Tributes As Maritime Icon, Ray Ugochukwu Goes Home

Tributes As Maritime Icon, Ray Ugochukwu Goes Home

By Prince Benson Davies

He qualifies as a rare gem and phenomenal journalist, not only in the maritime industry but also in all spheres of life. His contributions to the journalism profession remain a delight, being a very knowledgeable journalist in almost all topics in the maritime industry where he held sway.

 A quintessential journalist in every sense of the word, Raymond Nlemchukwu Ugochukwu, was born in August 1959 to the late Mr. Godwin and Mrs. Caroline Ugochukwu in Umuopara, Umuozu Ngugo, Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State, has transited to the great beyond in his village on May 31, 2023, at the age of 64.

 He was the first son of his parents among seven surviving siblings. His educational journey began at the Central School Ngugo in Ikeduru, where he received his early education. His uncle, Mr. Sam Ugochukwu, took him to Mbaise where he continued his studies at Ife Secondary School in Mbaise.

Afterward, he attended Macgregor TTC in Afikpo, Ebonyi State, and later pursued further education at the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu.

 Some of the institutions he attended are the Lagos State University (LASU) where he obtained a Masters’s Degree in Legal Studies, Labour and Industrial Relations; the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) where he received a Post-Graduate Diploma (PGD); Institute for Democracy in Africa, St. Thomas University, Miami Florida, United States and the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomosho, where he obtained a Certificate in Journalism and Mass Media Management, as well as Masters Degree in Transport Management.

 He also held notable positions, including the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) and Maritime Journalist Association of Nigeria (MAJAN) where he remained incumbent President until his sudden death.

Ray was a Fellow of the Certified Institute of Shipping, former President of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN); former Chairman, of The Daily Times Chapter of NUJ; Co- Author of Maritime Under Democracy 2003, and Publisher of Seabreeze, an online publication.

 In his sermon at the interment of the late Ray Ugochukwu at the St Luke’s Anglican Church, Ngugo, in Ikeduru Local Government Area, the officiating minister, Reverend Canon Levi Onyenobi prayed that God will receive the late Journalist in his perfect peace and rest from all exertions of this life.

He said: “May Almighty God our Father in heaven, before who lifts all who die in the Lord receive our father and brother, Mr. Raymond Nlemchuckwu Nlemchuckwu Ugochukwu in thy dwelling.”

 He also prayed to God to grant his wife, children, siblings, and all his family members fatherly care.

 During the burial rites, representatives of the maritime industry, journalists from MAJAN and MARAN, and NUJ, among others also sent their goodwill message.

He was a three-time president of MARAN, President of MAJAN, an active member of NUJ, former Chairman, of The Daily Times NUJ Chapel, and co-author of Maritime Under Democracy.

 In his tribute, his son, Prosper Ugochukwu said: “Raymond was always a delight. Even when at home with his siblings, nephews, and nieces, he wasn’t the type to hold grudges or engage in prolonged conflicts with others. He has a quiet disposition and always preferred to handle his family affairs in a composed and dignified manner.

“He always advised me that money was not everything while stressing the importance of building bridges, establishing connections, and considering money as a secondary factor.”

 On her part, General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mrs. J.A Moltok, said: “As the President of MARAN, during which he was reporting for Vanguard Newspaper, Ray Ugochukwu was very committed to the tenets and ethics of his profession, which earned him great respect in the maritime industry.”