Bashir Adamu, Jalingo
Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, has expressed profound grief over the passing of veteran journalist, Chief Ben Adaji, describing his death as a monumental loss to his family and the state’s entire media community.
Adaji, a household name in Taraba State, passed away on Saturday at approximately 4:00 PM at his country home in Abo-Ojikpadala, Imane District, within the Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State. He was 67 years old.
In a statement signed by the Special Adviser on Media and Digital Communications to the Governor, Emmanuel Bello, Dr. Kefas eulogised the late media icon as a forthright professional who remained steadfastly committed to the core tenets of journalism. The governor highlighted Adaji’s critical contributions to upholding free speech in Taraba through courageous reporting and unwavering professionalism.
Recalling Adaji’s decades-long career, Governor Kefas paid tribute to the bravery the veteran journalist exhibited when dealing with power, particularly noting his numerous confrontations with authorities during Nigeria’s military eras. Because of this fearless stance, the governor declared Adaji a “hero of democracy” and a shining beacon of journalistic excellence.
Throughout his distinguished career, Adaji earned a stellar reputation for ethical reporting, professional integrity, and the mentorship of younger journalists. He served across multiple prominent media platforms, including The News Magazine, The Nation, and National Trial. Until his passing, he was the Taraba State correspondent for the Al Jazeera Nigeria Newspaper. He was also a past Chairman of the Taraba State Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
Beyond his journalistic achievements, Adaji was a deeply respected community leader. He held the traditional title of Abujah of Oda Ojiji Imane in his native Kogi State community, where his tenure was widely celebrated for championing cultural heritage and local development.
Governor Kefas extended his heartfelt condolences to the Adaji family and the leadership and members of the NUJ, praying for the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
