Port Harcourt – Rivers Gov. Chibuike Amaechi on Saturday in Port Harcourt announced a N10 million endowment fund for the children of the late Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) President, Ndagene Akwu.

Governor of Rivers State Chibuike Amaechi

The governor spoke at the funeral service conducted for Akwu in the state capital.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Akwu, who was NUJ president from 2006 to 2009, passed on in Port Harcourt on June 19.

“Rivers State has lost a great son. Government has set up an endowment fund for the children of Ndagene Akwu.

“The fund will kick off with the sum of N10 million,“ said Amaechi, who was represented by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mrs Ibim Semenitari.

Amaechi said the fund would be managed by Akwu’s wife, his first son, the commissioner for information, state NUJ chairman and the Director of News, Rivers Television.

Also speaking on the occasion, the NUJ President, Mallam Mohammed Garba, said the union was still in shock over the death of Akwu.

“He (Akwu) served the NUJ to the best of his ability and I promise that the union will continue to identify with his family,’’ he said.

Earlier in a sermon, Archbishop Eddy Ogbonda of Gospel Ministries Association had urged Christians to imbibe and follow the teachings of Jesus Christ and also assist the less-privileged.

He said: “We must give glory to God and use the might God has given us to help humanity … money, wealth and treasure will end up in a casket one day.’