SEPTEMBER 3, 2013
Peter Obe
President Goodluck Jonathan has commiserated with the family, friends and associates of ace photo-journalist, Mr. Peter Obe, who died in Lagos on Sunday at the age of 81.
Jonathan described the renowned photojournalist as a thoroughbred professional who would be remembered for the immense skills and talent he put to the best use in a career that spanned many decades.
The veteran photojournalist captured the events of the Nigerian Civil War in acclaimed photographs when he worked with Daily Times.
His exploits, however, cut across other beats and organisations that include the AFP, for which he later worked.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, on Monday, the President stated that the history of journalism in Nigeria would be incomplete without an acknowledgement of Obe’s pioneering role in the development of photo-journalism and his lucid documentation of the Nigerian Civil War and other profound events in the evolution of the nation.
Jonathan said, “As we mourn the legendary ace-photographer, President Jonathan enjoins his professional successors and other media practitioners to strive to emulate Peter Obe’s exemplary commitment, dedication and patriotism which were always apparent throughout his long and highly successful career.”
Ondo State Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, has also described Obes demise as a big blow to photo journalism.
In a condolence message signed by the Commissioner for Information, Mr. Kayode Akinmade, Mimiko said his death at the time that journalism was undergoing a social media transformation was a great loss to the profession.
He said, “No doubt, Obe was a force in the lens profession and, one way or the other, he would have enhanced the photography aspect of the social media because he was a pathfinder and a visionary who brought dynamism and core professionalism to the photo aspect journalism.
“It is most unfortunate that the photographer passed on when the social media journalism in the nation is beginning to take a form.”
Mimiko added that, in his days at Daily Times of Nigeria, Obe was able to demonstrate to Nigerians that photographs tell stories better.
He said, “Before the Obe revolution, information was best communicated in writing form, but the late photographer was able to demonstrate that photographs also speak.”
Also, Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, has expressed shock at the news of the death of the veteran photographer, describing it as a great loss to the media industry.
In a press release by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mrs. Funmi Wakama, Amosun described Obe as a master of the art of press photography .
Amosun said, “He was the quintessential photo journalist, a thoroughbred professional that bestrode the Nigerian journalism like a colossus. His works have been a source of knowledge and inspiration to many in the profession right from his eventful days in the Daily Times as chief cameraman.”
Amosun urged the new generation of photo journalists in the country to follow in Obe’s footsteps by making professionalism and excellence their watchwords.
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