192

………..A shining star dimmed too soon – Prince Emeka Kalu said

By Comrade Zannah Ibrahim Mustapha PRO, RATTAWU Lagos State Council

RATTAWU Lagos State Council Bulletin 047–2025 | October 3rd 2025

In a moment that captured the depth of shared grief across Nigeria’s media landscape, President of the Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers’ Union of Nigeria (RATTAWU), Comrade Prince Emeka Kalu, fondly known as Magic Fingers, on Friday evening led a powerful delegation to ARISE TV headquarters in Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, to pay a solemn condolence visit over the tragic and untimely death of one of the station’s brightest talents, Miss Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu.

During the heartfelt visit, Comrade Magic Fingers—whose leadership has been marked by uncommon solidarity and a revitalized spirit of unity within the media and creative sectors—expressed profound sadness and a deep sense of personal and professional loss.

“Nigeria has lost not just a journalist, but a voice of truth, hope, and clarity,” he said. “At just 29, Somtochukwu had distinguished herself not only as lawyer-turned-broadcaster, but as a beacon of integrity and excellence. Her vibrant voice resonated far beyond the screen, touching the hearts of millions.”

In a personally signed condolence message presented to the management of Arise TV, the RATTAWU President eulogized Sommie as “a shining star whose light was cruelly and prematurely extinguished.” His tribute captured the pain of a nation and the bond of fraternity that binds practitioners across the media industry.

The delegation was warmly received by Arise TV’s top management, including Mr. Christopher Isiguzo, Director of Corporate Affairs, who responded on behalf of the station, expressing deep appreciation to Comrade Emeka Kalu and the RATTAWU leadership.

“Your presence here today is more than a visit, it is a symbol of unity and shared grief. It reminds us that we are not alone,” Mr. Isiguzo said, flanked by Director of Guest Relations, Mr. Christian Ita, and Executive Producer, Mr. Ozi Okoli.

A Delegation That Spoke Volumes

True to the style of the solidarity-driven leadership of Comrade Magic Fingers, the condolence visit was not just symbolic, it was powerful in presence and message. The President was accompanied by a formidable team of RATTAWU national officers:

Comrade Dekina Musa – National Officer

Comrade Victor Ekpo – National Officer

Comrade Grace Adeyemi – Assistant General Secretary

Comrade Ibrahim Ibrahim, Special Adviser on Media to the President

Comrade Zannah Ibrahim Mustapha – Special Adviser on Media to the President

Comrade Chibuikem Joe – Zonal Officer, South East

Comrade Elelu Zonal Officer North Central

Comrade Precious Oparaugo –Assist Secretary (NGA) Abuja

Comrade Goodwin Ehis, former Secretary FCT

Comrade Samuel Uji, Administrative officer

Their presence underscored RATTAWU’s strong commitment to defending and uplifting the welfare of media workers across the country, not just in times of celebration, but also in the darkest hours of loss.

Since his swearing – in, Comrade Prince Emeka Kalu Magic Fingers has brought an invigorating wave of transformation to RATTAWU. His style of people-first leadership, marked by compassion, strategic engagement, and unrelenting advocacy for workers’ rights, has earned him respect across labor, media, and government sectors.

His solidarity with ARISE TV in this time of sorrow is just the latest in a series of proactive gestures that have redefined what union leadership looks like in the 21st century.

As tributes continue to pour in for Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, a rising star lost too soon, the message from RATTAWU’s visit rings clear: “We grieve together. We stand together. We fight for a safer, more secure Nigeria, together.”

May Somtochukwu’s soul rest in eternal peace. And may her memory be a blessing and a rallying cry for a media industry united in the face of tragedy.

E-signature
For and on behalf of RATTAWU Lagos Family Comrade Zannah Ibrahim Mustapha, Comrade Across The Niger Chairman, VON Lagos Chapter | PRO, RATTAWU Lagos State Council | SA Media & Publicity, NLC Lagos State