The Management of National Network Newspaper has received with great shock and sadness the news of the sudden death of Hon. Dumbari Ben Dimkpa, alias De-Ben, a friend and fan of National Network Newspaper, and Hon John Gelsthorpe, pioneer political editor of National Network Newspaper.
Hon. Dumbari Ben-Dimkpa, a prominent Ogoni, from Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State was a chartered Economist and a holder of a Master’s of Science Degree (M.Sc) in International Economics/Finance.
He was a one-time Commissioner, National Insurance Corporation, Special Adviser to former Governor Celestine Omehia, Ex-officio member to the Peoples Democratic Party, South-South, Chairman, Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Port Harcourt and Vice President of IPMAN until his death.
Hon. Dimkpa contested the 2015 Governorship Primary of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, with Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike and came second.
He was appointed Chairman, Caretaker Committee, Gokana Local Government Area in 2017.
He died on Saturday August 14, 2021 at the age of 55.
John Gelsthorpe, a veteran Journalist, and former Caretaker Committee Chairman, Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State was part of the team of Mass Communication PhD students of Imo State University that paid a condolence visit to their lecturer who lost his father Friday, August 6, in Imo State.
He was at the verge of defending his Doctoral thesis in Imo State University Owerri before his sudden demise on Sunday, August 15, 2021.
Though death is inevitable, when it occurs to our loved ones, it always comes with pains, sorrow and agony.
As we mourn the demise of these two great friends, we pray that God comfort and see us through this period of grief, grant the wife, children and entire family the grace to bear the loss. Sleep on, great friends!.
