25/09/2025
"YOUR VISIT IS A SOURCE OF ENCOURAGEMENT" — NUJ CHAIRMAN, TONYE YEMOLEIGHA RESPONDS TO CONDOLENCE VISITS OVER FATHER’S DEMISE
• Burial Holds Nov. 14, 2025
Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Bayelsa State Council, Comrade Tonye Yemoleigha, has expressed deep appreciation for the outpouring of love, support and solidarity from Journalists, friends and associates, and communities members following the death of his father, Chief Felix Dresmann Yemoleigha-Ikiri, a respected teacher and community leader.
Speaking at the NUJ Press Centre in Yenagoa during a series of condolence visits on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, Comrade Yemoleigha described the support as “a huge relief,” noting that the testimonies and solidarity have strengthened his resolve and that of the immediate family to celebrate his father’s legacy with dignity, despite the emotional toll.
“Though we were not wealthy, we had the best upbringing that wealth couldn't give,” he said, recounting the sacrifices his father made to raise the family. He gave us discipline, moral values, and love — things that money cannot buy.”
The NUJ Chairman disclosed that the burial rites for the late Chief Felix Yemoleigha-Ikiri will commence on November 14, 2025, with more details to be announced by the families in the coming weeks.
Among those who visited to condole with the Yemoleigha family were the delegation of Elders from Aleibiri community led by Chief Suru Oyarede; alumni of Community Secondary School (CSS), Sagbama (Class of 1999), the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) and members of the State Executive Council (SEC) of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, comprising chairmen and secretaies of the various chapels.
Leading the delegation of CSS Sagbama alumni, President of the Class of 1999, Mr. Ekadi Joseph Taribulou, described the deceased as a man whose legacy of discipline and community service shaped many lives, including that of his son and pupils who passed through him. He pledged the unwavering support of their class set toward ensuring a successful burial.
On behalf of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, Chairperson Mrs. Grace Orumieyefa, represented by Vice Chairperson Mrs. Blessing Agadaga-Oti, extended heartfelt condolences and prayed for God's strength and protection over the bereaved family. She assured Comrade Yemoleigha of the association’s full support to honour his father with a befitting burial.
While speaking on behalf of the State Executive Council (SEC) members of the NUJ,Comrade Biowei Aripate Bonaparte, expressed their deepest condolences over the irreparable loss of their father with a promise to be solidly behind them during the burial rites.
In his remarks, Retired Superintendent of Police Ondo Gbekumo, on behalf of the Aleibiri community, extolled the virtues of the late Chief Yemoleigha, describing him as a man of peace who remained committed to the development of the Aleibiri community in Ekeremor LGA. He pledged the cooperation of the community, assuring that peace and order will be maintained throughout the burial ceremonies.
The late Chief Felix Dresmann Yemoleigha-Ikiri is remembered not only as a devoted father and educator but also as a pillar of his community whose values continue to live on through his children and the countless lives he impacted.
Imgbi Gbalipre Stanley
Secretary,
NUJ,
Bayelsa State Council
