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The journalism community in Delta State has been thrown into mourning following the passing of The Punch correspondent, Mr. Matthew Ochei, who died in the early hours of Tuesday, January 6, 2026, after a brief illness.

Ochei, aged 43, is survived by his wife, Mrs. Uche Matthew Ochei, and three children. His remains have been deposited at a morgue in Ukunzu, his hometown.

Widely admired across the state, Ochei was regarded as a courageous, principled and hardworking journalist whose commitment to ethical reporting earned him respect among colleagues and newsmakers. Many described his death as a major loss to the profession at a time journalism faces rising pressure and difficult working conditions.

During a condolence visit to the family residence in Okwe Quarters, Asaba, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council, Comrade Churchill Oyowe, paid tribute to Ochei’s dedication to the craft, calling him “a vibrant voice when journalism was becoming lazy.”

“We came to console you, but it is only God that can truly console you,” Oyowe said, assuring the family that the union would continue to stand by them. “Carry us along. We will not relent in doing our best for the family.”

Also speaking, Chairman of the Asaba Correspondents’ Chapel, Comrade Ifeanyi Olannye, described Ochei as a dependable colleague and a committed professional whose absence would be deeply felt.

“Matthew was my voice. He was a titan in the field. We prayed for his recovery, but we lost him,” Olannye said, adding that no material contribution could truly fill the void his passing has created.

Responding on behalf of the family, Mrs. Faith Iyama thanked the NUJ and chapel members for their solidarity and appealed for continued support in the difficult period ahead.

Ochei’s death has renewed conversations about the welfare and health challenges faced by journalists in Nigeria, many of whom work long hours under intense pressure with limited support systems.

As friends, colleagues and the wider media community reflect on his life and work, Matthew Ochei is being remembered as more than a reporter — he is celebrated as a steadfast professional whose commitment helped uphold the values of responsible journalism.

May his soul rest in peace.