Joe Nwankwo, versatile journalist, newspaper boss, dies at 50.

Afolabi Oyekunle.

A pall of anguish and sadness, has enveloped the media profession once again with the death of versatile journalist, outstanding media personality, radical activist and humanist, Joe Nwankwo, who until his death was the Executive Director (Publication) of The Authority Newspapers.

Nwankwo, a daring reporter, who had also worked at various media houses in Nigeria, made his marks on the judicial beat, covering some of the most intricate court cases at various times, which also led to his leading the National Association of Judicial Correspondents for many years.

A statement announcing his death, on Wednesday, read: “The Management and Staff of The AUTHORITY Newspapers announce the death of Chief (Sir) Joe Nwankwo, our Executive Director (Publications).

“He worked in several media houses including Daily Times, The Sun, Daily Independent, before becoming one of the founding Directors of The AUTHORITY. He rose through the ranks of journalism profession to the position of Executive Director, The Authority Newspapers.
The statement signed by Chuks Akunna, Executive Director (Business Development) said, Nwankwo, who died after a brief illness in Abuja, aged 50, is survived by his wife and three children, adding that burial arrangements will be announced by the family.