and prayed for comfort for his wife and children.