Ngozi Anyaegbunam, accomplished journalist, passes at 67

One of Nigeria’s most accomplished female journalists, Dr. Ngozi Anyaegbunam, is dead. Born in October 9, 1957, Dr. Anyaegbunam was aged 67.

In her life and times, she was a lecturer, journalist, media consultant, strategist and author.

Details of her death remained sketchy as of press time.

A statement by her son, Rocky C. Agbese, on behalf of the family, said she died in a brief illness.

The statement reads, “With gratitude to God for a life well spent, we announce the untimely death of Dr Ngozi Fidelia Anyaegbunam in a brief illness.

“A trailblazing journalist who had editorial stints with Champion Newspaper (1st female editor) and The Daily Times (where she authored the book Waziri Ibrahim: Politics Without Bitterness), Ngozi was born in October 1957 at Damaturu in modern day Yobe State to George and Victoria Anyaegbunam.

“Subsequent to these, she became a full-time media management consultant to numerous blue chip companies.

“She also held the distinction of being a female print media journalist to interview two sitting Presidents of Nigeria (Olusegun Obasanjo and Muhammadu Buhari).

“A dedicated and loving mother, grandmother, sister, cousin, and friend, Auntie Ngozi will be sorely missed by all who came across her and were impacted by her larger than life presence.

“Rest in Peace till we meet to part no more!”

The statement said that funeral arrangements would be announced by the family later.

Dr. Anyaegbunam attended Modebe Memorial Primary School, Onitsha; Girls’ High School, Umunya; Women Teachers’ Training College, Enugu, before proceeding to the University of Jos in 1976 for her first degree.

When she graduated in 1980, she proceeded to the University of Calabar for higher degrees.

She later became a lecturer in the Department of English and General Studies, University of Calabar, and rose to Head, Department of General Studies in 1986.

She later relocated to Lagos and became Woman Editor, Champion Newspapers, 1988; before she sojourned on the Editorial Board of the same newspaper between 1988 and 1991.

She was also a senior member of the Editorial Board of Daily Times newspapers between 1991 and 95.

When she left the newsroom, she became a media strategist and consultant to the National Population Commission, 1991-95; National Electric Power Authority, 1994; Raw Materials Research and Development Council, 1994; NICON Insurance PLC, 1994; African Population Commission, 1995; Guinness Nigeria PLC, 1995; rapporteur and consultant to the United Nations Development Programme, 1995; resource person, National War College, 1997.

Dr. Anyaegbunam was awarded a Certificate of Recognition by the Daily Times newspaper in 1992; Award of Excellence by the National Council of Women Societies in 1994 and also the Nigeria National Media Merit Award.

An author, she published the Feminist Tendency in Jagua Nona’s Daughter, The Essential Ekwensi in 1987.

Her hobbies included reading, writing, jogging, and watching movies.